Salary for Entry-level / Junior Systems Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Systems Engineer salary lies between USD 60,000 and USD 124,000 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. 22, 2024

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

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

Computer Science | 9 jobs Clearance | 8 jobs Security Clearance | 8 jobs DoD | 8 jobs Cloud | 6 jobs Compliance | 5 jobs Audits | 4 jobs Python | 4 jobs Linux | 4 jobs Firewalls | 3 jobs DoDD 8570 | 3 jobs Windows | 3 jobs Risk management | 3 jobs DevSecOps | 3 jobs Agile | 3 jobs DNS | 2 jobs Incident response | 2 jobs Ecommerce | 2 jobs Splunk | 2 jobs Encryption | 2 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Systems Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. 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:

Career development | 6 jobs Health care | 5 jobs Equity / stock options | 4 jobs Competitive pay | 4 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Flex hours | 1 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Startup environment | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Team events | 1 jobs Salary bonus | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary for an entry-level or junior systems engineer in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically consists of a base salary, which is the fixed amount, and may include bonuses and additional remuneration. The base salary is often the largest component and 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 talent. Bonuses can be performance-based or tied to company profits and are more common in larger companies or those in competitive industries like finance or technology. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances.

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 joining professional organizations can also open up opportunities for advancement. Seeking roles with more responsibility, such as a senior systems engineer or a security analyst, can lead to higher pay. Finally, consider pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity, which can enhance your qualifications and salary prospects.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security 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 degrees in other disciplines if they have relevant experience or certifications. Coursework in network security, cryptography, and computer forensics is often 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 are often sought after by employers. Some common and helpful certifications for entry-level positions 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 and can be pursued after gaining some experience.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Provides knowledge on security operations and monitoring.

These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to apply security principles effectively.

Experience Requirements

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 during your studies. Experience with network administration, system configuration, or security tools can be advantageous. While direct work experience in cybersecurity may not be mandatory, familiarity with IT systems and a strong understanding of security fundamentals are often required.

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