📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Cybersecurity Engineer Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$181,760
per year
Median
$173,240
per year
Hourly
$87.38
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$116,440
25th Percentile — Junior$150,520
50th Percentile — Median$173,240
75th Percentile — Senior$227,200
90th Percentile — Top Earners$256,054
💡 Top-earning Cybersecurity Engineers in California make up to $256,054 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$120.9k
2021
$131.2k
2022
$142.3k
2023
$154.4k
2024
$167.5k
2025
$181.8k
2026
📈 Cybersecurity Engineer salaries in California have followed the national trend with 8.5% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Cybersecurity Engineer Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $281,728 +55.0% Very High
San Diego $269,005 +48.0% Very High
San Jose $312,627 +72.0% Very High
San Francisco $336,256 +85.0% Very High
Fresno $196,301 +8.0% Very High
Sacramento $221,747 +22.0% Very High
Long Beach $263,552 +45.0% Very High
Bakersfield $196,301 +8.0% Very High
Anaheim $258,099 +42.0% Very High
Santa Ana $254,464 +40.0% Very High
Riverside $232,653 +28.0% Very High
Stockton $214,477 +18.0% Very High
Irvine $281,728 +55.0% Very High
San Bernardino $214,477 +18.0% Very High
Modesto $203,571 +12.0% Very High
Fontana $221,747 +22.0% Very High
Moreno Valley $209,024 +15.0% Very High
Glendale $269,005 +48.0% Very High
Fremont $290,816 +60.0% Very High
🔍
Cybersecurity Engineer Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Cybersecurity Engineers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $181,760 per year, California's Cybersecurity Engineer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $116,440–$150,520, while experienced Cybersecurity Engineers can command $227,200–$256,054.

Looking ahead, the Cybersecurity Engineer profession in California is projected to grow at 8.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Cybersecurity Engineer salary in California is $181,760 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $128,000.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Cybersecurity Engineers the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Cybersecurity Engineer employment.
  • At $181,760/year, California Cybersecurity Engineer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $128,000/year.