Cyber Security Engineer Salary in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average Cyber Security Engineer salary lies between USD 94,000 and USD 155,000 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Cyber Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Cyber Security Engineer job listings are Cloud, CISSP and Compliance. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 56 jobs CISSP | 35 jobs Compliance | 35 jobs SIEM | 33 jobs Automation | 31 jobs Firewalls | 28 jobs Monitoring | 27 jobs Computer Science | 26 jobs Python | 25 jobs Vulnerabilities | 24 jobs Linux | 24 jobs AWS | 23 jobs Clearance | 22 jobs Incident response | 21 jobs Azure | 21 jobs Windows | 19 jobs Scripting | 19 jobs Strategy | 17 jobs IDS | 15 jobs IPS | 15 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Cyber Security Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Cyber Security Engineer job listings are Health care, Career development and Team events. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Health care | 29 jobs Career development | 27 jobs Team events | 18 jobs Startup environment | 17 jobs Competitive pay | 16 jobs Insurance | 16 jobs Flex hours | 15 jobs Flex vacation | 14 jobs 401(k) matching | 10 jobs Medical leave | 8 jobs Equity / stock options | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 3 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Travel | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Cyber Security Engineer in the United States typically consists of a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry. For instance, tech companies and financial institutions often offer performance-based bonuses that can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups or large tech firms, and comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes even tuition reimbursement. The region also plays a crucial role; for example, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the current position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or artificial intelligence security. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also be beneficial. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Additionally, considering a move to a higher-paying region or industry, such as finance or healthcare, where cybersecurity is critical, can also lead to salary increases. Negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities can also be effective.

Educational Requirements

Most Cyber Security Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. Relevant coursework typically includes network security, cryptography, and information assurance. Practical experience gained through internships or cooperative education programs can also be highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, which can be attractive to employers.

Required Experience

The typical experience required for a Cyber Security Engineer role ranges from 3 to 5 years in IT or cybersecurity-related positions. Experience with network security, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessments is often required. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, as well as a strong understanding of security protocols and best practices, is crucial. For more senior roles, experience in leading security projects or teams may be necessary.

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