SOC Analyst vs Autonomous Systems Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
SOC Analyst
Monitor and respond to cybersecurity incidents in a security operations center.
Autonomous Systems Engineer
Develop perception, planning, and control systems for autonomous vehicles and drones.
Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $76,686/year (98%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
SOC Analyst vs Autonomous Systems Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | Autonomous Systems Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $159,800 | SOC +$2,510 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $135,300 | SOC +$5,170 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $137,430 | SOC +$24,350 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $109,610 | SOC +$24,490 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $121,910 | SOC +$3,400 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $133,940 | SOC +$2,610 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £122,075 | SOC $59,604 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$202,448 | SOC $101,367 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or Autonomous Systems Engineer earn more?+
A Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $154,686/year for a Autonomous Systems Engineer — a difference of $76,686 (98%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or Autonomous Systems Engineer?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Autonomous Systems Engineer demand is growing at 42% YoY. Autonomous Systems Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to Autonomous Systems Engineer?+
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 — SOC Analyst or Autonomous Systems Engineer?+
Autonomous Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.