As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Software Security Engineer in California is $116,697, equivalent to $56 per hour, $2,244 weekly, or $9,725 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Software Security Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Software Security Engineer in California vary widely, spanning from $98,006 to $136,530. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($106,913) and 75th percentile ($127,078), while top earners (90th percentile) make $136,530 per year. This $20,165 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Security Architecture, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, California Software Security Engineer often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 52 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for Software Security Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
