Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Security Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Engineer salary lies between USD 103,000 and USD 180,000 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

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, Vulnerabilities and Compliance. 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:

Cloud | 1470 jobs Vulnerabilities | 1059 jobs Compliance | 1049 jobs Computer Science | 1025 jobs Python | 884 jobs AWS | 802 jobs Automation | 749 jobs Monitoring | 745 jobs CISSP | 689 jobs Incident response | 650 jobs Azure | 631 jobs Scripting | 600 jobs Firewalls | 598 jobs Application security | 566 jobs Network security | 565 jobs Linux | 534 jobs NIST | 533 jobs SIEM | 520 jobs Audits | 465 jobs Risk management | 449 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 Team events. 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 | 1351 jobs Health care | 957 jobs Team events | 612 jobs Equity / stock options | 593 jobs Flex hours | 565 jobs Competitive pay | 539 jobs Insurance | 411 jobs Salary bonus | 400 jobs Medical leave | 383 jobs Flex vacation | 365 jobs Startup environment | 340 jobs Parental leave | 320 jobs 401(k) matching | 284 jobs Wellness | 243 jobs Gear | 63 jobs Conferences | 63 jobs Relocation support | 63 jobs Home office stipend | 61 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 57 jobs Transparency | 53 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level Security Engineer

The salary for a mid-level Security Engineer in the United States typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. 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, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options might be more substantial compared to other regions. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive bonus structures and additional perks such as health benefits, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from a mid-level position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your technical skills and stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies. Specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or penetration testing can make you more valuable.

• Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, potentially leading to higher-paying roles.

• Networking and Professional Development: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to expand your connections and learn about new opportunities.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Developing leadership skills can prepare you for roles with more responsibility, such as a senior security engineer or security manager, which typically come with higher salaries.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level Security Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles that involve more complex responsibilities or leadership tasks. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in the principles of cybersecurity and related technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

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

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate for employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level Security Engineer position requires 3-5 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, incident response, vulnerability assessment, and risk management. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be beneficial due to the unique security challenges they present.

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