IT Security Engineer Salary in 2022

Salary details

The average IT Security Engineer salary lies between USD 101,000 and USD 145,000 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

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for IT Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with IT Security Engineer job listings are Cloud, Windows and Vulnerabilities. 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 | 24 jobs Windows | 18 jobs Vulnerabilities | 15 jobs Compliance | 14 jobs AWS | 12 jobs Linux | 12 jobs Monitoring | 12 jobs Azure | 10 jobs Automation | 10 jobs Python | 10 jobs SIEM | 9 jobs SaaS | 9 jobs ISO 27001 | 9 jobs IT infrastructure | 9 jobs Network security | 8 jobs Incident response | 8 jobs Firewalls | 8 jobs NIST | 7 jobs MacOS | 7 jobs GCP | 7 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for IT Security Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with IT Security Engineer job listings are Career development, Competitive pay and Health care. 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 | 18 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs Health care | 7 jobs Parental leave | 6 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Flex hours | 5 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Fertility benefits | 5 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 3 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Travel | 1 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs Medical leave | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs Paid sabbatical | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an IT Security Engineer typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary is the largest component, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, additional remuneration might include stock options or equity, which can be a significant part of the total compensation, especially in startups or large tech companies. In contrast, companies in other regions or industries might offer more traditional benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the IT Security Engineer position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Security Architect, Security Manager, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These roles typically require a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic thinking. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your visibility and open up higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most IT 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. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and programming is essential. Continuous learning is crucial in this field, so staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies is highly recommended.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often required or preferred by employers. Some of the most recognized certifications in the field include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more competitive candidate.

Required Experience

Typically, an IT Security Engineer position requires 3-5 years of experience in IT or a related field, with a focus on security. Experience in roles such as network administrator, systems administrator, or security analyst can provide a solid foundation. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and vulnerability assessment is crucial. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to identify and mitigate security risks effectively.

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