Security Engineer Salary in Raleigh
2026 compensation data for Security Engineer positions in Raleigh, NC. Ranges from $86,000 (entry-level) to $235,000 (senior). Median: $145,000.
Median (Mid)
$145,000
$69.71/hr
vs National
-1%
US: $147,000
COL Index
102
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$235,000
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) | $86,000 | $103,000 | $123,000 | $49.52/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $123,000 | $145,000 | $172,000 | $69.71/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $167,000 | $196,000 | $235,000 | $94.23/hr |
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A mid-level security engineer earning $145,000 in Raleigh has the same buying power as $142,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 102).
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 Raleigh
Build secure systems, threat models, and detection pipelines across cloud and product surfaces. This page covers security engineer compensation specifically in Raleigh, NC.
The median security engineer salary in Raleigh, NC is $145,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 1% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 102 (national average = 100), Raleigh offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level security engineers in Raleigh can expect to earn between $86,000 and $123,000 (about $49.52/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $235,000 ($235K annually, or about $112.98/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 Raleigh.
Frequently Asked Questions: Security Engineer Salary in Raleigh
What is the average Security Engineer salary in Raleigh?+
The average Security Engineer salary in Raleigh is $145,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $103,000 and senior-level pay reaches $196,000.
How much does an entry-level security engineer make in Raleigh?+
Entry-level security engineers in Raleigh earn between $86,000 and $123,000, with a median of $103,000 per year (about $49.52/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Security Engineer in Raleigh?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Security Engineer in Raleigh earns roughly $49.52/hour at entry-level, $69.71/hour at mid-level, and $94.23/hour at senior-level.
Is the Security Engineer salary in Raleigh higher than the US average?+
Security Engineer salaries in Raleigh 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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