Security Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 compensation data for Security Engineer positions in San Francisco, CA. Ranges from $119,000 (entry-level) to $324,000 (senior). Median: $200,000.
Median (Mid)
$200,000
$96.15/hr
vs National
-1%
US: $203,000
COL Index
180
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$324,000
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) | $119,000 | $142,000 | $169,000 | $68.27/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $169,000 | $200,000 | $236,000 | $96.15/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $230,000 | $270,000 | $324,000 | $129.81/hr |
Got an offer? Don't leave money on the table.
Practice negotiating this salaryWhat Your Salary Is Really Worth in San Francisco
A mid-level security engineer earning $200,000 in San Francisco has the same buying power as $111,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 180).
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 San Francisco
Build secure systems, threat models, and detection pipelines across cloud and product surfaces. This page covers security engineer compensation specifically in San Francisco, CA.
The median security engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $200,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 1% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 180 (national average = 100), San Francisco offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level security engineers in San Francisco can expect to earn between $119,000 and $169,000 (about $68.27/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $324,000 ($324K annually, or about $155.77/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 San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions: Security Engineer Salary in San Francisco
What is the average Security Engineer salary in San Francisco?+
The average Security Engineer salary in San Francisco is $200,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $142,000 and senior-level pay reaches $270,000.
How much does an entry-level security engineer make in San Francisco?+
Entry-level security engineers in San Francisco earn between $119,000 and $169,000, with a median of $142,000 per year (about $68.27/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Security Engineer in San Francisco?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Security Engineer in San Francisco earns roughly $68.27/hour at entry-level, $96.15/hour at mid-level, and $129.81/hour at senior-level.
Is the Security Engineer salary in San Francisco higher than the US average?+
Security Engineer salaries in San Francisco 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.
Negotiating a Security Engineer offer in San Francisco?
Stop guessing. Get personalized scripts, market insights, and expert tactics for your specific situation using our free AI negotiation coach.
Security Engineer Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in San Francisco
Know Your Worth as a Security Engineer in San Francisco
You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.
Free · No signup · Instant answers