TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Security Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$250,704/yr
Typical range: $210,592 – $333,033
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Security Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Security Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $180,083 | $15,007 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $222,456 | $18,538 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $250,704 | $20,892 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $290,251 | $24,188 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $391,945 | $32,662 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $491,521 | $40,960 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $516,415 | $43,035 | +187% |
Current Salary
$250,704
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $121/hr
Next Level Target
$290,251
Senior · 6
+$40Kpotential 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 San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Security Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $251K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $251K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $121/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Security Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Security Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $333K–$410K/yr.