Cybersecurity Engineer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$160,000
national median salary
$120,000 to $210,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$222,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$167,000
San Diego, CA
Lowest Paying
$129,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Cybersecurity Engineer salary in the United States is $160,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $120,000 at the 25th percentile to $210,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $222,000, while San Diego offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Specialization in offensive security, incident response, or zero-trust architecture drives the widest pay variation.
Cybersecurity Engineer salary by city
Skills that increase Cybersecurity Engineer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Cybersecurity Engineers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $32,000 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$32,000 per year
≈ +$24,000 per year
≈ +$17,600 per year
≈ +$16,000 per year
≈ +$14,400 per year
≈ +$12,800 per year
≈ +$12,800 per year
≈ +$11,200 per year
What you should know
Specialization in offensive security, incident response, or zero-trust architecture drives the widest pay variation. Engineers with OSCP or CISSP certifications and experience in regulated industries like healthcare or finance consistently earn at the top of the band. Talent scarcity keeps salaries climbing 8 to 12% annually.
Security analysts begin at $85,000 to $105,000, moving to cybersecurity engineer at $120,000 to $210,000 in three to five years. Senior security architects earn $220,000 to $280,000, while CISO roles at mid-size firms command $280,000 to $400,000 plus equity.
Annual bonuses of 10 to 20% are typical, with retention bonuses common due to high turnover risk. Many employers offer $5,000 to $10,000 yearly for training, certifications, and conference attendance as part of the package.