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Computer Security Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does a Computer Security Engineer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Security Engineer in the United States is $105,632 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $126,148
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,017 to $116,371
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $91,084
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Computer Security Engineer Salaries

A Computer 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Computer Security Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer 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): $103,517
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $103,834
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $104,574
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $105,420
  • Expert (over 8 years): $107,393
Levels Salary
Entry Level Computer Security Engineer$103,517
Intermediate Level Computer Security Engineer$103,834
Senior Level Computer Security Engineer$104,574
Specialist Level Computer Security Engineer$105,420
Expert Level Computer Security Engineer$107,393
View as Graph

How Do Computer Security Engineer 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 Computer Security Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $116,956.
  • California: $116,512.
  • Massachusetts: $114,959.

Top Paying Cities for Computer 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: $133,234
  • San Francisco: $131,775
  • Oakland: $128,998

Computer Security Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Security Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Biotechnology, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Computer Security Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Computer Security Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Computer Security Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$126,758$61.020%

How Education impacts a Computer Security Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Computer Security Engineers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Computer Security Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $89,068 and $96,332).

Computer Security Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Computer Security Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 7.1%
High School 7.1%
Associates 7.1%
Bachelors 14.3%
Masters 21.4%
Doctorate 42.9%
View as Graph

Computer Security Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computer 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
$98,017
Average $105,632/year
$116,371
$8,168
Average $8,803/month
$9,698
$1,885
Average $2,031/week
$2,238
$47
Average $51/hour
$56
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $116,371 $9,698 $2,238 $56
Average $105,632 $8,803 $2,031 $51
25th Percentile $98,017 $8,168 $1,885 $47

Most common benefits for Computer Security Engineer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Computer Security Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Computer Security Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Computer Security Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Computer Security Engineer?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Security Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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