Salary for Entry-level / Junior Security Software Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Software Engineer salary lies between USD 120,000 and USD 280,000 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. 17, 2024

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

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

Cloud | 11 jobs Python | 10 jobs Computer Science | 9 jobs Agile | 7 jobs APIs | 6 jobs SQS | 5 jobs DynamoDB | 5 jobs Automation | 5 jobs Kubernetes | 5 jobs Redis | 5 jobs Golang | 5 jobs Privacy | 5 jobs Terraform | 5 jobs PostgreSQL | 5 jobs Kafka | 5 jobs RDBMS | 5 jobs C | 4 jobs AWS | 3 jobs Java | 3 jobs Linux | 3 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Security Software Engineer job listings are Equity / stock options, Startup environment 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:

Equity / stock options | 7 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Flex hours | 4 jobs Health care | 4 jobs Career development | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Competitive pay | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior security software engineer typically consists of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary is the primary component and can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Performance bonuses are usually tied to individual or company performance metrics and can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages that cover health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

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, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your visibility and lead to higher-paying opportunities. Lastly, consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field to further bolster your qualifications.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level security software 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 degrees in other disciplines if they have relevant experience or certifications. Coursework in programming, network security, cryptography, and systems architecture 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 employability and credibility in the cybersecurity field. Some common and helpful certifications for entry-level positions include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and practices.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Although more advanced, it is highly regarded and can be pursued with relevant experience.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Provides knowledge in security operations and monitoring.

Required Experience

For entry-level roles, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or relevant projects. Experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, as well as familiarity with security tools and technologies, is often required. Demonstrating hands-on experience with network security, vulnerability assessments, or incident response can be advantageous.

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