Security Engineer vs Robotics 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.
Robotics Engineer
Design and program robotic systems for industrial, medical, and consumer use.
Robotics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $1,082/year (1%) higher than a Security Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs Robotics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | Robotics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $191,598 | Security $3,145 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $135,300 | Security +$5,170 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $183,389 | Security +$2,768 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $144,607 | Security $3,453 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $141,411 | Security $4,833 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $172,165 | Security $2,290 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £98,900 | Security +$5,025 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$169,077 | Security +$296 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or Robotics Engineer earn more?+
A Robotics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $130,262/year for a Robotics Engineer — a difference of $1,082 (1%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or Robotics Engineer?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while Robotics Engineer demand is growing at 35% YoY. Robotics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to Robotics Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — Security Engineer or Robotics Engineer?+
Robotics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.