The average salary for a Detection Engineer in the US is $155,000 per year.
Detection Engineers design and improve systems that identify cyber threats within enterprise environments. In the US, this role is critical for organizations that rely on security monitoring, threat intelligence, and advanced detection capabilities. Salaries vary depending on expertise in SIEM platforms, threat hunting, automation, and large-scale log analysis. Engineers who can reduce dwell time, improve alert accuracy, and build scalable detection pipelines often command higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Detection Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $155,000 |
| Median Salary | $148,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $110,000 |
| Highest Salary | $225,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Detection Engineer
Gender pay differences for Detection Engineers in the US are influenced by technical specialization, automation expertise, and leadership responsibilities within security operations teams.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $158,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $151,000 | ▼ −2% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $155,000 | ▲ +0% |
Organizations with structured compensation frameworks and measurable performance metrics typically demonstrate narrower pay gaps.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Detection Engineers typically earn around $110,000 per year. These professionals assist in writing detection rules, analyzing alerts, and tuning monitoring systems. Most have 1–3 years of experience in security operations or cybersecurity analysis roles.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Detection Engineers earn between $135,000 and $175,000 per year. At this stage, professionals design detection logic, automate workflows, and integrate threat intelligence feeds. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of cybersecurity experience.
Senior Level
Senior Detection Engineers earn $200,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $225,000 in large enterprises and technology companies. These professionals build detection frameworks, lead automation initiatives, and oversee threat hunting programs.
Certifications for Detection Engineer
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
- GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED)
- CompTIA Security+
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- SIEM platform expertise (Splunk, Sentinel, QRadar)
- Threat hunting and behavioral analytics
- Log analysis and correlation rule creation
- Automation and scripting (Python, PowerShell)
- MITRE ATT&CK framework knowledge
- Cloud detection engineering
Best-paying cities for Detection Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($155,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $182,000 | ▲ +17% |
| New York, NY | $170,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $166,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $160,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $148,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Atlanta, GA | $140,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Dallas, TX | $138,000 | ▼ −11% |
| Remote (US) | $156,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $145,000 | ▼ −6% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use location-based and experience-level salary data to define a realistic compensation range. - Demonstrate measurable detection impact
Show how your detection rules reduced false positives or improved threat response times. - Highlight automation and scalability experience
Automation initiatives and SIEM optimization justify higher compensation. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation may include bonuses, equity, on-call incentives, and remote flexibility. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary discussions.
Future Outlook for Detection Engineer Compensation
As organizations strengthen security operations and adopt cloud-native infrastructure, Detection Engineers remain in high demand. Threat landscape complexity continues to increase, requiring advanced detection capabilities and automation. Professionals with strong threat hunting skills and engineering expertise are expected to see continued salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $155,000 a good salary for a Detection Engineer?
Yes, $155,000 is competitive for mid-level Detection Engineer roles.
Can Detection Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior professionals in large enterprises can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do certifications increase Detection Engineer salary?
Certifications improve credibility, but practical detection engineering experience has a greater impact on compensation.
Are remote Detection Engineer roles common?
Yes, many security engineering roles offer remote or hybrid options.
Which industries pay Detection Engineers the most?
Technology companies, financial institutions, and cloud service providers typically offer higher salaries.
Is detection engineering a stable career path?
Yes, increasing cyber threats ensure long-term demand for detection expertise.
What tools are important for Detection Engineers?
SIEM platforms, scripting tools, and cloud security monitoring systems are commonly required.
