TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Security Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$278,910/yr
Typical range: $236,988 – $291,409
P90 · 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 | $128,148 | $10,679 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $158,301 | $13,192 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $178,402 | $14,867 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $206,544 | $17,212 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $278,910 | $23,243 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $349,769 | $29,147 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $367,483 | $30,624 | +187% |
Current Salary
$278,910
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $134/hr
Next Level Target
$349,769
Principal · 14
+$71Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
72/100
Above Average
+32% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Security Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Security Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $279K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $279K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $134/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $237K–$291K/yr.