As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Security Engineer in the United States is $129,856 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Principal Security Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Principal 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 |
|---|---|
| DevOps En... Level Principal Security Engineer | $81,619 |
| DevOps En... Level Principal Security Engineer | $99,101 |
| Principal... Level Principal Security Engineer | $132,747 |
| DevOps En... Level Principal Security Engineer | $148,480 |
| DevOps En... Level Principal Security Engineer | $164,065 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Principal Security Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Networking | 2.41% |
| Linux | 3.31% |
| Computer Science | 1.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Collaborating with Others
|
$133,752 |
3%
|
|
Amazon Web Services
|
$133,752 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$133,752 |
3%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$132,453 |
2%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$132,453 |
2%
|
|
Coaching
|
$131,155 |
1%
|
Understanding how a Principal 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Principal Security Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $123,159 in 2023 to around $121,652 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Security Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $123,159 |
| 2024 | $123,062 |
| 2025 | $121,652 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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