Security Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 compensation data for Security Engineer positions in Seattle, WA. Ranges from $107,000 (entry-level) to $293,000 (senior). Median: $181,000.
Median (Mid)
$181,000
$87.02/hr
vs National
-1%
US: $183,000
COL Index
155
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$293,000
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) | $107,000 | $128,000 | $153,000 | $61.54/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $153,000 | $181,000 | $214,000 | $87.02/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $207,000 | $244,000 | $293,000 | $117.31/hr |
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Practice negotiating this salaryWhat Your Salary Is Really Worth in Seattle
A mid-level security engineer earning $181,000 in Seattle has the same buying power as $117,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 155).
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 Seattle
Build secure systems, threat models, and detection pipelines across cloud and product surfaces. This page covers security engineer compensation specifically in Seattle, WA.
The median security engineer salary in Seattle, WA is $181,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 1% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 155 (national average = 100), Seattle offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level security engineers in Seattle can expect to earn between $107,000 and $153,000 (about $61.54/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $293,000 ($293K annually, or about $140.87/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 Seattle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Security Engineer Salary in Seattle
What is the average Security Engineer salary in Seattle?+
The average Security Engineer salary in Seattle is $181,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $128,000 and senior-level pay reaches $244,000.
How much does an entry-level security engineer make in Seattle?+
Entry-level security engineers in Seattle earn between $107,000 and $153,000, with a median of $128,000 per year (about $61.54/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Security Engineer in Seattle?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Security Engineer in Seattle earns roughly $61.54/hour at entry-level, $87.02/hour at mid-level, and $117.31/hour at senior-level.
Is the Security Engineer salary in Seattle higher than the US average?+
Security Engineer salaries in Seattle 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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