TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Security Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$205,480/yr
Typical range: $174,595 – $214,688
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Security Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Security Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $94,410 | $7,868 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $116,624 | $9,719 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $131,433 | $10,953 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $152,166 | $12,681 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $205,480 | $17,123 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $257,683 | $21,474 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $270,734 | $22,561 | +187% |
Current Salary
$205,480
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $99/hr
Next Level Target
$257,683
Principal · 14
+$52Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
72/100
Above Average
+32% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Security Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Security Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $205K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $205K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $99/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Security Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Security Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $175K–$215K/yr.