The average salary for a Cyber Engineer in the US is $135,000 per year.
Cyber Engineers design, implement, and maintain secure systems that protect organizations from cyber threats. In the US, this role is critical across government agencies, defense contractors, financial institutions, and enterprise organizations. Salaries vary depending on technical depth, infrastructure responsibility, and specialization in areas such as network security, endpoint protection, or cloud security. Engineers who build resilient security architectures and respond effectively to advanced threats often command higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Cyber Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $135,000 |
| Median Salary | $128,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $95,000 |
| Highest Salary | $195,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Cyber Engineer
Gender pay differences for Cyber Engineers in the US are influenced by technical certifications, years of experience, and leadership responsibilities within engineering teams.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $138,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $132,000 | ▼ −2% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $135,000 | ▲ +0% |
Organizations with structured engineering salary bands tend to maintain more consistent compensation standards.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Cyber Engineers typically earn around $95,000 per year. These roles focus on configuring security tools, assisting with vulnerability remediation, and supporting senior engineers. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of cybersecurity or network engineering experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Cyber Engineers earn between $115,000 and $155,000 per year. At this stage, professionals design secure system architectures, manage security infrastructure, and handle incident remediation tasks. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of hands-on experience.
Senior Level
Senior Cyber Engineers earn $170,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $195,000 in high-risk or regulated industries. These professionals lead security engineering initiatives, oversee system hardening strategies, and guide organizational cyber defense planning.
Certifications for Cyber Engineer
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CompTIA Security+
- GIAC Security Engineering Certification
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Network security architecture
- Firewall and intrusion detection systems
- Endpoint security configuration
- Cloud security implementation
- Security automation and scripting
- Incident response coordination
Best-paying cities for Cyber Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($135,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $158,000 | ▲ +17% |
| New York, NY | $149,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $145,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $139,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $130,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $123,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $121,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $136,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $126,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use city-specific and industry-based salary data to define a strong compensation target. - Highlight measurable security impact
Demonstrate how your engineering solutions reduced vulnerabilities or improved system resilience. - Emphasize technical specialization
Expertise in cloud security or automation can justify higher pay. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation may include bonuses, equity, on-call allowances, remote flexibility, and training budgets. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during negotiations.
Future Outlook for Cyber Engineer Compensation
Demand for Cyber Engineers continues to grow as organizations strengthen digital infrastructure and defend against increasingly sophisticated threats. Professionals with automation, cloud, and advanced threat detection skills are expected to see steady salary growth across the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $135,000 a good salary for a Cyber Engineer?
Yes, $135,000 is competitive for mid-level Cyber Engineer roles depending on specialization and industry.
Can Cyber Engineers earn over $180,000?
Yes, senior Cyber Engineers and those in regulated industries can exceed $180,000 annually.
Do cybersecurity certifications increase salary?
Yes, recognized certifications often strengthen credibility and positively influence compensation.
Are remote Cyber Engineer roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid flexibility for security engineering roles.
Which industries pay Cyber Engineers the most?
Financial services, defense, healthcare, and technology sectors often offer higher salaries.
Is cyber engineering a stable career in the US?
Yes, ongoing cyber threats and regulatory pressures sustain long-term demand.
What skills are most important for Cyber Engineers?
Network security, cloud protection, automation, and incident response coordination are key skills.
