TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Security Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$275,512/yr
Typical range: $234,100 – $287,859
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Security Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Security Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $126,587 | $10,549 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $156,372 | $13,031 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $176,229 | $14,686 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $204,028 | $17,002 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $275,512 | $22,959 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $345,507 | $28,792 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $363,006 | $30,251 | +187% |
Current Salary
$275,512
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $132/hr
Next Level Target
$345,507
Principal · 14
+$70Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
72/100
Above Average
+32% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Security Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Security Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $276K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $276K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $132/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Security Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Security Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $234K–$288K/yr.