Technology · Level S1

Security Engineer

Owns security fundamentals, threat modelling, and vulnerability management — the entry to the fastest-growing computer occupation, where AI raises demand for the human defender.

Typical total compensation (US)

$177,000median

Range $149,000–$215,000 · base $140,000 · bonus $12,000 · equity $25,000

Indicative, sourced ranges — not a guarantee. BLS OEWS May 2025 Information Security Analysts (15-1212) p25 $97,810 / p50 $129,180 / p75 $163,500 (via O*NET); Glassdoor 2026 Cybersecurity Engineer avg $159k (range $128k-$201k) - pack blends BLS floor with tech premium

At a glance

Difficulty

High

Hiring demand

High

Competition

Medium

AI task-risk

Low

AI & this role: Adversarial, high-stakes and judgement-heavy; AI is used by both attackers and defenders, raising demand for the human defender. The move is to climb the scope ladder, not to fear the tool.

What differentiates you at this level

foundationsSecurity fundamentals (net/app/cloud)
domainThreat modelling + vuln management

Where this leads — your highest-value routes

Ranked by pay ceiling. Progression is driven by scope and level transitions, not tenure.

Security Architectup to $370,000

$177,000 now → $325,000 in 7 yrs

Senior Security Engineerup to $297,000

$177,000 now → $262,000 in 3 yrs

Credentials that help

Credentials help entry and specialisation; they don't gate senior or leadership roles — scope does.

CS / related bachelor's degree · $10k-$40k+/yr public in-state to private; highly variable
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) · ~$439

See the full Security Engineer pay breakdown by metro →