Principal Communications Security SME Salary in the United States

How much does a Principal Communications Security SME make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Communications Security SME in the United States is $160,444 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.

However, a Principal Communications Security SME's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $177,942
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $151,318 to $169,603
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,009
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View as table View as graph 25% $151,318 10% $143,009 90% $177,942 75% $169,603 $160,444 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Principal Communications Security SME Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $169,603 $14,134 $3,262 $82
Average $160,444 $13,370 $3,085 $77
25th Percentile $151,318 $12,610 $2,910 $73
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Key Factors That Influence Principal Communications Security SME Salaries

A Principal Communications Security SME'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 Principal Communications Security SME Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Communications Security SME'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): $118,010
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $137,916
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $159,771
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $86,236
  • Expert (over 8 years): $131,185
Levels Salary
Informati... Level Principal Communications Security SME$118,010
Informati... Level Principal Communications Security SME$137,916
Principal... Level Principal Communications Security SME$159,771
Informati... Level Principal Communications Security SME$86,236
Informati... Level Principal Communications Security SME$131,185
$118,010 0 yr
$137,916 < 2 yrs
$159,771 2-4 yrs
$86,236 5-8 yrs
$131,185 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Principal Communications Security SME Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Communications Security SMEs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $177,644.
  • California: $176,970.
  • Massachusetts: $174,611.

Top Paying Cities for Principal Communications Security SMEs

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: $202,368
  • San Francisco: $200,152
  • Oakland: $195,934

What Skills Can Increase a Principal Communications Security SME's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.35% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • CISSP (Mentioned in 2.52% Job Postings): Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification for security analysts. It was created by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC).
  • Network Security (Mentioned in 1.65% Job Postings): Network security consists of the policies and practices adopted to prevent and monitor unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of a computer network and network-accessible resources. Network security involves the authorization of access to data in a network, which is controlled by the network administrator. Users choose or are assigned an ID and password or other authenticating information that allows them access to information and programs within their authority. Network security covers a variety of computer networks, both public and private, that are used in everyday jobs; conducting transactions and communications among businesses, government agencies and individuals. Networks can be private, such as within a company, and others which might be open to public access. Network security is involved in organizations, enterprises, and other types of institutions. It does as its title explains: It secures the network, as well as protecting and overseeing operations being done. The most common and simple way of protecting a network resource is by assigning it a unique name and a corresponding password.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.35%
CISSP 2.52%
Network Security 1.65%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Principal Communications Security SME's salary.
  • Critical Thinking: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Operating System: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Cybersecurity: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Critical Thinking
$182,906
14%
Operating System
$179,697
12%
Cybersecurity
$178,093
11%
Python
$174,884
9%
Linux
$173,280
8%
Problem Solving
$171,675
7%
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Principal Communications Security SME Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Principal Communications Security SME roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Principal Communications Security SME positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Communications Security SME as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Principal Communications Security SME

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$224,622$108.040%
Energy & Utilities$208,577$100.030%
Financial Services$200,555$96.025%
Software & Networking$192,533$93.020%
Internet$189,324$91.018%

Principal Communications Security SME Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Principal Communications Security SME'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 July 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Principal Communications Security SME

Salaries for a Principal Communications Security SME can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $156,356 in 2023 to around $155,092 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Communications Security SME salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Principal Communications Security SME Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$156,356
2024
$156,609
2025
$155,092
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $156,356
2024 $156,609
2025 $155,092
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Principal Communications Security SME

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Principal Communications Security SME

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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