Security Engineer Salary: Your 2026 Guide

Key takeaways

• The median total security engineer salary in the US is $173,000 [1], although various factors, including the industry you work in and your level of experience, can impact the salary you can expect to earn.

• Cybersecurity engineer salary data from Glassdoor reveals that the highest-paying industry is the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, which pays a median total salary of $209,478 [1].

• The average salary of a cybersecurity engineer is $134,074 in Austin, TX, which is the highest-paying city for security engineers according to Indeed [2].

The salary for a cybersecurity engineer is $134,000 at the entry-level, and $184,000 after seven to nine years of experience [1]. Learn more about this role, including the annual salary for security engineers and key factors that may influence it.

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What do security engineers do?

Security engineers, also known as cybersecurity engineers, play a crucial role in the cybersecurity landscape. They strategize, design, develop, and manage tools and systems that protect digital data and devices. Formulating rules or protocols to assess the efficiency of security procedures is also within their purview.

Security engineer salary: How much does a security engineer make?

The median total pay for a security engineer in the United States is $173,000 [1]. This figure encompasses base salary plus additional pay, which may include commissions, profit-sharing, or bonuses. Keep in mind that factors like your industry, specialization, and experience level can impact your yearly wage. The following sections provide more information about salaries at different career stages, in different states, and by area of expertise.

High-paying industries for security engineers

Understanding the trends, demands, and financial outlooks within different industries can help you make informed decisions about your career path. By aligning your skills, interests, and experience with industries that offer competitive compensation, you can enhance your chances of earning a desirable salary while also advancing your professional goals.

According to Glassdoor data as of August 2026, these are the five highest-paying industries for this role and their median annual total salaries* [1]:

1. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology: $209,478

2. Information technology: $167,082

3. Retail and wholesale: $162,740

4. Financial services: $157,167

5. Media and communication: $154,172

Cloud security engineer salary

Cloud computing is an in-demand field. As a result, the median total annual pay for a cloud security engineer in the United States is $169,000 [3]. This figure encompasses the base salary plus additional pay, including commissions, profit sharing, or bonuses.

Read more: Cloud Security Engineer Salary: What You Can Expect to Earn

Network security engineer salary

The median total pay in the US for a security engineer who specializes in network security is $169,000 per year, including profit-sharing, commissions, and bonuses [4].

Certifications for security engineers

Certifications help validate your expertise to current and prospective employers by demonstrating your commitment to staying updated with industry advancements and best practices. The following list compiles popular certifications to consider if you want to increase your pay as a security engineer:

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

What is the salary for a cybersecurity engineer at different experience levels?

Here is the estimated median total pay based on varying levels of experience* [1]. Typically, the more experience you have, the higher your earning potential.

• 0–1 year of experience: $134,000

• 1–3 years of experience: $152,000

• 4–6 years of experience: $174,000

• 7–9 years of experience: $184,000

Cybersecurity engineer salary by location: Where can a security engineer earn more?

Salaries often differ with geographical location, but keep in mind that the average cost of living in a given area contributes to the salary range. Here are a few of the highest-paying US cities for security engineers and the average base pay according to Indeed as of August 2026 [2]:

• Chantilly, VA: $81,390

• Chicago, IL: $123,479

• Huntsville, AL: $86,783

• Austin, TX: $134,074

• Omaha, NE: $90,631

• Poughkeepsie, NY: $58,058

Highest-paying companies for security engineers in the US

Pay can vary considerably from company to company due to a range of factors, including company size, industry, location, financial performance, and the demand for particular skill sets. The following list outlines total salary ranges for the highest-paying companies in the United States, according to Glassdoor* [1]:

• Twitch: $324,000–$555,000

• Cruise: $314,000–$543,000

• Airbnb: $302,000–$497,000

• Google: $299,000–$499,000

• Roblox: $286,000–$484,000

• Lyft: $284,000–$467,000

• Uber: $277,000–$450,000

What does a security engineer do?

A security engineer is responsible for keeping a business's networks and data safe and secure. In this role, your daily tasks may include troubleshooting and repairing security issues, developing safety strategies for the future, and collaborating with other teams to ensure safety protocols are followed regularly.

Related job titles

If the prospect of pursuing a career as a security engineer appeals to you, here are some related job titles you can consider:

Security administrator

Median total pay: $127,000* [5]

As a security administrator, your role entails the development and administration of IT security systems capable of shielding organizations’ assets from unforeseen threats. Additionally, you may actively monitor computer networks to identify potential security issues.

Security analyst

Median total pay: $124,000* [6]

In your position as a security analyst, you will test new security systems, upgrade existing systems, possibly conduct penetration testing, and more. You could also be tasked with gathering end-user feedback to assess systems’ performance.

Security auditor

Median total pay: $116,000* [7]

As a security auditor, your responsibilities encompass the development, execution, and upkeep of internal audit protocols and risk evaluation methods. Furthermore, you will generate audit reports to ensure compliance with local laws and ethical practices.

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of August 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Job outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts overall employment in computer and information technology occupations to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2024 and 2034 [8]. This projection corresponds to approximately 317,700 job openings per year within the United States.

Sharpen your expertise with our free learning resources

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