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 |
What 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
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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