Detection Engineer Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Detection Engineer salary lies between USD 187,000 and USD 275,000 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 SIEM. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Incident response | 36 jobs Cloud | 33 jobs SIEM | 30 jobs Threat detection | 29 jobs Automation | 27 jobs Splunk | 26 jobs Malware | 23 jobs AWS | 23 jobs Monitoring | 23 jobs Threat intelligence | 21 jobs Python | 21 jobs MITRE ATT&CK | 20 jobs Azure | 19 jobs EDR | 19 jobs SaaS | 17 jobs Linux | 17 jobs Windows | 17 jobs IDS | 16 jobs Forensics | 16 jobs GCP | 16 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 Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 31 jobs Health care | 29 jobs Equity / stock options | 24 jobs Team events | 22 jobs Flex hours | 20 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Parental leave | 15 jobs Competitive pay | 14 jobs Medical leave | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 14 jobs 401(k) matching | 13 jobs Insurance | 13 jobs Startup environment | 10 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Transparency | 6 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs Relocation support | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs Gear | 3 jobs

Salary Composition for a Detection Engineer

The salary for a Detection Engineer in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can make up the remaining 5-10%, though this can be higher in tech companies or startups that offer equity as part of their compensation package.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Industry and company size also play a role; larger companies or those in high-demand sectors like finance or technology may offer more lucrative compensation packages.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary further from a Detection Engineer position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as threat intelligence, incident response, or cloud security, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field, potentially leading to higher pay.
• Seek Leadership Roles: Transitioning into a managerial or leadership role can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Negotiate Effectively: Regularly review your compensation package and be prepared to negotiate for raises or additional benefits based on your performance and market trends.
• Expand Your Network: Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions or consulting roles.

Educational Requirements

Most Detection Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in the technical skills necessary for the role, such as programming, network security, and systems analysis.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can be a valuable asset for a Detection Engineer, showcasing specialized knowledge and skills. Some common and beneficial 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 can enhance your resume and may be required or preferred by certain employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Detection Engineer role requires 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience in roles such as security analyst, network administrator, or systems engineer can provide the necessary skills and knowledge. Hands-on experience with security tools, threat detection, and incident response is crucial. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to analyze complex security issues and develop effective solutions.

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