Security Engineer vs Data Governance 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 Governance Analyst
Establish and enforce policies for data quality, privacy, and compliance.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $40,240/year (45%) higher than a Data Governance Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs Data Governance Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | Data Governance Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $127,235 | Security +$61,218 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $104,917 | Security +$35,553 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $102,930 | Security +$83,227 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $96,439 | Security +$44,715 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $96,264 | Security +$40,314 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $114,991 | Security +$54,884 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £67,745 | Security +$36,180 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$119,721 | Security +$49,652 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or Data Governance 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 Governance Analyst — a difference of $40,240 (45%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or Data Governance Analyst?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while Data Governance Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to Data Governance 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 — Security Engineer or Data Governance Analyst?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.