Security Engineer Salary in Sacramento
2026 compensation data for Security Engineer positions in Sacramento, CA. Ranges from $92,000 (entry-level) to $252,000 (senior). Median: $155,000.
Median (Mid)
$155,000
$74.52/hr
vs National
-2%
US: $158,000
COL Index
125
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$252,000
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) | $92,000 | $110,000 | $131,000 | $52.88/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $131,000 | $155,000 | $184,000 | $74.52/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $179,000 | $210,000 | $252,000 | $100.96/hr |
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A mid-level security engineer earning $155,000 in Sacramento has the same buying power as $124,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 125).
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 Sacramento
Build secure systems, threat models, and detection pipelines across cloud and product surfaces. This page covers security engineer compensation specifically in Sacramento, CA.
The median security engineer salary in Sacramento, CA is $155,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 2% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 125 (national average = 100), Sacramento offers a moderate cost of living with competitive salaries.
Entry-level security engineers in Sacramento can expect to earn between $92,000 and $131,000 (about $52.88/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $252,000 ($252K annually, or about $121.15/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 Sacramento.
Frequently Asked Questions: Security Engineer Salary in Sacramento
What is the average Security Engineer salary in Sacramento?+
The average Security Engineer salary in Sacramento is $155,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $110,000 and senior-level pay reaches $210,000.
How much does an entry-level security engineer make in Sacramento?+
Entry-level security engineers in Sacramento earn between $92,000 and $131,000, with a median of $110,000 per year (about $52.88/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Security Engineer in Sacramento?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Security Engineer in Sacramento earns roughly $52.88/hour at entry-level, $74.52/hour at mid-level, and $100.96/hour at senior-level.
Is the Security Engineer salary in Sacramento higher than the US average?+
Security Engineer salaries in Sacramento are about 2% 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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