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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Security Engineer in West Virginia is $116,933 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
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 | $124,562 | $10,380 | $2,395 | $60 |
| Average | $116,933 | $9,744 | $2,249 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,413 | $8,701 | $2,008 | $50 |
Shield AI - United, WV
Shield AI - United, WV
Motional - United, WV
ManTech International - FEDERAL HEIGHTS, CO
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 | $73,483 |
| DevOps En... Level Principal Security Engineer | $89,184 |
| Principal... Level Principal Security Engineer | $119,541 |
| DevOps En... Level Principal Security Engineer | $133,716 |
| DevOps En... Level Principal Security Engineer | $147,741 |
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 | $175,399 | $84.0 | 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 | $124,562 | $10,380 | $2,395 | $60 |
| Average | $116,933 | $9,744 | $2,249 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,413 | $8,701 | $2,008 | $50 |
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.
ManTech International
CHANTILLY, VA
ManTech International | CHANTILLY, VA
At ManTech, we are committed to safeguarding national security through cutting-edge technology and solutions. We are seeking a Principal Cyber Security Eng... more
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ManTech International
CHANTILLY, VA
ManTech International | CHANTILLY, VA
ManTech is seeking a seasoned Senior Principal Cyber Security Engineer to spearhead our cyber defense initiatives, providing robust cybersecurity solutions... more
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Constellation Energy
SAXONBURG, PA
Constellation Energy | SAXONBURG, PA
Constellation, a leading energy company extensively involved in providing innovative power solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Principal Electrical Engi... more
7 Days Ago
Constellation Energy
GIBSONIA, PA
Constellation Energy | GIBSONIA, PA
At Constellation, we power millions of homes and businesses across the U.S., relying on our innovative solutions in power, natural gas, renewable energy, a... more
7 Days Ago
Constellation Energy
RACINE, PA
Constellation Energy | RACINE, PA
Constellation, a leading national provider of energy solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Principal Electrical Engineer to join our CES division. The ide... more
7 Days Ago
Constellation Energy
CONWAY, PA
Constellation Energy | CONWAY, PA
At Constellation, we power millions of homes and businesses across the U.S., relying on our innovative solutions in power, natural gas, renewable energy, a... more
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