The average salary for a Vulnerability Management Engineer in the US is $146,320 per year.
Vulnerability Management Engineers are responsible for identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and remediating security vulnerabilities across enterprise systems. In the US, this role is critical across financial institutions, SaaS companies, healthcare organizations, government contractors, and large enterprises. Salaries vary based on tooling expertise, automation capability, cloud exposure, and enterprise-scale infrastructure management. Professionals who implement automated vulnerability scanning frameworks and lead remediation strategy typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Vulnerability Management Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $146,320 |
| Median Salary | $139,850 |
| Lowest Salary | $102,000 |
| Highest Salary | $220,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Vulnerability Management Engineer
Gender pay differences for Vulnerability Management Engineers in the US are influenced by technical specialization, enterprise scope, and leadership responsibilities.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $149,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $142,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $146,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where pay reflects measurable risk reduction and automation ownership.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Vulnerability Management Engineers in the US typically earn around $102,000–$120,000 per year. These professionals conduct routine vulnerability scans, support patch management processes, and assist in risk scoring and reporting. Most at this level have 1–3 years of experience in cybersecurity or IT operations.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Vulnerability Management Engineers usually earn between $125,000 and $170,000 per year. At this stage, professionals manage enterprise scanning tools, coordinate cross-team remediation efforts, and prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk impact. This level commonly requires 3–7 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Vulnerability Management Engineers earn $195,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $220,000 in major US enterprises. These professionals design vulnerability management strategy, automate remediation workflows, and oversee organization-wide risk reduction programs. Compensation reflects high accountability for enterprise security posture.
Certifications for Vulnerability Management Engineer
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Vulnerability Assessor (GVA)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Vulnerability scanning tools (Nessus, Qualys, Rapid7)
- Risk scoring and prioritization frameworks
- Patch management coordination
- Cloud infrastructure vulnerability management
- Automation and scripting (Python, PowerShell)
- Compliance framework alignment
Best-paying cities for Vulnerability Management Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($146,320) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $173,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $162,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Seattle, WA | $157,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Washington, DC | $152,000 | ▲ +4% |
| Boston, MA | $150,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $139,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $136,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $147,500 | ▲ +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 realistic and competitive target range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate reduced critical vulnerability backlog, faster remediation cycles, and improved compliance scores. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, equity, certification reimbursements, and remote flexibility. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Vulnerability Management Engineer Compensation
As organizations face increasing cyber threats and regulatory pressure, proactive vulnerability management remains a top priority. Engineers who automate scanning and remediation workflows are expected to see sustained earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $146,320 a good salary for a Vulnerability Management Engineer?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level vulnerability management roles depending on enterprise exposure and tooling expertise.
Can Vulnerability Management Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior-level engineers in large enterprises can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do certifications increase salary?
Certifications strengthen credibility and often increase earning potential when combined with hands-on vulnerability management experience.
Are remote Vulnerability Management roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid security engineering roles.
Which industries pay Vulnerability Management Engineers the most?
Financial services, technology, healthcare, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Vulnerability Management Engineer?
It typically requires 6–10 years of progressive cybersecurity experience.
Is Vulnerability Management a stable career in the US?
Yes, ongoing cyber risk ensures strong long-term demand for these professionals.
