TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years

Staff / Lead Security Engineer Salary in Austin

2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.

$254,604/yr

Typical range: $216,335 $266,014

P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Security Engineer Salary Progression in Austin

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$116,980$9,748
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$144,505$12,042+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$162,855$13,571+39%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$188,545$15,712+61%
StaffThis page10 yrs10 yrs$254,604$21,217+118%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$319,288$26,607+173%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$335,459$27,955+187%
Current Salary
$254,604
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $122/hr
Next Level Target
$319,288
Principal · 14
+$65Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
72/100
Above Average
+32% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the staff / lead Security Engineer salary in Austin, TX?

Staff / Lead Security Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $255K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a staff / lead Security Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?

Based on $255K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $122/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from staff / lead to senior Security Engineer in Austin, TX?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Security Engineer in Austin, TX earns $216K–$266K/yr.