Software Engineer vs SOC 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $63,980/year (89%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $105,392 | Software +$89,558 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $140,470 | Software +$26,360 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $101,114 | Software +$88,354 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $81,440 | Software +$67,394 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $76,392 | Software +$73,574 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $94,913 | Software +$81,629 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £57,665 | Software +$16,277 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$93,306 | Software +$32,846 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $63,980 (89%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or SOC Analyst?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to SOC 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 SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.