SOC Analyst vs Developer Advocate: 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.
Developer Advocate
Bridge the gap between technical products and developer communities.
Developer Advocate earns more on average — the national median is $38,580/year (49%) 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 Developer Advocate — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | Developer Advocate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $166,104 | SOC $3,794 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $126,910 | SOC +$13,560 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $166,434 | SOC $4,654 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $129,470 | SOC +$4,630 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $101,660 | SOC +$23,650 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $121,230 | SOC +$15,320 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £89,845 | SOC $27,374 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$151,255 | SOC $50,174 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or Developer Advocate earn more?+
A Developer Advocate earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $116,580/year for a Developer Advocate — a difference of $38,580 (49%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or Developer Advocate?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Developer Advocate demand is growing at 18% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to Developer Advocate?+
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 Developer Advocate?+
Developer Advocate has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.