Salary for Entry-level / Junior SOC Analyst during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 64,620 and USD 106,000 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: Jan. 12, 2025

Salary trend

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

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

SOC | 426 jobs Monitoring | 304 jobs SIEM | 296 jobs Incident response | 247 jobs Cloud | 192 jobs Firewalls | 165 jobs EDR | 160 jobs Computer Science | 139 jobs Malware | 138 jobs Vulnerabilities | 137 jobs Windows | 135 jobs IDS | 133 jobs Threat intelligence | 116 jobs Linux | 111 jobs IPS | 108 jobs Splunk | 106 jobs Intrusion detection | 97 jobs Network security | 91 jobs Scripting | 88 jobs Compliance | 83 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior SOC Analyst job listings are Team events, Career development and Health care. 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:

Team events | 279 jobs Career development | 181 jobs Health care | 138 jobs Competitive pay | 84 jobs Flex hours | 75 jobs Medical leave | 53 jobs Startup environment | 51 jobs Insurance | 49 jobs Equity / stock options | 47 jobs Flex vacation | 40 jobs Parental leave | 33 jobs Salary bonus | 32 jobs 401(k) matching | 30 jobs Wellness | 22 jobs Transparency | 14 jobs Fitness / gym | 13 jobs Gear | 10 jobs Fertility benefits | 10 jobs Home office stipend | 7 jobs Flexible spending account | 5 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior SOC Analyst typically consists of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can vary significantly depending on the company's size, industry, and location. For instance, larger companies or those in high-demand regions like Silicon Valley may offer more substantial bonuses. Additional remuneration might include benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes stock options or equity, especially in tech startups. In regions with a high cost of living, companies might also provide housing allowances or relocation packages.

Career Advancement for Increased Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level SOC Analyst position, consider pursuing advanced certifications and gaining specialized skills. Transitioning into roles such as a Senior SOC Analyst, Incident Response Specialist, or Threat Intelligence Analyst can lead to higher pay. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also provide opportunities for advancement. Additionally, gaining experience in different sectors, such as finance or healthcare, which often have higher security budgets, can be beneficial. Pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity, can also open doors to higher-paying positions.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level SOC 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 experience, especially if they have completed specialized training or certifications. A strong foundation in networking, operating systems, and security principles is essential. Coursework or projects that demonstrate practical skills in cybersecurity can also be advantageous.

Helpful Certifications

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

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security 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 understanding and countering hacking techniques.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Offers a broad understanding of information security.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Specifically tailored for SOC roles, focusing on security operations.

Experience Requirements

For an entry-level SOC Analyst position, employers typically look for candidates with some hands-on experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or lab work during your studies. Experience with security tools such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, intrusion detection systems, and firewalls is often required. Familiarity with scripting languages like Python or Bash can also be beneficial. While direct work experience in a SOC environment is ideal, relevant experience in IT support or network administration can also be valuable.

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