Security Engineer Salary in San Jose
2026 compensation data for Security Engineer positions in San Jose, CA. Ranges from $118,000 (entry-level) to $322,000 (senior). Median: $198,000.
Median (Mid)
$198,000
$95.19/hr
vs National
-1%
US: $201,000
COL Index
178
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$322,000
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) | $118,000 | $141,000 | $168,000 | $67.79/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $168,000 | $198,000 | $235,000 | $95.19/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $228,000 | $268,000 | $322,000 | $128.85/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in San Jose
A mid-level security engineer earning $198,000 in San Jose has the same buying power as $111,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 178).
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 Jose
The median security engineer salary in San Jose, CA is $198,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 1% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 178 (national average = 100), San Jose offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level security engineers in San Jose can expect to earn between $118,000 and $168,000 (about $67.79/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $322,000 ($322K annually, or about $154.81/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 Jose.
Frequently Asked Questions: Security Engineer Salary in San Jose
What is the average Security Engineer salary in San Jose?+
The average Security Engineer salary in San Jose is $198,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $141,000 and senior-level pay reaches $268,000.
How much does an entry-level security engineer make in San Jose?+
Entry-level security engineers in San Jose earn between $118,000 and $168,000, with a median of $141,000 per year (about $67.79/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Security Engineer in San Jose?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Security Engineer in San Jose earns roughly $67.79/hour at entry-level, $95.19/hour at mid-level, and $128.85/hour at senior-level.
Is the Security Engineer salary in San Jose higher than the US average?+
Security Engineer salaries in San Jose 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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