Site Reliability Engineer vs Information Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Site Reliability Engineer
Ensure platform reliability, scalability, and uptime at scale.
Information Security Analyst
Protect organisational data and systems from cyber attacks.
Information Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $30,050/year (30%) higher than a Site Reliability Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Site Reliability Engineer vs Information Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Site Reliability Engineer | Information Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $142,771 | $184,843 | Site $42,072 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $140,470 | Site $21,080 |
| Seattle, WA | $137,435 | $188,507 | Site $51,072 |
| Austin, TX | $112,635 | $148,073 | Site $35,438 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,126 | $135,227 | Site $27,101 |
| Boston, MA | $129,849 | $169,408 | Site $39,559 |
| London, UK | £79,751 | £101,423 | Site $21,672 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,006 | CA$172,721 | Site $37,715 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Site Reliability Engineer or Information Security Analyst earn more?+
A Information Security Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Site Reliability Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Information Security Analyst — a difference of $30,050 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Site Reliability Engineer or Information Security Analyst?+
Site Reliability Engineer roles are growing at 27% YoY while Information Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Information Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Site Reliability Engineer to Information Security Analyst?+
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 — Site Reliability Engineer or Information Security Analyst?+
Site Reliability Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.