Senior systems security engineer vs information security analyst

The differences between senior systems security engineers and information security analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a senior systems security engineer and an information security analyst. Additionally, a senior systems security engineer has an average salary of $112,486, which is higher than the $98,144 average annual salary of an information security analyst.

The top three skills for a senior systems security engineer include DOD, security engineering and RMF. The most important skills for an information security analyst are incident response, risk assessments, and windows.

Senior systems security engineer vs information security analyst overview

	Senior Systems Security Engineer	Information Security Analyst
Yearly salary	$112,486	$98,144
Hourly rate	$54.08	$47.18
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	136,367	112,818
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	6	6

What does a senior systems security engineer do?

A senior systems security engineer maintains the safety and security of an organization's computer systems and network databases to safeguard them from unauthorized access and data breaches. The professional is also responsible for performing system configuration, ensuring the efficiency of computer networks, and increasing the optimal performance of complex systems. The core skills that a senior systems security engineer should possess include strong problem-solving and analytical skills and a keen eye for details. The education requirements for the position include a college or bachelor's degree in the field of computer systems security, computer science, and information technology.

What does an information security analyst do?

An information security analyst is an individual who is responsible for carrying out security measures to protect the computer network and systems of an organization. Information security analysts erect firewalls and encrypt data transmissions to protect the organization's data from being inappropriately accessed or used. They must be aware of reports on computer viruses and should share this information with the management or customer. Information security analysts are also required to conduct training for all the organization's employees regarding computer security and information safeguarding.

Senior systems security engineer vs information security analyst salary

Senior systems security engineers and information security analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Senior Systems Security Engineer	Information Security Analyst
Average salary	$112,486	$98,144
Salary range	Between $83,000 And $151,000	Between $71,000 And $135,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	Credit Karma	The Walt Disney Company
Best paying industry	Professional	Professional

Differences between senior systems security engineer and information security analyst education

There are a few differences between a senior systems security engineer and an information security analyst in terms of educational background:

	Senior Systems Security Engineer	Information Security Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	Stanford University

Senior systems security engineer vs information security analyst demographics

Here are the differences between senior systems security engineers' and information security analysts' demographics:

	Senior Systems Security Engineer	Information Security Analyst
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0%	Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between senior systems security engineer and information security analyst duties and responsibilities

Senior systems security engineer example responsibilities.

Manage logistics of moving necessary equipment for test across country to newly designed/built NSA certify test facility.
Conduct security engineering activities and apply appropriate safeguards on system components as outlined in applicable DoD security policies and guidelines.
Utilize existing IP filtering code in the Linux kernel and build a firewall with tracking and strike back capabilities.
Author operational reports to prove an operational ACAS security overview for ARCYBER G36.
Create custom network attach storage (NAS) systems using Linux network block devices (NBD).
Identify continuous monitoring security controls to test using NIST SP 800-53/53A and produce associate documentation.

Information security analyst example responsibilities.

Manage IA personnel in the performance of IAVM tasks.
Lead maritime IP intrusion detection analysis special project providing models to identify Cyber terrorist's capabilities, methods, and strategies.
Manage and configure perimeter Cisco routers and switches.
Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
Perform vulnerability assessment and remediation of systems to ensure compliance to policies, regulations and controls (HIPAA & NIST).
Monitor and analyze SIEM events to identify security issues for remediation.

Senior systems security engineer vs information security analyst skills

Common senior systems security engineer skills

DOD, 8%
Security Engineering, 8%
RMF, 7%
NIST, 6%
Windows, 5%
Linux, 4%

Common information security analyst skills

Incident Response, 7%
Risk Assessments, 5%
Windows, 5%
SIEM, 4%
Data Loss Prevention, 4%
Network Security, 3%

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Senior Systems Security Engineer vs Information Security Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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