Security Engineer vs IT Support Specialist: 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.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $67,320/year (109%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $92,808 | Security +$95,645 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $72,917 | Security +$67,553 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $86,967 | Security +$99,190 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $69,244 | Security +$71,910 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $64,877 | Security +$71,701 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $79,215 | Security +$90,660 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £47,998 | Security +$55,927 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$84,196 | Security +$85,177 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or IT Support Specialist earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $67,320 (109%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or IT Support Specialist?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to IT Support Specialist?+
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 IT Support Specialist?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.