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

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 66,000 and USD 115,000 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. 17, 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

SOC | 351 jobs Monitoring | 245 jobs SIEM | 242 jobs Incident response | 203 jobs Cloud | 166 jobs Firewalls | 135 jobs EDR | 130 jobs IDS | 117 jobs Vulnerabilities | 115 jobs Computer Science | 114 jobs Malware | 111 jobs Windows | 111 jobs Threat intelligence | 99 jobs Linux | 91 jobs IPS | 90 jobs Splunk | 86 jobs Intrusion detection | 79 jobs Network security | 74 jobs Compliance | 68 jobs Scripting | 68 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 | 220 jobs Career development | 140 jobs Health care | 109 jobs Competitive pay | 67 jobs Flex hours | 60 jobs Startup environment | 42 jobs Medical leave | 42 jobs Equity / stock options | 37 jobs Insurance | 35 jobs Flex vacation | 33 jobs Salary bonus | 29 jobs Parental leave | 27 jobs 401(k) matching | 26 jobs Wellness | 18 jobs Transparency | 12 jobs Fertility benefits | 9 jobs Fitness / gym | 8 jobs Gear | 7 jobs Home office stipend | 5 jobs Flexible spending account | 5 jobs

Salary Composition for Entry-Level SOC Analysts

The salary for an entry-level SOC Analyst in the United States typically comprises a base salary, potential bonuses, and additional remuneration such as benefits or stock options. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and the specific industry. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to smaller firms or non-profit organizations. Additional remuneration might include health benefits, retirement contributions, and sometimes stock options, especially in larger tech companies. Regional differences also play a 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 an Entry-Level Position

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

• Skill Development: Continuously upgrade your technical skills, especially in areas like threat intelligence, incident response, and security information and event management (SIEM) tools.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to learn about new opportunities and trends.
• Experience: Gain hands-on experience by working on diverse projects or taking on additional responsibilities within your current role.
• Advanced Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field to enhance your qualifications.

Educational Requirements for SOC Analysts

Most entry-level SOC Analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may accept candidates with an associate degree or equivalent experience, especially if they have relevant certifications or practical experience. A strong foundation in networking, operating systems, and security principles is essential.

Helpful Certifications for SOC Analysts

Certifications can significantly enhance your employability and career prospects in cybersecurity. Some of the most beneficial certifications for SOC Analysts include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and practices.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification that is highly regarded in the industry.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Validates a practitioner’s knowledge of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts.

Experience Requirements for SOC Analysts

For entry-level SOC Analyst roles, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or relevant projects during your education. Experience with security tools, understanding of network protocols, and familiarity with operating systems are often required. While direct work experience in a SOC environment is beneficial, it is not always mandatory for entry-level positions.

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