Security Engineer vs QA Engineer: 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.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $24,880/year (24%) higher than a QA Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $151,085 | Security +$37,368 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $126,759 | Security +$13,711 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $150,155 | Security +$36,002 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $114,009 | Security +$27,145 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $115,087 | Security +$21,491 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $133,460 | Security +$36,415 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £82,816 | Security +$21,109 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$136,813 | Security +$32,560 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or QA Engineer earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $24,880 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or QA Engineer?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to QA Engineer?+
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 QA Engineer?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.