Software Engineer vs 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.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $46,425/year (52%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $133,466 | Software +$61,484 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $109,717 | Software +$57,113 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $129,188 | Software +$60,280 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $98,064 | Software +$50,770 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $98,234 | Software +$51,732 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $114,557 | Software +$61,985 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £70,022 | Software +$3,920 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$118,720 | Software +$7,432 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or 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 $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $46,425 (52%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Security Analyst?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to 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 Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.