SOC Analyst Salary
by City (2026)
Monitor security operations center alerts and respond to threats in real time. National median: $78K/year. See how your city compares.
SOC Analyst salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $78K SOC Analyst salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator →SOC Analyst Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $58,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $102,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of SOC Analysts nationally earn $130,000+.
Education and requirements
Associate's or Bachelor's in IT; Security+ certification. This role is 50% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
SOC Analyst compensation is growing at 8.8% annually, well above the national average wage growth rate. Demand for qualified SOC Analysts significantly outpaces supply in most major metros.
SOC Analyst salary FAQ
How much does a SOC Analyst make?
The median SOC Analyst salary in the US is $78,000 per year — about $38/hour. Most earn between $58,000 (25th percentile) and $102,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a SOC Analyst?
Entry-level SOC Analyst positions typically start around $58,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid SOC Analysts earn?
The top 10% of SOC Analysts earn $130,000 or more per year — usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays SOC Analysts the most?
San Francisco has the highest median SOC Analyst salary at $129K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are SOC Analyst salaries going up?
Yes — SOC Analyst pay is growing about 8.8% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.