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2026 Salary Data — San Francisco, CA
Updated April 28, 2026

Security Engineer Salary in San Francisco: $220K Median

Security Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn between $143K and $363K per year.

That's +55% above the US national median of $142,000 for this role.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Security Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $220,100 per year — +55% above the US national median of $142,000. Salaries range from $143,065 (entry, 25th percentile) to $363,165 (90th percentile). Security Engineers in San Francisco earned approximately $35,500 in 2025, representing 520.0% year-over-year growth.

Median
$220,100
+520.0% YoY · $18,342/mo
Entry
$171,678
0–2 years
Experienced
$290,532
5+ years
Top 10%
$363,165
Senior/lead
Security Engineer Salary — San Francisco vs Nearby
San Francisco
$220K
Los Angeles
$182K
+21% vs San Francisco
San Diego
$168K
+31% vs San Francisco
Fresno
$135K
+63% vs San Francisco

Free ATS scan · San Francisco employers · Results in 60 seconds

About Security Engineers in San Francisco

Security engineers design and implement systems that protect organizations from cyber threats. They build secure infrastructure, perform threat modeling, and respond to incidents.

Core Responsibilities

  • Design secure infrastructure and architectures
  • Perform threat modeling and risk assessments
  • Implement zero-trust controls and EDR tooling
  • Lead incident response and forensics
  • Build security automation and tooling

Education & Certifications

Typical path: Bachelor's degree + security certifications (or equivalent experience)

In-demand certifications

CISSPSecurity+OSCPCEHCISMAWS Security Specialty

San Francisco Job Market

Global tech capital with highest tech salaries in the US, especially AI/ML.

Population
873K
Cost of Living
244
vs 100 US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
Median Home
$1300K

Top Industries in San Francisco

Tech (FAANG, AI)FinanceBiotechTourism

Top Employers Hiring Security Engineers

Major employers active in San Francisco or hiring remotely from this metro.

CrowdStrike
Palo Alto Networks
Mandiant
Microsoft
Google
Amazon
Cloudflare
Okta

All major employers use ATS software.

Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, and iCIMS auto-screen 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. Scan your resume free to see your match rate.

2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords

Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.

Hottest 2026 Skills

These appear in the highest-paying Security Engineer listings.

zero-trustcloud security (AWS/GCP)threat modelingEDR/XDRKubernetes securityAI security

ATS Resume Keywords

Include these naturally throughout your resume.

CISSPzero-trustthreat modelingEDRSIEMpenetration testingcloud securityIAMincident responseNIST
Career Outlook
+32% Growth Projected (2024-2034)

Security engineer demand projected to grow 32% through 2034 — among the fastest in tech. Severe talent shortage with 700K+ unfilled US cybersecurity roles.

Security Engineer Salary Breakdown — San Francisco

PeriodEntry (25th)Median (50th)Top (90th)
Annual$143,065$220,100$363,165
Monthly$11,922$18,342$30,264
Weekly$2,751$4,233$6,984
Hourly$69$106$175

Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($142,000) adjusted for San Francisco's cost-of-living multiplier (1.55×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).

Security Engineer Take-Home Pay in San Francisco

After federal, state and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.

Net Annual Take-Home
$151,061.85
Per month$12,588
Biweekly paycheck$5,810
Effective tax rate31.4%

Tax Breakdown on $220,100

Gross salary$220,100
Federal income tax−$42,823
California state tax−$12,105.5
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)−$14,109.65
Take-home (net)$151,061.85

Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.

Security Engineer Salary by Experience — San Francisco

Career-stage progression for Security Engineers in San Francisco.

ExperienceAnnual Salary
0–1 yr$157,944
2–3 yr$171,678
4–6 yr$231,105
7–10 yr$290,532
11–15 yr$342,828
15+ yr$326,849

Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for San Francisco's 1.55× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.

Year-Over-Year Trend

+520.0% vs 2025

2025 median:$35,500
2026 median:$220,100
Change:+$184,600

Technology sector growth driven by demand for zero-trust and cloud security (AWS/GCP).

Is This A Good Salary?

Solid above median

Real purchasing power lands comfortably above the national middle-class threshold once cost of living is factored in. Homeownership and meaningful retirement savings are achievable on a single income.

COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$90,205
Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.

How to Negotiate Your Security Engineer Salary in San Francisco

Walk-away anchor: $191,391 (offers below this are below market for San Francisco).

Leverage Points

  • Reference levels.fyi total compensation data for your level (L4/L5/etc.) at comparable companies
  • Quantify recent shipped impact: latency reduced, revenue driven, on-call incidents resolved
  • Hold a competing offer (or credible interview pipeline) before the salary conversation
  • Highlight in-demand skill premiums: LLMs, Kubernetes, Rust, distributed systems

Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate

Sign-on bonus ($25K-$100K is standard at Big Tech)RSU refreshers and accelerated vesting cliffsRemote/hybrid flexibility and home-office stipendAnnual learning budget and conference allowanceSabbatical eligibility after 4-5 years

What To Say

"Based on levels.fyi data and what I'm seeing from comparable offers, total compensation for this level is closer to $X base plus equity. Can we close the gap on base or front-load the RSU grant?"

Anchor on $291K–$363K for experienced roles, citing San Francisco market data and your specific zero-trust/cloud security (AWS/GCP) expertise.

Security Engineer Salary FAQ — San Francisco

What is the average Security Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
The average Security Engineer salary in San Francisco is $220,100 per year as of April 2026 — $18,342/month, $4,233/week, or about $106/hour. Salaries range from $143,065 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $363,165 (experienced, 90th percentile). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics adjusted for San Francisco's cost-of-living multiplier (1.55×).
Is $220,100 a good Security Engineer salary in San Francisco?
Solid above median. Real purchasing power lands comfortably above the national middle-class threshold once cost of living is factored in. Homeownership and meaningful retirement savings are achievable on a single income. San Francisco's cost-of-living index is 244 (vs 100 nationally), giving $220,100 a real purchasing power of approximately $90,205 in national terms. Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.
Can you live on $220,100 in San Francisco?
Median pay is below HUD's low-income threshold for a family of four in some of these metros (notably San Francisco, where $104K qualifies as 'low income'). Raising a family on the median typically requires two earners, a long commute, or family help with housing. Spending 30% on rent is impossible at the median in this market - most workers spend 40-50% or take roommates well into their 30s. HUD classifies anything over 30% as 'cost-burdened' here. For San Francisco specifically (median home price $1,300,000), a $220,100 salary supports a comfortable lifestyle.
Is $220,100 enough for a single person in San Francisco?
A single adult in San Francisco typically needs ~$109,800 for a comfortable lifestyle (housing, food, transport, healthcare, modest savings). A $220,100 salary is well above that threshold — a single person can live comfortably with significant savings room.
Is $220,100 enough for a couple in San Francisco?
A couple (one earner) in San Francisco typically needs ~$175,680 for a comfortable lifestyle. A $220,100 salary as the sole household income is sufficient — enabling moderate housing, savings, and discretionary spending. Two earners at $220,100 each ($440,200 household) provides solid middle-class comfort.
Is $220,100 enough for a family of 4 in San Francisco?
A family of 4 (one earner) in San Francisco typically needs ~$268,400 for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle (housing for 4, childcare/school, food, healthcare, transport, savings). A $220,100 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most families need a second income or to live in cheaper suburbs/exurbs of San Francisco. Childcare costs in San Francisco typically run $37K-$68K per child per year.
What is the take-home pay for a Security Engineer in San Francisco?
On a $220,100 Security Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA, you take home approximately $151,061.85 per year ($12,588/month, $5,810 per biweekly paycheck) after taxes. Breakdown: federal $42,823, state $12,105.5, FICA $14,109.65. Effective tax rate: 31.4%. (Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.)
How much do Security Engineers in San Francisco earn compared to the US average?
Security Engineers in San Francisco earn approximately 55% more than the US national median for this role ($142,000 nationally vs $220,100 in San Francisco). However, San Francisco's cost-of-living index of 244 means real purchasing power is approximately $90,205 when adjusted for local prices.
What does an entry-level Security Engineer earn in San Francisco?
Entry-level Security Engineers in San Francisco typically start at around $171,678 (0–2 years experience). With 5+ years, Security Engineers earn $290,532 or more. Top earners (90th percentile) reach $363,165+, typically at senior or lead levels with specialized skills.
Did Security Engineer salaries in San Francisco increase in 2026?
Yes — Security Engineer salaries in San Francisco grew approximately 520.0% year-over-year, from $35,500 in 2025 to $220,100 in 2026 (+$184,600). This reflects the broader Technology sector's compensation trend, driven by zero-trust and cloud security (AWS/GCP) demand.
What's the job outlook for Security Engineers in San Francisco?
Security engineer demand projected to grow 32% through 2034 — among the fastest in tech. Severe talent shortage with 700K+ unfilled US cybersecurity roles. San Francisco's top industries include Tech (FAANG, AI), Finance, Biotech, and the metro's current unemployment rate is 4.5% — steady demand for skilled workers.
What skills are most in demand for Security Engineers in 2026?
The hottest 2026 skills for Security Engineers are: zero-trust, cloud security (AWS/GCP), threat modeling, EDR/XDR, Kubernetes security, AI security. ATS systems specifically scan for these keywords. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — significantly improves your match rate with employers in San Francisco.
Who are the top employers hiring Security Engineers in San Francisco?
Top employers hiring Security Engineers in or near San Francisco include: CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Mandiant, Microsoft, Google, Amazon. Most use ATS software (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS) to screen resumes — meaning your resume must be ATS-optimized to even get a human reader.
How do I negotiate a higher Security Engineer salary in San Francisco?
Based on levels.fyi data and what I'm seeing from comparable offers, total compensation for this level is closer to $X base plus equity. Can we close the gap on base or front-load the RSU grant? Key leverage points for Technology negotiations: Reference levels.fyi total compensation data for your level (L4/L5/etc.) at comparable companies; Quantify recent shipped impact: latency reduced, revenue driven, on-call incidents resolved; Hold a competing offer (or credible interview pipeline) before the salary conversation. Beyond base salary, negotiate for: Sign-on bonus ($25K-$100K is standard at Big Tech), RSU refreshers and accelerated vesting cliffs, Remote/hybrid flexibility and home-office stipend, Annual learning budget and conference allowance.
How can I increase my Security Engineer salary in San Francisco?
Three highest-leverage moves: (1) Add 2026's hot skills (zero-trust, cloud security (AWS/GCP), threat modeling) — they command 15-30% premiums. (2) Get a recognized certification (e.g., CISSP or Security+). (3) Tailor your resume to each role's keywords — CVCraft's ATS scanner shows you exactly what's missing.
What education do I need to become a Security Engineer in San Francisco?
Bachelor's degree + security certifications (or equivalent experience) is the typical path. However, San Francisco's competitive market increasingly values demonstrable skills, portfolios, and certifications alongside (or in place of) traditional degrees — particularly for Technology roles.

Methodology & Sources

Security Engineer salary figures for San Francisco are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($142,000) by San Francisco's cost-of-living multiplier of 1.55× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (520.0%) reflects the Technology sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.

Data Sources

Related Roles in San Francisco

Cybersecurity Analyst →DevOps Engineer →Software Engineer →Data Scientist →Product Manager →Web Developer →

Security Engineer Salary in Other Cities

Los Angeles, CA$182KSan Diego, CA$168KFresno, CA$135KSacramento, CA$153KLong Beach, CA$170KOakland, CA$199K

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