Application Security Engineer Salary Guide
Application Security Engineers (AppSec) design and implement security into software development lifecycles. They perform code reviews, threat modeling, vulnerability assessments, and integrate security tooling and automation to prevent application-level vulnerabilities.
What is the average Application Security Engineer salary?
Entry Level
$85,000 - $115,000
Mid Level
$120,000 - $160,000
Senior Level
$165,000 - $240,000+
How does Application Security Engineer salary grow with experience?
Application Security Engineer salary by location
What factors affect a Application Security Engineer's salary?
- Technical skill set (SAST/DAST/IAST, secure coding, cloud security)
- Industry and company size (finance, regulated industries, large tech firms pay more)
- Geography and remote vs. onsite location
- Certifications and demonstrable hands-on experience (e.g., exploit development, OSCP)
- Security clearance or access to sensitive data
Frequently Asked Questions About Application Security Engineer Salaries
What is the average salary for an Application Security Engineer in the U.S.?
Average U.S. pay typically ranges from about $120,000 at mid-level up to $200,000+ for senior roles, with entry-level roles commonly starting near $85,000.
Which skills most increase an Application Security Engineer's salary?
Skills that boost pay include secure coding and code review, threat modeling, SAST/DAST/IAST tooling expertise, cloud security (AWS/Azure/GCP), and strong DevSecOps experience.
Do certifications raise Application Security Engineer pay?
Certifications like OSCP, CISSP, CSSLP, and relevant cloud certs can increase marketability and often lead to higher offers, especially combined with demonstrable hands-on experience.
How should I negotiate my Application Security Engineer salary?
Benchmark with market data, highlight measurable security impact, emphasize niche skills (e.g., AppSec automation, cloud security), and consider total compensation including equity and bonuses.
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