Salary for Entry-level / Junior Security Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Engineer salary lies between USD 75,000 and USD 137,000 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 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 | 243 jobs Cloud | 229 jobs Python | 182 jobs Vulnerabilities | 180 jobs Compliance | 137 jobs Automation | 124 jobs Firewalls | 105 jobs Monitoring | 104 jobs Linux | 100 jobs C | 98 jobs AWS | 93 jobs Scripting | 93 jobs Pentesting | 92 jobs Network security | 91 jobs Application security | 86 jobs Java | 85 jobs SIEM | 81 jobs Incident response | 79 jobs Azure | 77 jobs Vulnerability management | 72 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 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:

Career development | 258 jobs Health care | 142 jobs Team events | 137 jobs Flex hours | 105 jobs Equity / stock options | 96 jobs Competitive pay | 87 jobs Startup environment | 69 jobs Insurance | 60 jobs 401(k) matching | 50 jobs Medical leave | 48 jobs Flex vacation | 42 jobs Salary bonus | 37 jobs Parental leave | 34 jobs Relocation support | 33 jobs Wellness | 27 jobs Conferences | 21 jobs Home office stipend | 17 jobs Transparency | 13 jobs Gear | 11 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 10 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior security engineer in the United States typically consists of a base salary, potential bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed amount and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry; tech companies and financial institutions often offer performance-based bonuses. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The composition can also vary by region, with higher salaries often found in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, or Washington D.C., where the cost of living is higher.

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 pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity, which can open doors to higher-level positions and salaries.

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. As the field is rapidly evolving, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies through continuous learning is crucial.

Helpful Certifications

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

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential principles for network security and risk management.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Although more advanced, it is highly regarded and can be pursued as you gain experience.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Offers knowledge in security operations and monitoring.

These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and your technical expertise.

Experience Requirements

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 and scripting languages are often required. While direct work experience in cybersecurity may not be mandatory, demonstrating a strong foundation in IT and a keen interest in security can be advantageous.

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