Security Engineer vs Product Designer: 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.
Product Designer
Design end-to-end product experiences across digital touchpoints.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $25,180/year (24%) higher than a Product Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs Product Designer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | Product Designer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $152,323 | Security +$36,130 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $124,352 | Security +$16,118 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $152,056 | Security +$34,101 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $119,558 | Security +$21,596 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $109,818 | Security +$26,760 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $139,034 | Security +$30,841 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £83,576 | Security +$20,349 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$134,572 | Security +$34,801 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or Product Designer earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $104,000/year for a Product Designer — a difference of $25,180 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or Product Designer?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while Product Designer demand is growing at 22% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to Product Designer?+
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 Product Designer?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 36%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.