Information Security Engineer: career path and pay in the US
Where a Information Security Engineer goes next, what each step typically pays in the United States, and how exposed the path is to AI replacement. 4 steps, from Junior Information Security Engineer to Principal Information Security Engineer / Information Security Manager / CISO.
Also for the United Kingdom: Information Security Engineer in the UK
The path
Step 1 · 0 to 3 years
Junior Information Security Engineer
$145K to $220K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: CompTIA Security+ - Global, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) - Global, GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials) - Global, BCS Foundation Certificate (optional) - UK/EU.
Step 2 · 3 to 7 years
Information Security Engineer
$165K to $245K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - Global, CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) - Global, CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) - Global, BCS Practitioner Certificate - UK/EU.
Step 3 · 7 to 12 years
Senior Information Security Engineer / Information Security Architect
$185K to $275K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: CISSP - Global, CISM - Global, CISA - Global, BCS Advanced Certificate - UK/EU.
Step 4 · 12+ years
Principal Information Security Engineer / Information Security Manager / CISO
$205K to $310K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: CISSP - Global, CISM - Global, CISA - Global, BCS Chartered IT Professional - UK/EU.
Exposure and pay along the path
Exposure to AI, now to later
24% → 24%
Stays level across the path. Lower is better.
Typical pay, now to later
$145K to $220K → $205K to $310K
US estimates by job title, Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US. The published figure for Information Security Engineer sat below the previous step, so this band is set 12% above it. The published figure for Senior Information Security Engineer sat below the previous step, so this band is set 12% above it. The published figure for Principal Information Security Engineer sat below the previous step, so this band is set 12% above it.
What the work involves
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
Education people bring
- Bachelor's Degree: 53%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: 23%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree: 13%
Job Zone 4, job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Other paths from here
More Technology paths in the US
Related occupations in O*NET: Information Security Engineers, Penetration Testers, Digital Forensics Analysts, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Computer Systems Analysts.
Your own role
How exposed is your job, task by task? Free score in under a minute.
SourcesSalary bands: Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US, US national averages by job title, retrieved September 2026Skills, knowledge and education: O*NET 31.0 Database
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CC BY 4.0
Salary estimates by job title from Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale, retrieved September 2026. Each band runs from 20% below to 20% above the reported average, rounded to $5K. Exposure percentages and the skills listed under each step are this app's own editorial ratings, not published data.