Salary for Entry-level / Junior Security Operations Analyst during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Operations Analyst salary lies between USD 66,100 and USD 135,600 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

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Security Operations Analyst job listings are Incident response, SIEM and Monitoring. 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:

Incident response | 72 jobs SIEM | 60 jobs Monitoring | 52 jobs SOC | 47 jobs Cloud | 40 jobs Threat intelligence | 33 jobs EDR | 32 jobs Vulnerabilities | 28 jobs Computer Science | 28 jobs Vulnerability management | 26 jobs Automation | 26 jobs Firewalls | 25 jobs Compliance | 25 jobs Splunk | 24 jobs Python | 24 jobs IDS | 22 jobs IPS | 22 jobs Windows | 22 jobs Privacy | 22 jobs Scripting | 22 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Security Operations Analyst job listings are Career development, Team events and Flex hours. 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 | 64 jobs Team events | 49 jobs Flex hours | 33 jobs Health care | 32 jobs Competitive pay | 29 jobs Parental leave | 17 jobs Insurance | 16 jobs Wellness | 15 jobs Startup environment | 15 jobs Salary bonus | 15 jobs Medical leave | 14 jobs Flex vacation | 13 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Flexible spending account | 3 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Entry-Level Security Operations Analyst

The salary for an entry-level Security Operations Analyst typically comprises a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. In the United States, this base salary can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like San Francisco or New York may offer higher base salaries compared to smaller cities. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 5% to 15% of the annual salary. Larger companies or those in highly competitive industries might also provide additional remuneration such as stock options, profit-sharing, or other financial incentives. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are also common components of the overall compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary from Entry-Level Position

To increase your salary from an entry-level Security Operations Analyst position, consider pursuing further education and certifications, gaining specialized skills, and seeking opportunities for advancement within your organization. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open doors to higher-paying positions. Additionally, gaining experience in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as threat intelligence or incident response, can make you more valuable to employers. Demonstrating leadership skills and taking on additional responsibilities can also position you for promotions and salary increases.

Educational Requirements for Security Operations Analyst

Most entry-level Security Operations Analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may accept candidates with an associate degree or relevant work experience, but a bachelor's degree is often preferred. Coursework in network security, computer forensics, and information systems is particularly beneficial. As the field is highly technical, a strong foundation in computer science principles is essential.

Helpful Certifications for Security Operations Analysts

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often sought after by employers. Some of the most common and beneficial certifications for a Security Operations Analyst include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential cybersecurity concepts and practices.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Although more advanced, it is highly regarded in the industry.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Validates knowledge of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts.

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a level of expertise that can set you apart from other candidates.

Experience Requirements for Entry-Level Positions

For entry-level Security Operations Analyst roles, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level IT positions. Experience with network monitoring, security tools, and incident response is particularly valuable. While direct experience in a security operations center (SOC) is ideal, any hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools and practices can be beneficial.

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