Web Developer vs SOC 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Web Developer earns more on average — the national median is $32,000/year (44%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Web Developer vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Web Developer | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,801 | $105,392 | Web +$42,409 |
| New York, NY | $122,892 | $140,470 | Web $17,578 |
| Seattle, WA | $148,827 | $101,114 | Web +$47,713 |
| Austin, TX | $113,006 | $81,440 | Web +$31,566 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,802 | $76,392 | Web +$37,410 |
| Boston, MA | $134,947 | $94,913 | Web +$40,034 |
| London, UK | £80,939 | £57,665 | Web +$23,274 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$138,013 | CA$93,306 | Web +$44,707 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Web Developer or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Web Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Web Developer is $104,000/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $32,000 (44%).
Which has better career growth — Web Developer or SOC Analyst?+
Web Developer roles are growing at 16% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Web Developer 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 — Web Developer or SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.