As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Software Security Engineer in Fairfield, NJ is $117,464 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Lead Software Security Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Lead Soft... Level Lead Software Security Engineer | $119,713 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Lead Software Security Engineer | $148,333 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Lead Software Security Engineer | $171,284 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Lead Software Security Engineer | $201,891 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Lead Software Security Engineer | $235,979 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.87% |
| Security Architecture | 2.06% |
| Application Security | 1.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Container
|
$122,163 |
4%
|
|
Planning
|
$122,163 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$120,988 |
3%
|
|
API
|
$120,988 |
3%
|
|
Security Architecture
|
$120,988 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$119,814 |
2%
|
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $143,306 | $69.0 | 22% |
| Biotechnology | $140,957 | $68.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $131,560 | $63.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $129,211 | $62.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $126,861 | $61.0 | 8% |
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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Software Security Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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