Incident Response Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Incident Response Engineer salary lies between USD 120,000 and USD 210,000 globally. 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.

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

Top 20 Job Tags for Incident Response Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Incident Response Engineer job listings are Incident response, Cloud and Forensics. 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:

Incident response | 72 jobs Cloud | 53 jobs Forensics | 43 jobs Python | 40 jobs Scripting | 35 jobs Monitoring | 34 jobs Threat intelligence | 29 jobs Malware | 29 jobs Linux | 27 jobs Windows | 27 jobs Automation | 26 jobs AWS | 24 jobs SOC | 24 jobs Network security | 22 jobs Firewalls | 22 jobs Privacy | 22 jobs Vulnerabilities | 21 jobs Azure | 20 jobs GCP | 20 jobs Computer Science | 18 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Incident Response Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Incident Response 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Health care | 34 jobs Career development | 33 jobs Team events | 32 jobs Flex vacation | 26 jobs Parental leave | 25 jobs Flex hours | 25 jobs Medical leave | 22 jobs Insurance | 22 jobs Equity / stock options | 19 jobs Startup environment | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 14 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Gear | 7 jobs Competitive pay | 6 jobs Relocation support | 6 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Signing bonus | 2 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Incident Response Engineer typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses are often tied to individual or company performance metrics and can vary significantly. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or profit-sharing schemes, which are more common in larger organizations.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and stock options due to the high cost of living and competitive job market. Industry also plays a role; financial services and tech companies often offer more lucrative compensation packages compared to other sectors. Company size can influence the availability of stock options or profit-sharing, with larger companies more likely to offer these benefits.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of an Incident Response Engineer, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or threat intelligence. Gaining expertise in these areas can make you more valuable to your employer and open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

Another strategy is to take on leadership roles or additional responsibilities within your team, which can demonstrate your capability for higher-level positions. Networking within the industry and staying updated on the latest trends and technologies can also provide insights into higher-paying opportunities. Finally, consider exploring roles in industries or regions known for higher compensation, such as finance or tech hubs.

Educational Requirements

Most Incident Response 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. A strong foundation in computer science principles, networking, and cybersecurity is essential.

In addition to formal education, practical experience and a deep understanding of cybersecurity tools and techniques are highly valued. Employers often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to handle real-world security incidents effectively.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for an Incident Response Engineer role. Some of the most recognized certifications in the field include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+

These certifications validate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field for an Incident Response Engineer role. Experience in roles such as a security analyst, network administrator, or systems administrator can be beneficial.

Hands-on experience with incident response, threat analysis, and security tools is crucial. Employers value candidates who have demonstrated their ability to manage and mitigate security incidents effectively.

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