Salary for Entry-level / Junior SOC Analyst in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 65,000 and USD 84,000 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: Dec. 15, 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 SOC, Monitoring and SIEM. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

SOC | 52 jobs Monitoring | 37 jobs SIEM | 35 jobs Incident response | 27 jobs Linux | 22 jobs Cloud | 22 jobs Windows | 19 jobs Malware | 17 jobs Firewalls | 16 jobs Splunk | 16 jobs EDR | 16 jobs Scripting | 16 jobs Computer Science | 16 jobs Threat intelligence | 14 jobs Automation | 14 jobs IDS | 13 jobs Vulnerabilities | 13 jobs Analytics | 13 jobs Python | 13 jobs Clearance | 12 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 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Team events | 28 jobs Career development | 20 jobs Health care | 16 jobs Competitive pay | 12 jobs 401(k) matching | 9 jobs Flex hours | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs Startup environment | 4 jobs Insurance | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 3 jobs Lunch / meals | 2 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Equity / stock options | 1 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Flat hierarchy | 1 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Relocation support | 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 forms the bulk of the compensation package. 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 due to the higher cost of living and demand for cybersecurity professionals. In addition to the base salary, some companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 5% to 10% of the annual salary. Larger companies or those in highly competitive industries, such as finance or technology, might also provide additional remuneration in the form of stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Entry-Level Position

To increase your salary from an entry-level SOC Analyst position, consider pursuing further education and certifications, gaining specialized skills, and accumulating relevant experience. Advancing your education with a bachelor's or master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field can make you more competitive for higher-paying roles. Additionally, obtaining advanced certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also provide opportunities for career advancement and salary increases. Finally, gaining experience in specialized areas like threat intelligence or incident response can position you for roles with higher compensation.

Educational Requirements for SOC Analysts

Most entry-level SOC Analyst positions require at least an associate degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field. However, a bachelor's degree is often preferred and can provide a competitive edge. Relevant fields of study include computer science, information systems, and network security. Some employers may also consider candidates with equivalent work experience or those who have completed specialized training programs or bootcamps in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications for SOC Analysts

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

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential cybersecurity concepts and is often required for entry-level positions.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Although more advanced, this certification is highly regarded and can be pursued as you gain experience.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking, providing valuable skills for a SOC Analyst.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Offers a broad understanding of information security concepts and practices.

Experience Requirements for SOC Analysts

Entry-level SOC Analyst positions typically require some experience in IT or cybersecurity, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level IT support roles. Employers often look for candidates with hands-on experience in network monitoring, incident response, or security operations. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, such as Splunk or QRadar, is also advantageous. While specific experience requirements can vary, having 1-2 years of relevant experience is generally expected.

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