Security Engineer vs Information Security 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.
Information Security Analyst
Protect organisational data and systems from cyber attacks.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Information Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs Information Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | Information Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $184,843 | Security +$3,610 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $140,470 | Security +$0 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $188,507 | Security $2,350 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $148,073 | Security $6,919 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $135,227 | Security +$1,351 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $169,408 | Security +$467 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £101,423 | Security +$2,502 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$172,721 | Security $3,348 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or Information Security Analyst earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Information Security Analyst — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or Information Security Analyst?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while Information Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Information Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to Information Security Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: SIEM.
Which is harder to automate — Security Engineer or Information Security Analyst?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.