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Senior Cyber Security Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL

How much does a Senior Cyber Security Engineer make in Chicago, IL?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Cyber Security Engineer in Chicago, IL is $219,615 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $106.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $241,190
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $196,603 to $230,908
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $175,652
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Senior Cyber Security Engineer Salaries

A Senior Cyber 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 Senior Cyber Security Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Senior Cyber 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): $135,159
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $169,459
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $196,694
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $218,784
  • Expert (over 8 years): $245,290
Levels Salary
Cyber Sec... Level Senior Cyber Security Engineer$135,159
Cyber Sec... Level Senior Cyber Security Engineer$169,459
Cyber Sec... Level Senior Cyber Security Engineer$196,694
Senior Cy... Level Senior Cyber Security Engineer$218,784
VP of Cyb... Level Senior Cyber Security Engineer$245,290
View as Graph

Top Paying Cities for Senior Cyber 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:

  • San Jose: $268,048
  • San Francisco: $265,113
  • Oakland: $259,526

Senior Cyber Security Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Senior Cyber Security Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 49% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Senior Cyber Security Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Cyber Security Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Senior Cyber Security Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$274,519$132.025%
Energy & Utilities$263,538$127.020%
Insurance$252,557$121.015%
Healthcare$241,577$116.010%
Biotechnology$237,184$114.08%

Senior Cyber Security Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Senior Cyber 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 September 01, 2026
$196,603
Average $219,615/year
$230,908
$16,384
Average $18,301/month
$19,242
$3,781
Average $4,223/week
$4,441
$95
Average $106/hour
$111
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $230,908 $19,242 $4,441 $111
Average $219,615 $18,301 $4,223 $106
25th Percentile $196,603 $16,384 $3,781 $95

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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