QA Engineer vs Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
QA Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $14,745/year (16%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
QA Engineer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | QA Engineer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,085 | $133,466 | QA +$17,619 |
| New York, NY | $126,759 | $109,717 | QA +$17,042 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,155 | $129,188 | QA +$20,967 |
| Austin, TX | $114,009 | $98,064 | QA +$15,945 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,087 | $98,234 | QA +$16,853 |
| Boston, MA | $133,460 | $114,557 | QA +$18,903 |
| London, UK | £82,816 | £70,022 | QA +$12,794 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,813 | CA$118,720 | QA +$18,093 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Engineer or Security Analyst earn more?+
A QA Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a QA Engineer is $104,300/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $14,745 (16%).
Which has better career growth — QA Engineer or Security Analyst?+
QA Engineer roles are growing at 12% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from QA Engineer to Security Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — QA Engineer or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.