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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Security Engineer in Massachusetts is $141,319 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, a Principal Security Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Principal Security Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $150,539 | $12,545 | $2,895 | $72 |
| Average | $141,319 | $11,777 | $2,718 | $68 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,188 | $10,516 | $2,427 | $61 |
The Computer Merchant - Woburn, MA
E Tech Group - Pittsfield, MA
AbbVie - Waltham, MA
AbbVie - Worcester, MA
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 | $88,808 |
| DevOps En... Level Principal Security Engineer | $107,784 |
| Principal... Level Principal Security Engineer | $144,472 |
| DevOps En... Level Principal Security Engineer | $161,603 |
| DevOps En... Level Principal Security Engineer | $178,552 |
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:
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:
For Principal Security Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Principal Security Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Security Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $211,979 | $102.0 | 50% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $150,539 | $12,545 | $2,895 | $72 |
| Average | $141,319 | $11,777 | $2,718 | $68 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,188 | $10,516 | $2,427 | $61 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Principal Security Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Eliassen Group
Boston, MA
Eliassen Group | Boston, MA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Hybrid 3 days onsite in Boston, MA. . Our client seeks a Sr. Principal Engineer to design, develop, and main... more
7 Days Ago
Raytheon
Woburn, MA
Raytheon | Woburn, MA
Date Posted:2026-02-24Country:United States of AmericaLocation:US-MA-TEWKSBURY-TB3 50 Apple Hill Dr CONCORD BLDG, Tewksbury Tb3 300 ConcordPosition Role Ty... more
9 Days Ago
Dell
Hopkinton, MA
Dell | Hopkinton, MA
Software Principal Engineer The Software Engineering team delivers next-generation application enhancements and new products for a changing world. Working ... more
9 Days Ago
Red Hat
Boston, MA
Red Hat | Boston, MA
Principal Software Engineer w/ Red Hat, LLC in Boston, MA. Telecommuting permitted:wrk may be performed w/in normal commuting distance from the Red Hat, LL... more
9 Days Ago
Dell
Brookline, MA
Dell | Brookline, MA
Principal Software Engineer &OpenCurlyDoubleQuote. Systems Engineering (Hopkinton, MA)Join us to do the best work of your career and make a profound social... more
9 Days Ago
Acadian Asset Management
Boston, MA
Acadian Asset Management | Boston, MA
Acadian Asset Management is a global, systematic investment manager at the forefront of data-driven investing since 1986. Headquartered in Boston, with loc... more
9 Days Ago
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