Security Engineer Salary in Washington DC (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does security engineer in Washington DC make?
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Our Know Your Worth tool uses your exact experience in Washington DC and skills to calculate where you land in the range for Security Engineer roles.
In Washington DC, Security Engineers earn competitive salaries ranging from $87,096 to $123,888 annually, reflecting the city's high demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Key Facts
- Entry-Level Security Engineers earn an average of $87,096 annually.
- Mid-Level Security Engineers earn an average of $123,888 annually.
- Senior Security Engineers earn an average of $151,468 annually.
- Lead Security Engineers earn an average of $209,054 annually.
- Washington DC's cost of living index is 143.9, significantly above the national average.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level Security Engineer: Average annual salary of $87,096, with a range from $79,073 to $94,993. (salary.com)
Mid-Level Security Engineer: Average annual salary of $123,888, with a range from $87,330 to $175,750. (indeed.com)
Senior Security Engineer: Average annual salary of $151,468. (indeed.com)
Lead Security Engineer: Average annual salary of $209,054. (indeed.com)
How Washington DC Compares
Washington DC's cost of living index is 143.9, making it one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. (sofi.com) Housing costs are nearly twice the national average, with average home prices exceeding $1 million. (kiplinger.com) Despite higher salaries, the elevated cost of living may offset financial advantages compared to other cities.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in network security, information systems security, and cybersecurity are highly valued. Experience with security operations and IT security also enhances earning potential.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies in Washington DC offer comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. The work culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and staying abreast of evolving security threats.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, Security Engineers should pursue advanced certifications, stay updated with emerging technologies, and consider roles in top-paying companies within Washington DC.
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Security Engineer Insights — Washington DC
Security Engineer salaries in Washington DC range from $87,096 to $123,888, a 35% spread indicating moderate variation depending on seniority and employer. The median of $105,492 sits near or above the midpoint, indicating strong market demand pushing compensation upward.
Washington DC's cost of living index of 96/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $105,492 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for security engineer in Washington DC is anchored by employers like KPMG, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Noblis, along with 2 other notable employers. These employers offer competitive packages that generally align with market rates, with differentiation coming through benefits, growth opportunities, and work flexibility.
Demand for security engineer in Washington DC centers around expertise in Network Security, Information Systems Security, Cybersecurity, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $123,888 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Cybersecurity Engineer or Network Security Engineer.
Related Roles in Washington DC
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Engineer | San Francisco | $111,803 - $312,614 | $186,953 |
| Security Engineer | New York | $91,518 - $265,772 | $155,958 |
| Security Engineer | Remote | $161,014 - $223,002 | $192,008 |
| Security Engineer | London | £40,000 - £90,000 | £70,000 |
| Security Engineer | Bonn | €45,000 - €80,000 | €60,000 |
| Security Engineer |
Security Engineer Salaries by City
Compare security engineer compensation across different locations
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Security Engineer in Washington DC?
The average salary for a Security Engineer in Washington DC is $123,888 per year. ([indeed.com](https://www.indeed.com/career/security-engineer/salaries/Washington--DC?utm_source=openai))
How does the cost of living in Washington DC affect Security Engineer salaries?
While Security Engineers in Washington DC earn higher salaries, the cost of living index of 143.9 means that expenses are significantly above the national average, potentially offsetting higher earnings. ([sofi.com](https://www.sofi.com/cost-of-living-in-washington-dc/?utm_source=openai))
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for security engineer in Washington DC is compiled from multiple verified sources including:
- Public salary reports from major tech employers (FAANG, Fortune 500, and high-growth startups)
- Government labor statistics and occupational wage surveys
- Aggregated self-reported compensation data from verified professionals
- Job posting analysis from major tech job boards and company career pages
All figures represent base salary in USD and are normalized to annual equivalents. Ranges reflect the 25th to 75th percentile of reported compensation, while median values represent the 50th percentile. Data is updated quarterly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sample size: Varies by role and location (minimum 30 data points required for publication)