TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Security Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$129,294/yr
Typical range: $108,607 – $171,753
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Security Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Security Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
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 | $92,873 | $7,739 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $114,726 | $9,561 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $129,294 | $10,775 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $149,689 | $12,474 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $202,135 | $16,845 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $253,489 | $21,124 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $266,327 | $22,194 | +187% |
Current Salary
$129,294
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$149,689
Senior · 6
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
72/100
Above Average
+32% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Security Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Security Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $129K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Security Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $129K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Security Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Security Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $172K–$211K/yr.