Salary Comparison

Security Engineer Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs San Antonio, TX

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

Los Angeles, CA
$213,054
/ year
+55%
difference
San Antonio, TX
$137,837
/ year
Bottom line: San Antonio offers better purchasing power despite Los Angeles paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$213,054✓ higher
$137,837
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$137,781✓ higher
$89,139
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$329,450✓ higher
$213,141
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$142,698✓ higher
$93,904
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$154,387
$156,633✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×
0.88×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$137,781✓ higher
$89,139
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$329,450✓ higher
$213,141

What if you move from Los Angeles to San Antonio?

Gross salary change
$75,217
55% decrease
Take-home change
$48,794
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$2,246
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

Los Angeles, CA$213,054
P10: $137,781Median: $213,054P90: $329,450
San Antonio, TX$137,837
P10: $89,139Median: $137,837P90: $213,141

More Security Engineer salary comparisons

Los Angeles vs New YorkLos Angeles vs ChicagoLos Angeles vs HoustonLos Angeles vs PhoenixLos Angeles vs PhiladelphiaLos Angeles vs San DiegoAll Security Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Security Engineer earn more in Los Angeles or San Antonio?

The median Security Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $213,054/yr compared to $137,837/yr in San Antonio, TX. Los Angeles pays 55% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Security Engineer salary worth more in Los Angeles or San Antonio after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Los Angeles salary has the purchasing power of $154,387/yr in a median-cost city, vs $156,633/yr for San Antonio. San Antonio offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Security Engineer in Los Angeles vs San Antonio?

After estimated taxes, a Security Engineer in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $142,698/yr, vs $93,904/yr in San Antonio, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.