Senior VP of Security.
Philadelphia.
$367,000
median salary, 10% above the national average
$286,000 to $477,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a Senior VP of Security offer in Philadelphia, PA, here is the reality: $286,000 to $477,000, with $367,000 as the midpoint. 10% above the national average. Industry vertical creates significant variance. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $330,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$239,000
to $294,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$312,000
to $385,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$404,000
to $477,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$459,000
to $569,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $80,000 to the total package.
Base
$367,000
Equity
$44,000
Bonus
$29,000
Signing
$7,000
Estimated total: $447,000
How Philadelphia compares
Philadelphia, PA
$367,000
Cost of living: 9% above average
National Average
$333,000
Philadelphia is $34,000 above
Senior VP of Security salary by city
Salary by role in Philadelphia
What you should know
Here is what the Senior VP of Security market actually looks like in Philadelphia. Philadelphia combines a robust healthcare and life sciences sector with established finance and higher education institutions. The city's pharmaceutical corridor is among the strongest in the country. Tech growth has accelerated, particularly in health tech and enterprise software, offering salaries that stretch further than in nearby New York. Industry vertical creates significant variance. Senior VP of Securitys in financial services and healthcare earn 15% to 25% more than those in general enterprise due to regulatory complexity. Expertise in AI-enabled threat detection and zero trust architecture is increasingly valued as attack surfaces expand.
Senior VP of Securitys earn $260,000 to $433,000. Progression splits into the IC track (staff at $516,000, principal at $583,000) or management (engineering manager at $549,000). Specialization depth and cross-team impact determine which path yields higher compensation. In Philadelphia, 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. Equity at top-tier companies adds 30% to 60% above base salary. Annual bonuses of 15% to 25% are standard. Signing bonuses of $25,000 to $75,000 are common when changing roles. Refresher equity grants vest annually. Relocation packages and executive benefits like financial planning are typical. And on the tax side: pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax, but Philadelphia adds a 3.75% city wage tax for residents. This combined local burden is worth factoring into salary negotiations. When someone quotes you $367,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Account for the Philadelphia wage tax in your ask. Request a 5 to 8% premium over suburban offers to offset the city's local tax on all earned income. The range for Senior VP of Securitys in Philadelphia runs from $286,000 to $477,000. 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 Distinguished Engineer in Philadelphia earns $363,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Philadelphia is Principal Quantitative Researcher at $397,000
Common questions.
Senior VP of Security salary in other cities
Other salaries in Philadelphia
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