The average salary for a Security Engineer in the US is $135,000 per year.
Security Engineers build, maintain, and improve the security systems that protect an organization’s networks, applications, and infrastructure. In the US, this role is in high demand because companies need professionals who can reduce vulnerabilities, respond to threats, and strengthen security controls. Salaries vary based on experience level, technical specialization, and the complexity of systems being secured. Engineers who work with cloud security, automation, and advanced monitoring tools often earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Security Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $135,000 |
| Median Salary | $130,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $90,000 |
| Highest Salary | $210,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Security Engineer
Gender pay differences for Security Engineers in the US are influenced by experience level, technical specialization, and company size.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $138,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $131,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $135,000 | ▲ +0% |
Pay differences often narrow at senior levels where compensation is tied more strongly to system ownership, architecture responsibility, and leadership impact.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Security Engineers in the US typically earn around $90,000 per year. These roles focus on supporting security tools, monitoring alerts, assisting with vulnerability remediation, and following incident response procedures. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience. Building hands-on skills in networks, systems, and security tools is the fastest way to increase salary at this stage.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Security Engineers usually earn between $120,000 and $165,000 per year. At this stage, professionals take ownership of security controls, handle incident response tasks, and implement new security systems. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Engineers who can reduce risks through strong technical execution and automation often see steady salary growth.
Senior Level
Senior Security Engineers earn $185,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $210,000 in large US organizations. These professionals lead security design decisions, guide engineering teams, and implement advanced security frameworks. Compensation at this level reflects deeper expertise and responsibility for protecting business-critical infrastructure.
Certifications for Security Engineer
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Network and system security
- Security monitoring and detection
- Incident response and remediation
- Vulnerability management
- Cloud security fundamentals (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Security automation and scripting
Best-paying cities for Security Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($135,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $159,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $149,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $144,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $139,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $130,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $123,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $122,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $136,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $126,000 | ▼ −7% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying role isn’t just about skills — it’s also about applying consistently, at scale, and to the right opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and salary negotiation instead of manual applications.
Apply to Jobs Across Multiple Platforms
RoboApply brings job listings from multiple platforms into one place. This includes roles from major job boards and company career pages, helping you discover opportunities you might otherwise miss, including high-paying and remote positions.
This broad coverage increases your chances of finding roles that match both your experience level and salary expectations.
Save Time with Auto-Apply
Manually applying to jobs is time-consuming and repetitive. RoboApply’s auto-apply feature allows users to apply to many relevant jobs efficiently, helping maintain consistent application activity, which is often necessary in competitive, high-salary job markets.
Improve Resume Relevance with AI Support
Different employers look for different skill combinations. RoboApply helps tailor resumes to better match job descriptions, improving relevance and increasing the likelihood of getting interview callbacks for well-paid roles.
Prepare Better for Interviews
RoboApply also supports interview preparation by helping candidates understand common role-specific questions and expectations. Better preparation leads to stronger interviews and more confidence during compensation discussions.
Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track where they’ve applied and monitor responses over time. This makes it easier to identify which types of roles or platforms generate the best results and adjust the job search strategy accordingly.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use location- and experience-based salary data to define a reasonable target range instead of relying on a single national average. - Show measurable impact
Employers pay more when candidates can explain how their work created clear business value, such as cost reduction, revenue growth, or risk mitigation. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, equity, learning budgets, remote flexibility, and time off, all of which can add meaningful value. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles at once creates leverage and helps candidates avoid accepting the first offer below their expectations.
Future Outlook for Security Engineer Compensation
Demand for Security Engineers continues to grow as organizations expand digital infrastructure and face more frequent cyber threats. Engineers who combine strong technical fundamentals with cloud security and automation skills are expected to remain well-compensated, especially as companies invest more heavily in proactive security systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $100,000 a good salary for a Security Engineer in the US?
Yes, $100,000 is competitive for entry-level or early mid-level roles depending on location and responsibility.
Can Security Engineers earn over $180,000 in the US?
Yes, senior Security Engineers and specialized roles in large companies often earn over $180,000 annually.
Do certifications increase Security Engineer salary?
Yes, recognized certifications can raise earning potential and help qualify for higher-paying roles.
Are remote Security Engineer roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid roles, especially for cloud and infrastructure security work.
What industries pay Security Engineers the most?
Technology, finance, healthcare, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Security Engineer?
It typically takes 5–8 years of experience in security engineering or related infrastructure roles.
Is Security Engineering a stable career in the US?
Yes, security engineering remains in strong demand due to rising cyber threats and long-term investment in cybersecurity.
