CybersecurityUpdated Q1 2026

Security Engineer Salary
in Denver, CO

Build and maintain security systems, tools, and infrastructure. Median salary in Denver: $175K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$175K
per year
Take-home: $115K

Salary range in Denver

Entry level (25th)$136,000
Median (50th)$175,000
Senior (75th)$218,000
Top earner (90th)$271,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Denver, Colorado.

Key facts for Denver

Median salary
$175K
annual
Take-home pay
$115K
after fed/state tax
COL index
118
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.55%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,800
per month
YoY growth
+10.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Denver Security Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $175K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Denver

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Security Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$147K$160K$173K$185K$198K201920212023202520272029
2026
$179K
projected
2027
$184K
projected
2028
$188K
projected
2029
$193K
projected
2030
$198K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$175,000+$0
2028 projected$175,000+$0
2029 projected$175,000+$0
2030 projected$175,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Security Engineer Salary in Denver, Colorado: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Security Engineer salary in Denver, CO is $175,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Denver–CO metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Security Engineer in Denver

Entry-level Security Engineers in Denver with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $136,000 and $175,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $175,000 to $218,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $218,000 to $271,000 or more.

Cost of living in Denver for Security Engineers

Denver has a cost of living index of 118 compared to the US national average of 100. Denver's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Colorado has a 4.55% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Security Engineer

Bachelor's in CS or related; security certifications valued. This role is 70% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Denver-based professionals.

Security Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Denver (current)$175K118
Colorado Springs$145K102
Aurora$163K112
Fort Collins$166K112
Lakewood$170K115
Thornton$160K108