TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Security Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$251,415/yr
Typical range: $213,625 – $262,682
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Security Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Security Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $115,515 | $9,626 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $142,695 | $11,891 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $160,815 | $13,401 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $186,183 | $15,515 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $251,415 | $20,951 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $315,288 | $26,274 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $331,256 | $27,605 | +187% |
Current Salary
$251,415
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $121/hr
Next Level Target
$315,288
Principal · 14
+$64Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
72/100
Above Average
+32% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Security Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Security Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $251K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $251K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $121/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Security Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Security Engineer in Boston, MA earns $214K–$263K/yr.