The average salary for a Security Software Engineer in the US is $160,000 per year.
Security Software Engineers design and build secure applications by integrating security directly into the software development lifecycle. In the US, this role is in demand across technology companies, fintech firms, SaaS platforms, and large enterprises handling sensitive data. Salaries vary based on coding expertise, secure architecture knowledge, and experience identifying vulnerabilities before production deployment. Engineers who can prevent security flaws early in development and protect scalable systems often command higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Security Software Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $160,000 |
| Median Salary | $154,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $115,000 |
| Highest Salary | $260,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Security Software Engineer
Gender pay differences for Security Software Engineers in the US are influenced by technical specialization, leadership responsibilities, and company size.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $163,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $156,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $160,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps are generally smaller in organizations with structured performance-based salary systems.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Security Software Engineers typically earn around $115,000 per year. These roles focus on secure coding practices, code reviews, and identifying vulnerabilities in development pipelines. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience in software engineering with foundational security knowledge.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Security Software Engineers usually earn between $140,000 and $190,000 per year. At this stage, professionals design secure application architectures, automate security testing, and work closely with DevOps teams. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of development experience. Strong expertise in secure frameworks significantly increases earning potential.
Senior Level
Senior Security Software Engineers earn $220,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $260,000 in large technology firms. These professionals lead secure architecture strategy, mentor engineering teams, and implement organization-wide security standards. Compensation reflects responsibility for protecting critical applications and large-scale systems.
Certifications for Security Software Engineer
- Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Secure coding practices (Java, Python, C++, Go)
- Application security testing (SAST, DAST)
- Threat modeling and vulnerability analysis
- DevSecOps integration
- API and cloud security
- Secure architecture design
Best-paying cities for Security Software Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($160,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,000 | ▲ +17% |
| New York, NY | $176,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $170,000 | ▲ +6% |
| Boston, MA | $165,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $155,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Atlanta, GA | $148,000 | ▼ −8% |
| Dallas, TX | $145,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Remote (US) | $162,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $150,000 | ▼ −6% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use location-based salary benchmarks to define a realistic compensation range. - Show measurable impact
Highlight how your security improvements reduced vulnerabilities or prevented breaches. - Highlight technical depth and certifications
Advanced certifications and expertise in secure architecture justify higher pay. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, equity, remote flexibility, and professional development budgets. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Security Software Engineer Compensation
Demand for Security Software Engineers continues to grow as organizations prioritize secure-by-design development practices. As cyber threats evolve, companies increasingly invest in proactive application security. Professionals with strong coding skills and deep security knowledge are expected to see sustained salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $160,000 a good salary for a Security Software Engineer?
Yes, $160,000 is competitive for mid-level roles depending on technical depth and location.
Can Security Software Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior engineers in major technology companies often exceed $200,000 annually.
Do certifications increase salary for this role?
Yes, certifications like CSSLP and CISSP can significantly improve earning potential.
Are remote Security Software Engineer roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid work options.
Which industries pay Security Software Engineers the most?
Technology, fintech, SaaS, and cloud service providers typically offer higher salaries.
Is coding expertise essential for this role?
Yes, strong programming skills are fundamental to succeeding as a Security Software Engineer.
How does this role differ from a Security Engineer?
Security Software Engineers focus specifically on building secure applications, while Security Engineers often manage broader infrastructure and system security.
