Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Security Engineer in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Engineer salary lies between USD 111,600 and USD 175,000 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 Mid-level / Intermediate Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Engineer job listings are Cloud, Compliance and Computer Science. 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:

Cloud | 297 jobs Compliance | 184 jobs Computer Science | 180 jobs Vulnerabilities | 174 jobs AWS | 174 jobs Firewalls | 147 jobs Monitoring | 145 jobs CISSP | 138 jobs SIEM | 135 jobs Incident response | 133 jobs Python | 126 jobs Automation | 124 jobs Network security | 117 jobs Azure | 111 jobs Linux | 102 jobs Scripting | 102 jobs NIST | 100 jobs Vulnerability management | 98 jobs Application security | 94 jobs Pentesting | 90 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Mid-level / Intermediate Security Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. 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:

Career development | 272 jobs Health care | 215 jobs Flex hours | 154 jobs Team events | 139 jobs Competitive pay | 111 jobs Startup environment | 98 jobs Flex vacation | 97 jobs Insurance | 89 jobs Salary bonus | 83 jobs 401(k) matching | 76 jobs Equity / stock options | 68 jobs Parental leave | 58 jobs Wellness | 43 jobs Medical leave | 34 jobs Home office stipend | 25 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 20 jobs Conferences | 18 jobs Gear | 17 jobs Relocation support | 16 jobs Fitness / gym | 15 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level/Intermediate Security Engineer in the United States typically consists of a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, often ranging from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, like stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. In larger corporations, particularly in finance or healthcare, you might find more structured bonus programs and benefits. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job markets.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Mid-level Security Engineer position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas like cloud security, AI security, or blockchain. Gaining expertise in these high-demand areas can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or project management responsibilities can position you for promotions to senior or managerial roles, which typically come with higher pay. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Lastly, consider relocating to regions with higher salary averages or transitioning to industries known for higher compensation, such as finance or technology.

Educational Requirements

Most Mid-level Security Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles that involve more complex security challenges or leadership responsibilities. A strong foundation in computer science principles, networking, and systems administration is essential. Additionally, coursework or experience in cybersecurity, cryptography, and risk management can be highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often highly regarded by employers. Some of the most common and beneficial certifications for a Security Engineer include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, which can be crucial for career advancement.

Required Experience

Typically, a Mid-level Security Engineer is expected to have 3 to 5 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Experience in incident response, security policy development, and risk assessment is also valuable. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to work on complex security projects and have a track record of successfully mitigating security threats.

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