SOC Analyst vs Penetration Tester: 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.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
Penetration Tester earns more on average — the national median is $51,180/year (66%) 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 Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $162,310 | SOC +$0 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $140,470 | SOC +$0 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $161,780 | SOC +$0 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $134,100 | SOC +$0 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $125,310 | SOC +$0 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $136,550 | SOC +$0 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £102,480 | SOC $40,009 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$166,911 | SOC $65,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A Penetration Tester earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $51,180 (66%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or Penetration Tester?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Penetration Tester has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to Penetration Tester?+
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 Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.