Technology · Level S1
Security Engineer
Owns security fundamentals, threat modelling, and vulnerability management — the entry to the fastest-growing computer occupation, where AI raises demand for the human defender.
Indicative, sourced ranges — not a guarantee. BLS OEWS May 2025 Information Security Analysts (15-1212) p25 $97,810 / p50 $129,180 / p75 $163,500 (via O*NET); Glassdoor 2026 Cybersecurity Engineer avg $159k (range $128k-$201k) - pack blends BLS floor with tech premium
Career Score
80/100 · ExceptionalIndicative role rating — same inputs give the same score. It rates the role, not you, and never predicts an outcome.
Strong pay headroom above this role — the ladder keeps climbing.
Hiring demand is high.
Adversarial, high-stakes and judgement-heavy; AI is used by both attackers and defenders, raising demand for the human defender. These tasks are automating — move up the scope ladder.
High barrier — difficulty, study load, or competition.
Long-term headroom above is high.
Work–life sustainability is moderate.
Explore & decide
The pay-vs-effort call, the routes in, and how it stacks up.
At a glance
AI & this role: Adversarial, high-stakes and judgement-heavy; AI is used by both attackers and defenders, raising demand for the human defender. The move is to climb the scope ladder, not to fear the tool.
What differentiates you at this level
- Security fundamentals (net/app/cloud)
- Threat modelling + vuln management
Where this leads — your highest-value routes
Ranked by pay ceiling. Progression is driven by scope and level transitions, not tenure.
Credentials that help
Credentials help entry and specialisation; they don't gate senior or leadership roles — scope does.
- CS / related bachelor's degree · $10k-$40k+/yr public in-state to private; highly variable
- CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) · ~$439
See current US Security Engineer listings mapped to your level, in your metro.
Browse Security Engineer jobs →FAQ
Typical US total compensation is $149,000–$215,000 (median $177,000), indicative and metro-dependent — see the pay breakdown.
Adversarial, high-stakes and judgement-heavy; AI is used by both attackers and defenders, raising demand for the human defender. The move is up the scope ladder, not away from AI.
The highest-value route is toward Security Architect (up to $370,000).