UX Designer vs Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
UX Designer
Design intuitive user experiences through research and prototyping.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
UX Designer earns more on average — the national median is $14,445/year (16%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
UX Designer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | UX Designer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,252 | $133,466 | UX +$17,786 |
| New York, NY | $122,423 | $109,717 | UX +$12,706 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,553 | $129,188 | UX +$21,365 |
| Austin, TX | $117,269 | $98,064 | UX +$19,205 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,927 | $98,234 | UX +$14,693 |
| Boston, MA | $131,883 | $114,557 | UX +$17,326 |
| London, UK | £82,676 | £70,022 | UX +$12,654 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,578 | CA$118,720 | UX +$18,858 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UX Designer or Security Analyst earn more?+
A UX Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a UX Designer is $104,000/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $14,445 (16%).
Which has better career growth — UX Designer or Security Analyst?+
UX Designer roles are growing at 20% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from UX Designer 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 — UX Designer or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.