Security Engineer vs Systems Administrator: 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $30,050/year (30%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $146,173 | Security +$42,280 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $120,157 | Security +$20,313 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $143,912 | Security +$42,245 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $108,712 | Security +$32,442 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $104,809 | Security +$31,769 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $127,175 | Security +$42,700 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £76,827 | Security +$27,098 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$130,867 | Security +$38,506 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or Systems Administrator earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $30,050 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or Systems Administrator?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to Systems Administrator?+
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 Systems Administrator?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.