The average salary for an Information Security Engineer in the US is $148,620 per year.
Information Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security controls that protect enterprise networks, systems, and data. They work across firewalls, intrusion detection systems, endpoint protection, identity management, and cloud security environments. In the US, this role is critical across technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare systems, defense contractors, and enterprise organizations. Salaries vary based on cloud security exposure, automation capability, regulatory environment, and technical specialization. Professionals who manage complex security infrastructure and reduce enterprise risk typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Information Security Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $148,620 |
| Median Salary | $141,300 |
| Lowest Salary | $105,000 |
| Highest Salary | $225,000 |
Total compensation may include bonuses, certification reimbursements, and performance incentives.
Gender Pay Analysis in Information Security Engineer
Gender pay differences for Information Security Engineers in the US are influenced by technical depth, industry exposure, and leadership responsibilities.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $151,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $144,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $149,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where pay reflects infrastructure ownership and security impact.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Information Security Engineers in the US typically earn around $105,000–$125,000 per year. These professionals assist in monitoring security tools, configuring security appliances, responding to alerts, and supporting vulnerability remediation processes. Most at this level have 1–3 years of experience in cybersecurity or IT roles.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Information Security Engineers usually earn between $130,000 and $180,000 per year. At this stage, professionals design and implement security controls, manage cloud security configurations, and coordinate incident response efforts. This level commonly requires 3–7 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Information Security Engineers earn $205,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $225,000 in large US enterprises. These professionals oversee enterprise security infrastructure, lead technical security initiatives, and advise leadership on risk mitigation strategies. Compensation reflects high accountability for protecting mission-critical systems.
Certifications for Information Security Engineer
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- CompTIA Security+
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Network and infrastructure security
- Cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- SIEM and monitoring tools
- Identity and access management
- Incident response coordination
- Security automation and scripting
Best-paying cities for Information Security Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($148,620) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $165,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Washington, DC | $160,000 | ▲ +8% |
| Seattle, WA | $159,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $153,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $141,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $138,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $149,500 | ▲ +0% |
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 information security 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 information security engineering roles can be time-consuming and repetitive. RoboApply’s auto-apply feature allows users to apply to many relevant jobs efficiently, helping maintain consistent application activity in competitive cybersecurity markets.
Improve Resume Relevance with AI Support
Different employers prioritize different security tools and infrastructure environments. RoboApply helps tailor resumes to better match job descriptions, increasing interview callbacks and improving application success rates.
Prepare Better for Interviews
RoboApply supports interview preparation by helping candidates understand security architecture scenarios, incident response discussions, and risk mitigation case studies.
Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track submitted applications and monitor employer responses to refine their job search strategy over time.
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 improved security posture, reduced incident frequency, and strengthened infrastructure defenses. - 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 Information Security Engineer Compensation
As cyber threats grow in sophistication and organizations continue investing in digital transformation, demand for skilled Information Security Engineers remains strong. Professionals who combine infrastructure expertise with cloud and automation capabilities are expected to maintain steady earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $148,620 a good salary for an Information Security Engineer?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level security engineering roles depending on specialization and industry.
Can Information Security Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior professionals managing enterprise-wide security infrastructure can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do cybersecurity certifications increase salary?
Yes, certifications such as CISSP and CCSP often improve earning potential when combined with hands-on experience.
Are remote Information Security Engineer roles common?
Yes, many cybersecurity engineering positions are remote or hybrid.
Which industries pay Information Security Engineers the most?
Technology, financial services, healthcare, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Information Security Engineer?
It typically requires 6–10 years of progressive cybersecurity experience.
Is Information Security Engineering a stable career in the US?
Yes, increasing cyber risk ensures strong long-term demand.
