Security Engineer vs Developer Advocate: 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.
Developer Advocate
Bridge the gap between technical products and developer communities.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $12,600/year (11%) higher than a Developer Advocate. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs Developer Advocate — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | Developer Advocate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $166,104 | Security +$22,349 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $141,893 | Security $1,423 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $166,434 | Security +$19,723 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $126,610 | Security +$14,544 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $124,265 | Security +$12,313 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $150,004 | Security +$19,871 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £89,845 | Security +$14,080 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$151,255 | Security +$18,118 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or Developer Advocate earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $116,580/year for a Developer Advocate — a difference of $12,600 (11%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or Developer Advocate?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while Developer Advocate demand is growing at 18% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to Developer Advocate?+
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 Developer Advocate?+
Developer Advocate has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.