As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Security Engineer in Van Nuys, CA is $164,186 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, a Lead Security Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead 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 |
|---|---|
| Informati... Level Lead Security Engineer | $97,308 |
| Informati... Level Lead Security Engineer | $148,027 |
| Lead Secu... Level Lead Security Engineer | $163,266 |
| Informati... Level Lead Security Engineer | $206,476 |
| Informati... Level Lead Security Engineer | $232,373 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.4% |
| Incident Response | 3% |
| ISO | 1.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Accountability
|
$169,112 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$167,470 |
2%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$167,470 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$167,470 |
2%
|
|
Commitment
|
$167,470 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$167,470 |
2%
|
For Lead Security Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lead Security Engineer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Security Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $197,024 | $95.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $197,024 | $95.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $197,024 | $95.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $197,024 | $95.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $197,024 | $95.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lead 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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Security Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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