Salary Comparison

Security Engineer Salary:
Washington DC, DC vs Philadelphia, PA

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

Washington DC, DC
$223,387
/ year
+31%
difference
Philadelphia, PA
$170,681
/ year
Bottom line: Philadelphia offers better purchasing power despite Washington DC paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Washington DC
Philadelphia
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$223,387✓ higher
$170,681
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$144,463✓ higher
$110,379
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$345,429✓ higher
$263,928
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$149,725✓ higher
$113,885
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$157,315
$158,038✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
1.08×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$144,463✓ higher
$110,379
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$345,429✓ higher
$263,928

What if you move from Washington DC to Philadelphia?

Gross salary change
$52,706
31% decrease
Take-home change
$35,840
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$723
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

Washington DC, DC$223,387
P10: $144,463Median: $223,387P90: $345,429
Philadelphia, PA$170,681
P10: $110,379Median: $170,681P90: $263,928

More Security Engineer salary comparisons

Washington DC vs New YorkWashington DC vs Los AngelesWashington DC vs ChicagoWashington DC vs HoustonWashington DC vs PhoenixWashington DC vs San AntonioAll Security Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Security Engineer earn more in Washington DC or Philadelphia?

The median Security Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC is $223,387/yr compared to $170,681/yr in Philadelphia, PA. Washington DC pays 31% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Security Engineer salary worth more in Washington DC or Philadelphia after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Washington DC salary has the purchasing power of $157,315/yr in a median-cost city, vs $158,038/yr for Philadelphia. Philadelphia offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Security Engineer in Washington DC vs Philadelphia?

After estimated taxes, a Security Engineer in Washington DC, DC takes home approximately $149,725/yr, vs $113,885/yr in Philadelphia, PA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.