The average salary for a Security Engineering Manager in the US is $194,880 per year.
Security Engineering Managers lead teams responsible for building, implementing, and maintaining security controls across enterprise infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments. They oversee security engineers, define technical roadmaps, manage budgets, and align cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives. In the US, this role is highly valued across enterprise technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, defense contractors, and SaaS platforms. Salaries vary based on team size, enterprise scale, cloud security expertise, and leadership exposure. Professionals who manage large security engineering teams and drive enterprise-wide security transformation typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Security Engineering Manager (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $194,880 |
| Median Salary | $186,300 |
| Lowest Salary | $145,000 |
| Highest Salary | $285,000 |
Total compensation may include leadership bonuses, equity packages, and performance incentives.
Gender Pay Analysis in Security Engineering Manager
Gender pay differences for Security Engineering Managers in the US are influenced by enterprise scale, team leadership scope, and executive-level engagement.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $198,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $189,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $195,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior management levels where pay reflects organizational responsibility and risk ownership.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Security Engineering Managers in the US typically earn around $145,000–$165,000 per year. These professionals often transition from senior security engineering roles and begin managing small teams or projects. Most at this level have 6–9 years of cybersecurity experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Security Engineering Managers usually earn between $170,000 and $235,000 per year. At this stage, professionals manage multiple security domains, oversee infrastructure and application security programs, and coordinate cross-functional security initiatives. This level commonly requires 8–12 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Security Engineering Managers earn $260,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $285,000 in large US enterprises. These professionals lead large security engineering departments, manage budgets, and collaborate with executive leadership to shape enterprise cybersecurity strategy. Compensation reflects significant responsibility for protecting mission-critical systems.
Certifications for Security Engineering Manager
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC)
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Security engineering leadership
- Cloud and infrastructure security architecture
- Risk management and mitigation strategy
- DevSecOps integration
- Team building and talent development
- Executive-level communication
Best-paying cities for Security Engineering Manager in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($194,880) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $230,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $217,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Seattle, WA | $209,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $201,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Washington, DC | $203,000 | ▲ +4% |
| Austin, TX | $185,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $181,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $196,000 | ▲ +0% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying cybersecurity leadership role isn’t just about experience — it’s also about applying consistently, strategically, and to the right enterprise opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and compensation negotiation instead of manual applications.
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use industry-specific and location-based salary data to define a competitive compensation range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate improved security posture, reduced incident rates, and successful team performance metrics. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, equity, leadership incentives, and remote flexibility. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Security Engineering Manager Compensation
As organizations expand digital operations and face increasing cyber risk, demand for experienced Security Engineering Managers remains strong. Professionals who combine technical depth with effective leadership are expected to maintain strong earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $194,880 a good salary for a Security Engineering Manager?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for senior-level security engineering management roles.
Can Security Engineering Managers earn over $250,000?
Yes, professionals in large enterprises and technology firms can exceed $250,000 annually.
Do management certifications increase salary?
Yes, certifications such as CISSP and CISM often improve earning potential when combined with leadership experience.
Are remote Security Engineering Manager roles common?
Yes, many enterprise security leadership roles are remote or hybrid.
Which industries pay Security Engineering Managers the most?
Technology, financial services, healthcare, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Security Engineering Manager?
It typically requires 8–15 years of progressive cybersecurity and leadership experience.
Is Security Engineering Management a stable career in the US?
Yes, increasing cyber threats and digital transformation ensure long-term demand.
