Security Analyst vs Penetration Tester: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
Penetration Tester earns more on average — the national median is $39,625/year (44%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Analyst vs Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Analyst | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $133,466 | $193,496 | Security $60,030 |
| New York, NY | $109,717 | $140,470 | Security $30,753 |
| Seattle, WA | $129,188 | $188,841 | Security $59,653 |
| Austin, TX | $98,064 | $145,769 | Security $47,705 |
| Chicago, IL | $98,234 | $135,251 | Security $37,017 |
| Boston, MA | $114,557 | $171,501 | Security $56,944 |
| London, UK | £70,022 | £102,480 | Security $32,458 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$118,720 | CA$166,911 | Security $48,191 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Analyst or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A Penetration Tester earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Analyst is $89,555/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $39,625 (44%).
Which has better career growth — Security Analyst or Penetration Tester?+
Security Analyst roles are growing at 32% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Analyst to Penetration Tester?+
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 — Security Analyst or Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.