SOC Analyst vs Security Analyst: 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.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $11,555/year (15%) 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 Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $133,466 | SOC +$28,844 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $109,717 | SOC +$30,753 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $129,188 | SOC +$32,592 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $98,064 | SOC +$36,036 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $98,234 | SOC +$27,076 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $114,557 | SOC +$21,993 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £70,022 | SOC $7,551 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$118,720 | SOC $17,639 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Security Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $11,555 (15%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or Security Analyst?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to Security Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: SIEM, Incident Response, Splunk.
Which is harder to automate — SOC Analyst or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.