Lead Security Consultant.
Tampa.
$180,000
median salary, 5% below the national average
$140,000 to $234,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
The median Lead Security Consultant salary in Tampa is $180,000, 5% below the national average. Entry level starts near $140,000. Experienced professionals push past $234,000. Tampa's economy combines a strong financial services sector with growing tech, healthcare, and defense industries. That spread is your negotiation window.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $162,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$117,000
to $144,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$153,000
to $189,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$198,000
to $234,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$225,000
to $279,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $51,000 to the total package.
Base
$180,000
Equity
$29,000
Bonus
$18,000
Signing
$4,000
Estimated total: $231,000
How Tampa compares
Tampa, FL
$180,000
Cost of living: 4% below average
National Average
$189,000
Tampa is $9,000 below
Lead Security Consultant salary by city
Salary by role in Tampa
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Lead Security Consultant roles in Tampa, here is what you are walking into. Tampa's economy combines a strong financial services sector with growing tech, healthcare, and defense industries. The city has attracted remote workers and corporate relocations seeking Florida's tax advantages. Tampa offers a favorable salary to cost of living ratio, with compensation levels that have risen significantly as the metro continues to grow. Lead Security Consultant compensation is driven by billable hours, client tier (Fortune 500 vs mid-market), and practice area specialization. Base salary carries most of the total compensation, with bonuses adding roughly 10% in a typical year. Within tech-sector Lead Security Consultants specifically, employer tier (FAANG and frontier-AI labs vs mid-stage startups vs traditional enterprise) drives 67%+ variance across the compensation band.
Lead Security Consultants progress from entry to senior over 5 to 8 years, with partner and principal levels requiring a book of business and demonstrated client-generation track record. For Lead Security Consultants specifically, the seniority anchor typically means 7 to 12 years of experience with demonstrated independent scope. In Tampa, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Total compensation for Lead Security Consultants runs roughly $208K at median when factoring base + typical bonus (~10% of base). Base salary carries most of the compensation; benefits (healthcare, 401(k) match, PTO) add an estimated 15–25% in imputed value on top. At tech companies specifically, equity and sign-on are often the largest delta between offers — two roles with matching base can differ by $100K+ at total when equity is included. And on the tax side: florida has no state income tax, which is Tampa's biggest compensation advantage. There are no local income taxes either. Property taxes and insurance costs are the main financial considerations. When someone quotes you $180,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Frame your salary expectations against the no income tax benefit. Tampa employers know candidates are factoring in the tax savings, so be explicit about how it shapes your number. The range for Lead Security Consultants in Tampa runs from $140,000 to $234,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Applied AI Researcher in Tampa earns $179,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Tampa is Principal Quantitative Researcher at $346,000
Common questions.
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