As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Cyber Security Engineer in the United States is $135,769 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.
However, a Lead Cyber Security Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cyber Sec... Level Lead Cyber Security Engineer | $110,042 |
| Lead Cybe... Level Lead Cyber Security Engineer | $136,350 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Lead Cyber Security Engineer | $157,447 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Lead Cyber Security Engineer | $185,581 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Lead Cyber Security Engineer | $216,915 |
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 Lead Cyber Security Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.88% |
| Security Architecture | 2.07% |
| Application Security | 1.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
IT Management
|
$141,200 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$141,200 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$139,842 |
3%
|
|
Security Architecture
|
$139,842 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$139,842 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$139,842 |
3%
|
For Lead Cyber Security Engineer 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 Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Lead Cyber Security Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Cyber Security Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $190,077 | $91.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $176,500 | $85.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $162,923 | $78.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lead 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead Cyber Security Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $126,554 in 2023 to around $123,551 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Cyber Security Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $126,554 |
| 2024 | $126,102 |
| 2025 | $123,551 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead Cyber Security Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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