SOC analyst vs. security analyst: What’s the difference?

A security analyst is an expert who finds and fixes problems in security systems and networks. For many, working in cybersecurity is aspirational. The security analyst role was ranked #6 in 2025’s 100 Best Jobs.¹ Though challenging and selective, the security analyst job promises competitive pay, job security, and growth opportunities. It requires both technical and problem-solving skills while offering a chance to make a difference.

Sounds too good to be true? The security analyst role comes with a big responsibility to your team and your SOC. But what exactly are their responsibilities?

• Monitoring systems and networks: Security analysts use continuous profiling to monitor network traffic, log files, and other systems for suspicious activity. They analyze data to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities. They perform regular vulnerability assessments, risk analysis, and penetration testing. 

• Investigating incidents: Security analysts respond to security incidents and data breaches, investigate, and analyze their root cause. They find ways to contain the damage. They continuously research and analyze emerging threats to stay up to date on the latest security trends.

• Implementing security measures: Security analysts create and maintain documentation, such as incident response and recovery plans. They install and maintain security software and hardware, managing user access to systems and data. They also have to communicate security risks and recommendations to other team members and stakeholders.

SOC analysts are responsible for real-time monitoring across networks. They analyze security events to identify, investigate, and resolve security incidents and help proactively locate hidden threats. As a rule, not every security analyst is responsible for all of these tasks.

Usually, SOC analysts work as part of a larger team within the SOC. This team includes a SOC manager, security engineers, security administrators, and other SOC analysts divided into three tiers.

Tier 1 SOC analysts are entry-level SOC analysts. They are the initial responders to security alerts and potential threats, responsible for real-time monitoring of networks and systems. They should be able to triage alerts, enrich alert data with additional context, and document their findings. 

These SOC analysts follow established protocols to identify, evaluate, and respond to security threats. They are also responsible for managing SOC monitoring and reporting security tools, such as security information and event management (SIEM) or extended detection and response (XDR).

Tier 2 SOC analysts provide incident response, handling the identification, investigation, and resolution of security incidents. Usually, these are more senior SOC analysts with the experience to work on more time-sensitive and challenging issues. 

When Tier 1 analysts escalate cyber attacks, Tier 2 SOC analysts decide how to respond. They conduct forensic analysis, implement containment and remediation strategies, and help to coordinate incident response across security teams. 

Tier 2 security analysts should have the depth of knowledge to develop custom detection rules, correlate events to gain valuable context, and understand the scope of a potential attack. They should be proactive in helping to improve and automate security workflows. They also often act as mentors for Tier 1 SOC analysts.

The most experienced SOC analysts are threat hunters who proactively search for hidden threats within the organization's systems and network. 

Tier 3 SOC analysts look for vulnerabilities, study the latest cybersecurity trends and threat intelligence, and develop custom detection mechanisms for emerging threats. As experts in forensic analysis, reverse engineering, and vulnerability assessments, they conduct thorough investigations into more sophisticated attacks.

Tier 3 security analysts are also leaders. They provide technical leadership and mentorship to all SOC analysts while collaborating with threat hunters in other organizations.

There’s no single set of required skills for SOC analysts. In fact, even a background in cybersecurity isn’t a requirement. Of course, some technical experience, such as networking or software development, is usually preferred for those interested in this type of job. But a SOC analyst job is equal parts leadership and problem-solving.

Typically, successful SOC analysts have a combination of skills in a few of these areas:

• SOC tools: In-depth knowledge of SIEM platforms is crucial, but understanding other security tools (including security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR), XDR, vulnerability scanners, and log monitoring) can also be helpful.

• Network security: A solid grasp of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, and SSL), firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) is essential. 

• Cloud security: Familiarity with major cloud providers and the basics of cloud security is important for securing cloud environments. 

• Threat analysis and intelligence: Familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK® and the Cyber Kill Chain frameworks and a threat intelligence platform (TIP) is a must. 

• Threat hunting: Responding to incidents involves locating and identifying vulnerabilities, triaging alerts, investigating the root cause, containing the damage, restoring affected systems, and performing digital forensics. 

• Scripting and reverse engineering: Automating workflows and repetitive tasks is done using one of the scripting languages (e.g., Python), while reverse engineering involves an understanding of debugging tools, disassemblers, and internal system tools. 

• Security compliance: Most organizations are required to comply with a combination of industry-specific, government-mandated, or international cybersecurity regulations, including NIST 2.0 framework, ISO/IEC 27001, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls). 

• Soft skills: Problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills are essential for this role. 

Replace legacy SIEMs with AI-driven security analytics.

While there are some crucial ones, SOC analysts can pick up many of these skills once on the job.  

There’s also a range of specialized certifications that can help a security analyst grow and expand their skill set. For example, for aspirational tier 1 SOC analysts and those looking for their first job in the industry, there are the EC-Council's Certified SOC Analyst (CSA), GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF), and CompTIA's Security+. For aspiring security analysts with at least five years of experience, there’s a more advanced Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

Typically, security analysts begin their career path in entry-level IT or cybersecurity job roles. As they develop their skill sets, pass certifications, and continuously learn, they advance to junior (or tier 1) security analysts. Then many progress through the tiers into management positions or other cybersecurity roles, such as security engineering and architecture.

Security analysts’ salaries depend on the role, responsibilities, industry demand, location, and experience. According to Glassdoor, security analysts’ salaries range from approximately $60,000 for entry-level positions up to $200,000 for more senior roles.²

There are many ways of becoming a SOC analyst. The traditional route is a bachelor’s degree in computer science to an entry-level job. However, others start in IT or other cybersecurity teams. Some nontraditional hires get certifications to make their way into the industry.

Even with a degree or some IT experience, many hopeful SOC analysts turn to certifications for supplemental cybersecurity knowledge.

The most important factor for aspiring SOC analysts or those hoping for a promotion is practical experience. Finding a mentor or applying for internships can help to gain some hands-on experience.

Cybersecurity professionals choose Elastic Security for AI-driven security analytics to help consolidate data, automate tasks, and gain actionable insights, ultimately improving their organization’s security posture and reducing costs. 

Elastic’s Search AI Platform and features like Attack Discovery and AI Assistant streamline triage, investigation, and response, empowering SOC analysts to focus on the most critical threats, avoid burnout, and boost their productivity. 

Learn how Elastic Security can help your organization.

Explore more resources for SOC & security analysts 

• Introduction to Elastic Security: Modernizing security operations

• Can GenAI replace cybersecurity jobs?

• AI for SecOps and SOC teams

• AI in cybersecurity comprehensive guide

• What is a security operations center (SOC)?

• What is security operations (SecOps)? 

Sources:

1. U.S. News & World Report, “100 Best Jobs,” 2025.

2. Glassdoor, “How much does a Soc Analyst make?,” 2025.

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