Software Engineer vs Information Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Information Security Analyst
Protect organisational data and systems from cyber attacks.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $6,800/year (5%) higher than a Information Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Information Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Information Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $184,843 | Software +$10,107 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $140,470 | Software +$26,360 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $188,507 | Software +$961 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $148,073 | Software +$761 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $135,227 | Software +$14,739 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $169,408 | Software +$7,134 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £101,423 | Software $27,481 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$172,721 | Software $46,569 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Information Security Analyst earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Information Security Analyst — a difference of $6,800 (5%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Information Security Analyst?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Information Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Information Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to Information Security Analyst?+
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 — Software Engineer or Information Security Analyst?+
Information Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.