Salary for Entry-level / Junior SOC Analyst in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 75,000 and USD 88,000 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: Nov. 10, 2024

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 Monitoring, Incident response and SIEM. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Monitoring | 12 jobs Incident response | 9 jobs SIEM | 8 jobs Windows | 7 jobs SOC | 7 jobs Threat intelligence | 5 jobs Vulnerabilities | 5 jobs Firewalls | 5 jobs Malware | 5 jobs Linux | 5 jobs Compliance | 5 jobs Risk assessment | 4 jobs Analytics | 4 jobs GCIH | 4 jobs Security analysis | 4 jobs Cloud | 4 jobs Computer Science | 4 jobs IDS | 3 jobs Network security | 3 jobs Forensics | 3 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, Flex hours and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Team events | 9 jobs Flex hours | 7 jobs Health care | 6 jobs Competitive pay | 6 jobs Career development | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs Flex vacation | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Equity / stock options | 1 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Startup environment | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Entry-Level SOC Analysts

The salary for an entry-level SOC Analyst in the United States typically comprises a fixed base salary, which is the primary component of the compensation package. In addition to the base salary, some companies offer bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profitability. Additional remuneration might include benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes stock options, especially in larger tech companies. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like San Francisco or New York might offer higher base salaries to account for the cost of living, while bonuses might be more prevalent in financial services or large multinational corporations.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Entry-Level Position

To increase your salary from an entry-level SOC Analyst position, consider the following steps:

• Gain Experience: Accumulate hands-on experience in cybersecurity operations, which is invaluable.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can significantly boost your credentials.
• Specialize: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as threat intelligence or incident response.
• Seek Higher Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field.
• Network: Engage with professional communities and attend industry conferences to expand your professional network and learn about new opportunities.

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, but a bachelor's degree is often preferred. Coursework in network security, information systems, and computer forensics can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can play a crucial role in advancing your career in cybersecurity. For entry-level SOC Analysts, the following certifications are highly regarded:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential cybersecurity concepts.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on understanding and countering hacking techniques.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Validates knowledge of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Provides skills in security operations and monitoring.

Experience Requirements

While entry-level positions are designed for those new to the field, having some prior experience can be advantageous. Internships, co-op programs, or part-time roles in IT support or network administration can provide relevant experience. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated practical skills in cybersecurity, even if through academic projects or personal initiatives.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?