Solutions Architect vs Penetration Tester: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Solutions Architect
Design technical solutions to meet customer business requirements.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
Penetration Tester earns more on average — the national median is $12,600/year (11%) higher than a Solutions Architect. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Solutions Architect vs Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Solutions Architect | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $166,946 | $193,496 | Solutions $26,550 |
| New York, NY | $142,757 | $140,470 | Solutions +$2,287 |
| Seattle, WA | $165,593 | $188,841 | Solutions $23,248 |
| Austin, TX | $130,504 | $145,769 | Solutions $15,265 |
| Chicago, IL | $128,220 | $135,251 | Solutions $7,031 |
| Boston, MA | $149,219 | $171,501 | Solutions $22,282 |
| London, UK | £88,896 | £102,480 | Solutions $13,584 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$151,769 | CA$166,911 | Solutions $15,142 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Solutions Architect or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A Penetration Tester earns more on average. The national median salary for a Solutions Architect is $116,580/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $12,600 (11%).
Which has better career growth — Solutions Architect or Penetration Tester?+
Solutions Architect roles are growing at 24% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Penetration Tester has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Solutions Architect to Penetration Tester?+
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 — Solutions Architect or Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.