Security Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 compensation data for Security Engineer positions in Boston, MA. Ranges from $104,000 (entry-level) to $283,000 (senior). Median: $175,000.
Median (Mid)
$175,000
$84.13/hr
vs National
-1%
US: $177,000
COL Index
145
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$283,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $104,000 | $124,000 | $148,000 | $59.62/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $148,000 | $175,000 | $207,000 | $84.13/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $201,000 | $236,000 | $283,000 | $113.46/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Boston
A mid-level security engineer earning $175,000 in Boston has the same buying power as $121,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 145).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Security Engineer Salaries in Boston
The median security engineer salary in Boston, MA is $175,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 1% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 145 (national average = 100), Boston offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level security engineers in Boston can expect to earn between $104,000 and $148,000 (about $59.62/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $283,000 ($283K annually, or about $136.06/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions: Security Engineer Salary in Boston
What is the average Security Engineer salary in Boston?+
The average Security Engineer salary in Boston is $175,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $124,000 and senior-level pay reaches $236,000.
How much does an entry-level security engineer make in Boston?+
Entry-level security engineers in Boston earn between $104,000 and $148,000, with a median of $124,000 per year (about $59.62/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Security Engineer in Boston?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Security Engineer in Boston earns roughly $59.62/hour at entry-level, $84.13/hour at mid-level, and $113.46/hour at senior-level.
Is the Security Engineer salary in Boston higher than the US average?+
Security Engineer salaries in Boston are about 1% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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