Security Analyst vs SOC Analyst: 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $17,555/year (24%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Analyst vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Analyst | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $133,466 | $105,392 | Security +$28,074 |
| New York, NY | $109,717 | $140,470 | Security $30,753 |
| Seattle, WA | $129,188 | $101,114 | Security +$28,074 |
| Austin, TX | $98,064 | $81,440 | Security +$16,624 |
| Chicago, IL | $98,234 | $76,392 | Security +$21,842 |
| Boston, MA | $114,557 | $94,913 | Security +$19,644 |
| London, UK | £70,022 | £57,665 | Security +$12,357 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$118,720 | CA$93,306 | Security +$25,414 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Analyst or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Security Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Analyst is $89,555/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $17,555 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Security Analyst or SOC Analyst?+
Security Analyst roles are growing at 32% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Analyst to SOC Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: SIEM, Incident Response.
Which is harder to automate — Security Analyst or SOC Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.