Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Security Operations Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Operations Engineer salary lies between USD 95,000 and USD 175,000 globally. 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.

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

Top 20 Job Tags for Mid-level / Intermediate Security Operations Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Operations Engineer job listings are Incident response, Cloud 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:

Incident response | 60 jobs Cloud | 56 jobs SIEM | 54 jobs Monitoring | 45 jobs Automation | 33 jobs Computer Science | 32 jobs AWS | 31 jobs Vulnerabilities | 30 jobs Python | 28 jobs Scripting | 25 jobs SOC | 25 jobs Linux | 24 jobs CISSP | 23 jobs Compliance | 23 jobs EDR | 23 jobs Vulnerability management | 22 jobs NIST | 21 jobs Azure | 20 jobs GCP | 19 jobs Firewalls | 18 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Operations Engineer 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 | 42 jobs Career development | 40 jobs Health care | 38 jobs Flex hours | 29 jobs Startup environment | 22 jobs Competitive pay | 22 jobs Medical leave | 21 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Insurance | 16 jobs Salary bonus | 14 jobs Wellness | 13 jobs Equity / stock options | 12 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Gear | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs Fertility benefits | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level Security Operations Engineer

The salary for a Mid-level Security Operations Engineer typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. In contrast, companies in regions with a lower cost of living might offer a more balanced package with a significant portion in bonuses or stock options.

In the tech industry, especially within large corporations, bonuses and stock options can form a substantial part of the total compensation package. Smaller companies or startups might offer lower base salaries but compensate with equity or performance-based bonuses. In contrast, government or non-profit organizations might offer more stable base salaries with fewer performance incentives.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Mid-level Position

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your technical skills, especially in emerging areas like cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, or threat intelligence.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, such as CISSP or CISM, which can justify a higher salary.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities to learn about new opportunities and trends.
• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to lead projects or teams, which can position you for promotions to senior roles.
• Industry Transition: Consider moving to industries that pay higher for cybersecurity roles, such as finance or healthcare.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level Security Operations Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers might accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education. A master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline can be advantageous and may lead to higher salary offers or quicker advancement.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field as they validate your skills and knowledge. Some common and beneficial certifications for a Security Operations Engineer include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

These certifications not only enhance your resume but also provide you with the latest knowledge and best practices in the field.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level Security Operations Engineer is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, incident response, and possibly some exposure to security architecture or engineering. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be beneficial due to the unique security challenges they present.

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