The average salary for an Offensive Security Engineer in the US is $162,780 per year.
Offensive Security Engineers focus on proactively identifying security weaknesses by simulating real-world cyberattacks. They perform penetration testing, exploit development, red team operations, and advanced adversary emulation to help organizations strengthen their defenses. In the US, this role is highly valued across cybersecurity firms, defense contractors, financial institutions, SaaS companies, and enterprise security teams. Salaries vary based on exploit development expertise, cloud security exposure, red team leadership, and industry specialization. Professionals who discover critical vulnerabilities and lead offensive security strategy typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Offensive Security Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $162,780 |
| Median Salary | $155,300 |
| Lowest Salary | $115,000 |
| Highest Salary | $240,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Offensive Security Engineer
Gender pay differences for Offensive Security Engineers in the US are influenced by technical depth, certification level, and enterprise exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $166,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $158,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $163,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where pay is directly tied to vulnerability discovery impact and red team performance.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Offensive Security Engineers in the US typically earn around $115,000–$135,000 per year. These professionals assist with penetration tests, conduct vulnerability scans, and support exploit validation under senior supervision. Most at this level have 1–3 years of cybersecurity or ethical hacking experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Offensive Security Engineers usually earn between $140,000 and $190,000 per year. At this stage, professionals independently conduct red team operations, perform advanced exploitation techniques, and develop custom security testing tools. This level commonly requires 3–7 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Offensive Security Engineers earn $215,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $240,000 in major US enterprises. These professionals lead red team engagements, design offensive security strategies, and advise executive leadership on adversarial risk posture. Compensation reflects high-impact vulnerability research and strategic leadership.
Certifications for Offensive Security Engineer
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
- GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Penetration testing and red team operations
- Exploit development and vulnerability research
- Cloud and container security testing
- Reverse engineering fundamentals
- Scripting and automation (Python, Bash, PowerShell)
- Adversary simulation and threat emulation
Best-paying cities for Offensive Security Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($162,780) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $192,000 | ▲ +18% |
| Washington, DC | $183,000 | ▲ +12% |
| New York, NY | $179,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $174,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $168,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $154,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $151,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $163,500 | ▲ +0% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a competitive target range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate successful red team engagements, discovered vulnerabilities, and improved defensive posture. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, certification reimbursements, equity, and remote flexibility. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Offensive Security Engineer Compensation
As organizations increasingly adopt proactive defense strategies, demand for skilled offensive security professionals remains strong. Engineers who can simulate real-world adversaries and identify critical vulnerabilities are expected to see sustained earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $162,780 a good salary for an Offensive Security Engineer?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level offensive security roles depending on technical expertise and certifications.
Can Offensive Security Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior red team leaders and exploit researchers in large enterprises can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do offensive security certifications increase salary?
Yes, certifications such as OSCP and OSCE significantly increase credibility and earning potential.
Are remote Offensive Security roles common?
Yes, many penetration testing and red team roles are remote or hybrid.
Which industries pay Offensive Security Engineers the most?
Technology, defense, financial services, enterprise SaaS, and cybersecurity firms typically offer higher compensation.
How long does it take to become a senior Offensive Security Engineer?
It typically requires 6–10 years of progressive penetration testing and security research experience.
Is Offensive Security a stable career in the US?
Yes, growing cyber threats ensure strong long-term demand for offensive security expertise.
