Security Engineer vs Data Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Security Engineer
Protect systems, networks, and applications from cyber threats.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $40,240/year (45%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $129,659 | Security +$58,794 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $108,724 | Security +$31,746 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $102,930 | Security +$83,227 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $101,065 | Security +$40,089 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $92,625 | Security +$43,953 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $113,607 | Security +$56,268 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £71,596 | Security +$32,329 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$116,846 | Security +$52,527 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or Data Analyst earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Analyst — a difference of $40,240 (45%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or Data Analyst?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to Data Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — Security Engineer or Data Analyst?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.