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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Operations Engineer salary lies between USD 98,300 and USD 179,521 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

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 | 65 jobs Cloud | 63 jobs SIEM | 57 jobs Monitoring | 50 jobs Automation | 36 jobs AWS | 34 jobs Computer Science | 34 jobs Vulnerabilities | 33 jobs Python | 30 jobs EDR | 27 jobs SOC | 27 jobs Vulnerability management | 26 jobs Compliance | 26 jobs Scripting | 26 jobs CISSP | 25 jobs Linux | 25 jobs Firewalls | 22 jobs Azure | 22 jobs NIST | 21 jobs Windows | 20 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, Health care and Career development. 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 | 46 jobs Health care | 42 jobs Career development | 42 jobs Flex hours | 31 jobs Medical leave | 26 jobs Competitive pay | 23 jobs Startup environment | 22 jobs Insurance | 21 jobs Flex vacation | 18 jobs Salary bonus | 17 jobs Equity / stock options | 14 jobs Wellness | 14 jobs Parental leave | 13 jobs 401(k) matching | 8 jobs Gear | 8 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Paid sabbatical | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level Security Operations 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. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's financial health and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration, like stock options, is more common in tech companies or startups and can be a significant part of the compensation in larger firms or those in high-growth sectors.

Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Industry-wise, sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these fields. Company size can also influence salary composition, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Mid-level Security Operations Engineer position, consider the following strategies:

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

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

• Networking: Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and engage in online forums.

• Leadership Roles: Aim for roles with more responsibility, such as team lead or manager positions, which typically come with higher salaries.

• Negotiation: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, be prepared to negotiate your salary based on your skills, experience, and market rates.

Educational Requirements

Most Mid-level Security Operations Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a formal degree, especially if you have a strong track record in cybersecurity roles. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity or an MBA with a focus on information security, can be advantageous and may lead to higher salaries or more senior positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a Security Operations Engineer include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Mid-level Security Operations Engineer is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or related IT roles. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, incident response, threat analysis, and possibly some experience in a Security Operations Center (SOC). Employers look for candidates who have a proven track record of managing security incidents and implementing security measures effectively.

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