Web Developer vs Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Web Developer 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.
Web Developer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Web Developer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,801 | $133,466 | Web +$14,335 |
| New York, NY | $122,892 | $109,717 | Web +$13,175 |
| Seattle, WA | $148,827 | $129,188 | Web +$19,639 |
| Austin, TX | $113,006 | $98,064 | Web +$14,942 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,802 | $98,234 | Web +$15,568 |
| Boston, MA | $134,947 | $114,557 | Web +$20,390 |
| London, UK | £80,939 | £70,022 | Web +$10,917 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$138,013 | CA$118,720 | Web +$19,293 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Web Developer or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Web Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Web Developer is $104,000/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $14,445 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Web Developer or Security Analyst?+
Web Developer roles are growing at 16% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Web Developer 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 — Web Developer or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.