TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Security Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$121,311/yr
Typical range: $115,369 – $141,862
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $121,311 | $10,109 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $149,854 | $12,488 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $168,883 | $14,074 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $195,524 | $16,294 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $264,029 | $22,002 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $331,107 | $27,592 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $347,876 | $28,990 | +187% |
Current Salary
$121,311
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $58/hr
Next Level Target
$149,854
Junior · 2
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
72/100
Above Average
+32% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Security Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Security Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $121K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Security Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $121K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $58/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Security Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Security Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $224K–$276K/yr.