Salary for Entry-level / Junior Security Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Engineer salary lies between USD 66,000 and USD 133,000 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. 10, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Entry-level / Junior Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Security Engineer job listings are Computer Science, Cloud and Python. 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:

Computer Science | 212 jobs Cloud | 199 jobs Python | 157 jobs Vulnerabilities | 153 jobs Compliance | 119 jobs Automation | 100 jobs Firewalls | 94 jobs Monitoring | 84 jobs Linux | 83 jobs C | 82 jobs AWS | 80 jobs Pentesting | 79 jobs Scripting | 79 jobs Network security | 78 jobs Application security | 75 jobs Java | 71 jobs Incident response | 70 jobs SIEM | 69 jobs Azure | 65 jobs CISSP | 63 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Security Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Security Engineer job listings are Career development, Team events and Health care. 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 | 227 jobs Team events | 121 jobs Health care | 114 jobs Flex hours | 90 jobs Equity / stock options | 80 jobs Competitive pay | 71 jobs Startup environment | 63 jobs Insurance | 51 jobs 401(k) matching | 46 jobs Medical leave | 37 jobs Flex vacation | 33 jobs Salary bonus | 32 jobs Parental leave | 30 jobs Relocation support | 28 jobs Wellness | 25 jobs Home office stipend | 16 jobs Conferences | 14 jobs Transparency | 11 jobs Gear | 9 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 9 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior security engineer typically consists of a base salary, performance bonuses, and sometimes additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Region: In tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living, but bonuses might be more competitive in regions with a lower cost of living.
• Industry: Industries such as finance or healthcare, which have stringent security requirements, might offer higher bonuses or additional incentives compared to other sectors.
• Company Size: Larger companies often have more structured compensation packages, including stock options or profit-sharing, whereas smaller companies might offer higher base salaries to attract talent.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider the following steps:

• Gain Experience: Accumulate hands-on experience in various security domains, such as network security, application security, or incident response.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can significantly boost your earning potential.
• Specialize: Develop expertise in a niche area, such as cloud security or penetration testing, which can command higher salaries.
• Seek Leadership Roles: Transitioning into roles with more responsibility, such as a team lead or project manager, can lead to salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level security engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience or an associate degree combined with relevant certifications.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive in the job market. Some common and helpful certifications include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification for experienced professionals, often pursued after gaining some industry experience.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on management and strategy, useful for those looking to move into leadership roles.

Required Experience

For entry-level positions, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or relevant projects. Familiarity with security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability scanners, is often expected.

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