What are the main factors that influence a Lead Software Security Engineer's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Lead Software Security Engineer?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead Software Security Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.

How does experience change A Lead Software Security Engineer's salary?

A Lead Software Security Engineer's salary grows with experience: a Lead Software Security Engineer (2-4 years)earns $116,896, a Cyber Security Architect II (4-7 years)earns $144,843, a Cyber Security Architect III (7+ years)earns $167,254, a Cyber Security Architect IV (7-10 years)earns $197,140, a Cyber Security Architect V (10-12 years)earns $230,426,

What are the highest paying states for a Lead Software Security Engineer?

Lead Software Security Engineer salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Lead Software Security Engineer roles are District of Columbia $114,700, California $114,265, Massachusetts $112,742. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Lead Software Security Engineer roles make?

Salaries for Lead Software Security Engineer level roles vary by specialization: Lead Software Engineer, Integration: $212,785; Lead Software Engineer IV: $176,915; Lead Platform Software Engineer: $173,046; Lead Software Engineer: $172,055; Embedded Software Engineer Lead: $150,040.

Lead Software Security Engineer Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Lead Software Security Engineer make in District of Columbia?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Software Security Engineer in District of Columbia is $114,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

However, a Lead Software Security Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $133,708
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $104,161 to $124,650
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $94,566

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Lead Software Security Engineer Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$124,650	$10,387	$2,397	$60
Average	$114,700	$9,558	$2,206	$55
25th Percentile	$104,161	$8,680	$2,003	$50

You may get higher pay by adjusting the following factors:

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Key Factors That Influence Lead Software Security Engineer Salaries

A Lead Software Security Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Lead Software Security Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Software Security Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $116,896
Early Career (1-2 years): $144,843
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $167,254
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $197,140
Expert (over 8 years): $230,426

Levels	Salary
Lead Soft... Level Lead Software Security Engineer	$116,896
Cyber Sec... Level Lead Software Security Engineer	$144,843
Cyber Sec... Level Lead Software Security Engineer	$167,254
Cyber Sec... Level Lead Software Security Engineer	$197,140
Cyber Sec... Level Lead Software Security Engineer	$230,426

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What Am I Worth?

How Do Lead Software Security Engineer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lead Software Security Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $114,700.
California: $114,265.
Massachusetts: $112,742.

District of Columbia $114,700 California $114,265 Massachusetts $112,742 Washington $112,328 New Jersey $112,287 Alaska $112,142 Connecticut $110,712 New York $110,132

Hawaii $108,277 Rhode Island $107,407 Maryland $106,817 Minnesota $106,009 Colorado $105,698 Illinois $105,594 Oregon $105,201 Delaware $104,911

New Hampshire $104,728 Virginia $104,320 Pennsylvania $103,129 Nevada $102,528 North Dakota $102,331 Michigan $102,020 Wisconsin $101,906 Vermont $101,678

Texas $101,047 Maine $101,005 Arizona $100,943 Ohio $100,870 Georgia $99,917 Indiana $99,441 Wyoming $99,348 Utah $99,203

Iowa $99,140 Kansas $98,643 Louisiana $98,498 North Carolina $98,446 Missouri $98,426 Florida $98,022 Montana $97,804 Nebraska $97,597

Kentucky $97,483 South Carolina $97,069 Tennessee $96,810 Idaho $96,706 New Mexico $95,950 Oklahoma $95,784 Alabama $95,173 South Dakota $94,147

Arkansas $93,588 West Virginia $93,287 Mississippi $92,386

Top Paying Cities for Lead Software Security Engineers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Parcel Return Service: $114,078
Washington: $114,079
Naval Anacost Annex: $114,074

Parcel Return Service, DC $114,078 Washington, DC $114,079 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $114,074 Washington Navy Yard, DC $114,078

Lead Software Security Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lead Software Security Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Lead Software Security Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Software Security Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Lead Software Security Engineer

Industry Sector	Average Annual Salary	Average Hourly Rate	Pay vs.Avg
Internet	$139,934	$67.0	22%
Biotechnology	$137,640	$66.0	20%
Aerospace & Defense	$128,464	$62.0	12%
Insurance	$126,170	$61.0	10%
Energy & Utilities	$123,876	$60.0	8%

Lead Software Security Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lead Software Security Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

$104,161

Average $114,700/year

$124,650

$8,680

Average $9,558/month

$10,387

$2,003

Average $2,206/week

$2,397

$50

Average $55/hour

$60

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$124,650	$10,387	$2,397	$60
Average	$114,700	$9,558	$2,206	$55
25th Percentile	$104,161	$8,680	$2,003	$50

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