Salary Comparison

Security Engineer Salary:
London vs Edinburgh

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

London
$160,327
/ year
+47%
difference
Edinburgh
$108,853
/ year
Bottom line: London wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
London
Edinburgh
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$160,327✓ higher
$108,853
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$103,683✓ higher
$70,395
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$247,917✓ higher
$168,322
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$99,403✓ higher
$74,020
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$106,885✓ higher
$94,655
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.50×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$81,910✓ higher
$55,612
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$195,854✓ higher
$132,974

What if you move from London to Edinburgh?

Gross salary change
$51,474
47% decrease
Take-home change
$25,383
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$12,230
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

London$160,327
P10: $81,910Median: $160,327P90: $195,854
Edinburgh$108,853
P10: $55,612Median: $108,853P90: $132,974

More Security Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Security Engineer earn more in London or Edinburgh?

The median Security Engineer salary in London is £126,658/yr compared to £85,994/yr in Edinburgh. London pays 47% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Security Engineer salary worth more in London or Edinburgh after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your London salary has the purchasing power of $106,885/yr in a median-cost city, vs $94,655/yr for Edinburgh. London offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Security Engineer in London vs Edinburgh?

After estimated taxes, a Security Engineer in London takes home approximately $99,403/yr, vs $74,020/yr in Edinburgh. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.