Firewall Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Firewall Engineer salary lies between USD 99,200 and USD 172,000 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. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Firewall Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Firewall Engineer job listings are Firewalls, Network security and Cloud. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Firewalls | 103 jobs Network security | 62 jobs Cloud | 56 jobs VPN | 50 jobs Compliance | 42 jobs Monitoring | 38 jobs IPS | 37 jobs Computer Science | 35 jobs AWS | 31 jobs IDS | 30 jobs Clearance | 28 jobs Python | 26 jobs CCNP | 26 jobs Scripting | 25 jobs Automation | 23 jobs Azure | 21 jobs CISSP | 21 jobs TCP/IP | 21 jobs Vulnerabilities | 19 jobs Incident response | 18 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Firewall Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Firewall Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Competitive pay. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 54 jobs Health care | 44 jobs Competitive pay | 24 jobs 401(k) matching | 21 jobs Insurance | 21 jobs Medical leave | 18 jobs Equity / stock options | 16 jobs Startup environment | 16 jobs Wellness | 14 jobs Team events | 14 jobs Parental leave | 11 jobs Flex hours | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 11 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Firewall Engineer

The salary composition for a Firewall Engineer in the United States typically includes a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, and comprehensive benefits packages, which can add another 5% to 10% to the overall compensation.

Regional differences can affect salary composition, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries and more lucrative stock options. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and healthcare sectors might offer higher bonuses due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these fields. Larger companies often provide more structured bonus programs and stock options compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary beyond the median of $135,000, consider pursuing advanced certifications and specialized training that can set you apart from your peers. Transitioning into roles with greater responsibility, such as a Security Architect or a Cybersecurity Manager, can also lead to higher compensation. Networking within the industry and seeking opportunities in high-demand sectors like finance or technology can provide leverage for salary negotiations. Additionally, gaining expertise in emerging technologies such as cloud security or artificial intelligence can make you more valuable to employers.

Educational Requirements

Most Firewall Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education, but a degree is often preferred. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity or information systems, can enhance your qualifications and open doors to higher-level positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field, and several are particularly beneficial for a Firewall Engineer. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is highly regarded and demonstrates a broad understanding of cybersecurity principles. The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) are also valuable, especially for those looking to move into management roles. Vendor-specific certifications, such as those from Cisco (CCNA Security, CCNP Security) or Palo Alto Networks (PCNSE), can provide specialized knowledge that is directly applicable to firewall management.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3 to 5 years of experience in network security or a related field. Experience with specific firewall technologies and security protocols is often required. Hands-on experience in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting firewalls, as well as a solid understanding of network architecture, is essential. Experience in incident response and threat analysis can also be advantageous.

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