SOC Analyst vs QA 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.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
QA Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $26,300/year (34%) 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 QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $151,085 | SOC +$11,225 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $130,540 | SOC +$9,930 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $150,155 | SOC +$11,625 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $103,070 | SOC +$31,030 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $105,580 | SOC +$19,730 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $122,210 | SOC +$14,340 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £82,816 | SOC $20,345 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$136,813 | SOC $35,732 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or QA Engineer earn more?+
A QA Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $26,300 (34%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or QA Engineer?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to QA 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 QA Engineer?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (55% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.