Security Engineer vs SOC Analyst: 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $57,180/year (79%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $105,392 | Security +$83,061 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $140,470 | Security +$0 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $101,114 | Security +$85,043 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $81,440 | Security +$59,714 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $76,392 | Security +$60,186 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $94,913 | Security +$74,962 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £57,665 | Security +$46,260 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$93,306 | Security +$76,067 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $57,180 (79%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or SOC Analyst?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to SOC Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: SIEM.
Which is harder to automate — Security Engineer or SOC Analyst?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.