Salary for Entry-level / Junior Security Engineer in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Engineer salary lies between USD 100,000 and USD 145,000 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

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 Cloud, Computer Science and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 131 jobs Computer Science | 95 jobs Python | 80 jobs Linux | 67 jobs Application security | 67 jobs Vulnerabilities | 65 jobs C | 62 jobs Automation | 58 jobs Azure | 57 jobs Compliance | 57 jobs Scripting | 54 jobs Monitoring | 53 jobs Audits | 51 jobs Privacy | 48 jobs Network security | 46 jobs AWS | 46 jobs Firewalls | 45 jobs Windows | 45 jobs Java | 43 jobs JavaScript | 42 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, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 124 jobs Health care | 90 jobs Flex hours | 69 jobs Team events | 68 jobs Competitive pay | 52 jobs Startup environment | 41 jobs Wellness | 29 jobs 401(k) matching | 27 jobs Equity / stock options | 27 jobs Flex vacation | 27 jobs Insurance | 26 jobs Parental leave | 19 jobs Yoga | 18 jobs Salary bonus | 17 jobs Conferences | 16 jobs Medical leave | 14 jobs Gear | 9 jobs Travel | 8 jobs Fitness / gym | 8 jobs Home office stipend | 7 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior security engineer in the United States typically consists of a base salary, performance bonuses, and sometimes 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. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policies and the individual's performance. Additional remuneration like stock options is more common in tech companies, especially startups or large corporations.

Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Industry can also affect salary composition, with financial services and tech companies often offering more competitive packages compared to other sectors. Company size can influence the structure as well, with larger companies potentially offering more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider gaining specialized skills or certifications that are in high demand. Pursuing advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, gaining experience in niche areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can set you apart.

Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also provide opportunities for advancement. Consider taking on more responsibilities or leading projects to demonstrate your capability and readiness for a higher role. Finally, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity can make you a more attractive candidate for promotions or higher-paying positions.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level security engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept candidates with an associate degree or relevant experience, but a bachelor's degree is often preferred. Coursework in network security, cryptography, and information systems is particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a security engineer role. Some of the most recognized and helpful certifications include:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

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

Required Experience

For an entry-level position, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or relevant projects during your studies. Experience with security tools, understanding of network protocols, and familiarity with operating systems are often required. Some roles may also require experience with scripting or programming languages like Python or Bash.

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