Security Engineer vs Program Manager: 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.
Program Manager
Coordinate multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $26,860/year (26%) higher than a Program Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs Program Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | Program Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $151,275 | Security +$37,178 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $124,570 | Security +$15,900 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $144,148 | Security +$42,009 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $113,017 | Security +$28,137 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $111,506 | Security +$25,072 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $136,287 | Security +$33,588 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £81,547 | Security +$22,378 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$139,548 | Security +$29,825 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or Program Manager earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $102,320/year for a Program Manager — a difference of $26,860 (26%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or Program Manager?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while Program Manager demand is growing at 15% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to Program Manager?+
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 Program Manager?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 36%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.