Information Security Engineer Salary in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average Information Security Engineer salary lies between USD 101,000 and USD 130,000 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. 24, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Information Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Information Security Engineer job listings are Cloud, AWS 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 | 95 jobs AWS | 72 jobs Compliance | 57 jobs Python | 52 jobs Computer Science | 52 jobs Automation | 48 jobs CISSP | 44 jobs Linux | 44 jobs Incident response | 42 jobs Firewalls | 42 jobs SIEM | 41 jobs Vulnerabilities | 39 jobs Monitoring | 39 jobs Azure | 38 jobs GCP | 37 jobs Windows | 34 jobs IPS | 33 jobs Vulnerability management | 33 jobs Privacy | 33 jobs Scripting | 33 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Information Security Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Information Security Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care 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:

Career development | 63 jobs Health care | 37 jobs Team events | 35 jobs Startup environment | 32 jobs Flex hours | 27 jobs Equity / stock options | 25 jobs Parental leave | 21 jobs Flex vacation | 15 jobs Wellness | 15 jobs Salary bonus | 13 jobs Home office stipend | 13 jobs 401(k) matching | 12 jobs Competitive pay | 12 jobs Insurance | 12 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 6 jobs Fertility benefits | 5 jobs Gear | 3 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Signing bonus | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Information Security Engineer in the United States typically consists of a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. 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's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or profit-sharing plans, which are more common in larger corporations.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, 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. Industry also plays a role; financial services and technology companies often offer higher compensation packages compared to other sectors. Company size can influence salary as well, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of an Information Security Engineer, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence. Specialized skills are often in high demand and can command higher salaries.

• Advanced Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), which can enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive for higher-paying roles.

• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial positions, such as a Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher compensation.

• Networking and Professional Development: Engage in networking opportunities and professional development to stay updated on industry trends and expand your professional connections, which can lead to higher-paying job opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Information 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 in cybersecurity, network security, and information systems is highly beneficial. Additionally, practical experience gained through internships or cooperative education programs can be advantageous.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the field of information security and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some common and beneficial certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate 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 information security or a related field. Experience in roles such as network administrator, systems administrator, or security analyst can provide a solid foundation for transitioning into an Information Security Engineer position. Hands-on experience with security tools, threat analysis, and incident response is often required.

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