The average salary for an Application Security Engineer in the US is $140,000 per year.
Application Security Engineers are responsible for identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities in software applications before they reach production. In the US, this role is highly valued as companies prioritize secure coding practices and compliance requirements. Salaries vary based on programming expertise, cloud knowledge, and experience integrating security into development workflows. Professionals who can prevent costly security breaches during the development stage often earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Application Security Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $140,000 |
| Median Salary | $135,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $95,000 |
| Highest Salary | $215,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Application Security Engineer
Gender pay differences for Application Security Engineers in the US are influenced by technical specialization, years of experience, and company size. Since this role is skill-driven, pay is often tied directly to technical expertise and impact.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $143,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $136,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $140,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation differences tend to narrow at senior levels where salary is based on system ownership and secure architecture responsibility.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Application Security Engineers in the US typically earn around $95,000 per year. These roles focus on assisting with code reviews, vulnerability scanning, and supporting security testing processes. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience in software development or cybersecurity. Gaining experience in secure coding standards and common vulnerabilities is essential for career progression.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Application Security Engineers usually earn between $120,000 and $165,000 per year. At this stage, professionals conduct in-depth security assessments, integrate security tools into development pipelines, and work closely with engineering teams. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Strong understanding of application frameworks and threat modeling drives salary growth.
Senior Level
Senior Application Security Engineers earn $185,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $215,000 in large US organizations. These professionals design secure software architecture, lead security strategy for development teams, and mentor junior engineers. Compensation reflects responsibility for preventing vulnerabilities in mission-critical applications.
Certifications and Skills for Application Security Engineer
Certifications and advanced technical skills significantly influence an Application Security Engineer’s salary in the US. Recognized credentials and hands-on development expertise increase earning potential.
Common Certifications
- Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT)
- Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Secure coding practices
- Web application security testing
- Threat modeling
- Static and dynamic code analysis (SAST/DAST)
- OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
- Cloud-native application security
Best-paying cities for Application Security Engineer in the US
Application Security Engineer salaries vary by city depending on technology demand and software industry presence.
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($140,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $165,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $154,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $150,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $144,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $134,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $127,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $126,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $141,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $130,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is $110,000 a good salary for an Application Security Engineer in the US?
Yes, $110,000 is competitive for early mid-level professionals, particularly outside major tech hubs.
Can Application Security Engineers earn over $180,000?
Yes, senior-level engineers and security leads can exceed $180,000 annually.
Do secure coding certifications increase salary?
Yes, certifications such as CSSLP and OSWE can significantly increase earning potential.
Are remote Application Security roles common?
Yes, many companies offer remote or hybrid roles due to cloud-based development environments.
What industries pay Application Security Engineers the most?
Technology companies, SaaS providers, fintech firms, and enterprise software organizations typically offer higher compensation.
How long does it take to become a senior Application Security Engineer?
It typically takes 5–8 years of experience in software development and security.
Is application security a growing field in the US?
Yes, as software systems expand and cyber threats increase, demand for secure application development continues to rise.
