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

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Operations Analyst salary lies between USD 75,000 and USD 135,600 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

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 | 80 jobs SIEM | 68 jobs Monitoring | 56 jobs SOC | 51 jobs Cloud | 43 jobs Threat intelligence | 37 jobs EDR | 35 jobs Vulnerabilities | 30 jobs Firewalls | 30 jobs Computer Science | 30 jobs Vulnerability management | 28 jobs Compliance | 28 jobs Automation | 27 jobs IDS | 26 jobs Python | 26 jobs IPS | 25 jobs Splunk | 25 jobs Privacy | 25 jobs Windows | 24 jobs Scripting | 24 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 | 71 jobs Team events | 55 jobs Flex hours | 36 jobs Health care | 36 jobs Competitive pay | 30 jobs Parental leave | 18 jobs Wellness | 17 jobs Salary bonus | 17 jobs Startup environment | 16 jobs Insurance | 16 jobs Medical leave | 15 jobs Flex vacation | 14 jobs Equity / stock options | 13 jobs 401(k) matching | 9 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Relocation support | 4 jobs Flexible spending account | 3 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Entry-Level Security Operations Analyst

The salary for an entry-level Security Operations Analyst in the United States typically comprises a base salary, potential bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and the industry. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to non-profit organizations. 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 region also plays a crucial role; for example, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City might be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Steps to Increase Salary from Entry-Level Position

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

• Skill Development: Continuously upgrade your technical skills, especially in areas like threat analysis, incident response, and security tools.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to demonstrate expertise.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to learn about new opportunities and trends.
• Performance Excellence: Consistently exceed performance expectations and take on additional responsibilities to demonstrate your value to the organization.
• Advanced Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field to open up higher-level positions.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level Security Operations Analyst 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 if they have relevant experience or certifications. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and security principles is essential. Coursework in programming, data analysis, and risk management can also be beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

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

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and practices.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification for experienced professionals, but understanding its requirements can guide your career path.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Useful for those looking to move into management roles in the future.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Validates a practitioner’s knowledge of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts.

Experience Requirements

For an entry-level position, employers typically look for candidates with 0-2 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity. Internships, co-op programs, or part-time roles in IT support or network administration can provide valuable experience. Hands-on experience with security tools, such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, is often preferred.

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