Detection Engineer Salary in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average Detection Engineer salary lies between USD 165,000 and USD 240,000 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: Dec. 15, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Detection Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Detection Engineer job listings are Incident response, Cloud and Threat detection. 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:

Incident response | 44 jobs Cloud | 44 jobs Threat detection | 36 jobs Python | 33 jobs Splunk | 32 jobs Linux | 31 jobs Automation | 29 jobs SIEM | 28 jobs Monitoring | 25 jobs Scripting | 25 jobs Windows | 23 jobs Computer Science | 23 jobs EDR | 21 jobs AWS | 18 jobs MITRE ATT&CK | 18 jobs Malware | 17 jobs Analytics | 12 jobs GCIH | 12 jobs Open Source | 12 jobs PowerShell | 12 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Detection Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Detection Engineer job listings are Health care, Career development and Equity / stock options. 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 | 26 jobs Career development | 23 jobs Equity / stock options | 22 jobs 401(k) matching | 20 jobs Team events | 20 jobs Competitive pay | 15 jobs Startup environment | 13 jobs Flex hours | 10 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs Insurance | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs Home office stipend | 7 jobs Wellness | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Medical leave | 3 jobs Fertility benefits | 3 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Detection Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, making up about 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can range from 10-20%, depending on the company's success and individual performance. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. In larger corporations or financial institutions, bonuses might be more substantial, reflecting the company's profitability and the employee's contribution.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven threat detection. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, gaining experience in leadership or management positions can lead to roles with greater responsibility and higher pay. Exploring opportunities in high-demand regions or industries, such as finance or healthcare, where cybersecurity is critical, can also result in higher compensation.

Educational Requirements

Most Detection Engineer roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, especially for senior roles. A strong foundation in computer science principles, networking, and security protocols is essential. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies are also crucial for success in this field.

Helpful Certifications

Several certifications can enhance your qualifications for a Detection Engineer role. Common and highly regarded certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and provide specialized knowledge that can be beneficial in detection engineering.

Required Experience

Typically, a Detection Engineer position requires 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and incident response is often necessary. Hands-on experience in threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, and network security is also valuable. For senior roles, more extensive experience, including leadership or project management, may be required.

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