Security Engineer vs Web Developer: 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.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $25,180/year (24%) higher than a Web Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs Web Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | Web Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $147,801 | Security +$40,652 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $122,892 | Security +$17,578 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $148,827 | Security +$37,330 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $113,006 | Security +$28,148 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $113,802 | Security +$22,776 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $134,947 | Security +$34,928 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £80,939 | Security +$22,986 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$138,013 | Security +$31,360 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or Web Developer earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $104,000/year for a Web Developer — a difference of $25,180 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or Web Developer?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while Web Developer demand is growing at 16% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to Web Developer?+
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 Web Developer?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.