Security Engineer Salary in Texas (2026)
Median Security Engineer salary in Texas is approximately $126,100/year — about 3.0% below the national average.
Annual salary breakdown
After-tax estimate
| State | Estimated annual | vs Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | $126,100 | +$0 |
| Pennsylvania | $126,100 | +$0 |
| Utah | $126,100 | +$0 |
| Vermont | $128,700 | +$2,600 |
Security Engineer salaries in Texas, explained
The estimated median Security Engineer salary in Texas is $126,100/year, which is about 3.0% below the US national median of $130,000. That works out to roughly $61/hour at a standard 40-hour week, $2,425/week, $4,850/biweekly, or $10,508/month before taxes.
Texas ranks 25 of 51 US states (including DC) on a cost-of-living-adjusted compensation basis. The state multiplier of 0.97× reflects how typical wages adjust to local prices — higher in places like California, New York, and Massachusetts; lower in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas.
Texas spotlight: economy and Security Engineer role context
No state income tax; energy capital with rapid Austin tech growth. Economically, energy and technology dominate. From a cost-of-living standpoint, this is a mid-cost state near the national average, which directly informs how regional employers price Security Engineer roles — higher COL areas adjust salaries upward to remain competitive in the labor market.
No state income tax, with significant technology sector employment. Notable area employers include ExxonMobil, Dell, AT&T, which often pay above the state median for Security Engineers working in the industry.
No state income tax levies no state income tax, which materially boosts after-tax take-home compared to neighboring states. For a Security Engineer earning the state median, this typically saves $3,000–$8,000/year vs. an equivalent role in a state with 5% effective state tax.
What affects your actual salary
- Experience level: entry-level often 25–35% below median, senior roles 40–60%+ above.
- Metro area within Texas: major metros pay more than rural areas. Bay Area vs Central Valley California is a 30%+ swing.
- Employer size: large companies typically pay 10–20% more than small businesses for the same role.
- Industry: a Software Engineer at a tech company makes more than at a non-tech employer; a Marketing Manager at a top brand earns more than at a startup.
- Education and credentials: degrees and certifications can shift compensation by 15–30%.
- Negotiation: simply asking for more and negotiating can move offers 5–15%.
Take-home pay in Texas
Of the gross $126,100, you take home roughly $98,799 after federal income tax (~14% effective at this income level), FICA (7.65%), and Texas's state income tax (none — Texas has no state income tax). That's about $8,233/month after-tax.
For a precise after-tax calculation including 401(k) contributions, HSA, filing status, and state-specific brackets, use our Texas Paycheck Calculator. For comparisons across cities, see the Paycheck Calculator with city-specific tax data.
Where this number comes from
Our estimate combines: (1) US national median for Security Engineer based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, and (2) Texas's cost-of-living multiplier derived from BEA Regional Price Parities. The multiplier captures average wage adjustment to local prices — useful for budgeting and offer comparisons.
For more precise numbers specific to your role and metro: BLS OES (bls.gov/oes), Glassdoor, Levels.fyi (tech roles), salary.com, or LinkedIn Salary Insights. Cross-reference 2-3 sources before negotiation.
Related tools
Salary Calculator — convert hourly to annual. Texas Paycheck Calculator — exact take-home. Income Tax Calculator — federal tax with brackets. Texas Mortgage Calculator — what you can afford. Investment Calculator — long-term growth from this income.