Site Reliability Engineer vs 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.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Site Reliability Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $9,575/year (11%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Site Reliability Engineer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Site Reliability Engineer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $142,771 | $133,466 | Site +$9,305 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $109,717 | Site +$9,673 |
| Seattle, WA | $137,435 | $129,188 | Site +$8,247 |
| Austin, TX | $112,635 | $98,064 | Site +$14,571 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,126 | $98,234 | Site +$9,892 |
| Boston, MA | $129,849 | $114,557 | Site +$15,292 |
| London, UK | £79,751 | £70,022 | Site +$9,729 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,006 | CA$118,720 | Site +$16,286 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Site Reliability Engineer or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Site Reliability Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Site Reliability Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $9,575 (11%).
Which has better career growth — Site Reliability Engineer or Security Analyst?+
Site Reliability Engineer roles are growing at 27% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Site Reliability Engineer to 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 Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.