Security Engineer Salary in 2026
Design and implement security systems and protocols to protect organizations from cyber threats.
Median Salary
$130,000
$10,833/mo
Entry Level
$90,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$182,000
experienced
Job Growth
+25%
10-yr outlook
Security Engineer Overview
Design and implement security systems and protocols to protect organizations from cyber threats.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
3-6 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
80K
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$62.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,833
Security Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Security Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Security Engineer Salary
$151,000
$12,583/month · $5,808/biweekly · $72.60/hr
Security Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Security Engineer field.
Entry-level Security Engineers earn around $90,000, while the top 10% earn $198,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Security Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $153,000 | +$23,000 |
| New York | $150,000 | +$20,000 |
| Maryland | $140,000 | +$10,000 |
| Virginia | $138,000 | +$8,000 |
| Texas | $127,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Security Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $163,000 | +$33,000 |
| New York | $153,000 | +$23,000 |
| Washington DC | $150,000 | +$20,000 |
| Baltimore | $135,000 | +$5,000 |
| Austin | $134,000 | +$4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Security Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Security Engineer from entry level to expert.
$90,000
0-2 years
$136,000
3-7 years
$182,000
8-14 years
$215,000
15+ years
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Security Engineer Salary FAQ
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