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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Operations Specialist salary lies between USD 60,549 and USD 118,800 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 Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Operations Specialist job listings are Incident response, Firewalls 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 | 11 jobs Firewalls | 10 jobs SIEM | 9 jobs Monitoring | 9 jobs Cloud | 9 jobs IDS | 7 jobs Audits | 7 jobs AWS | 7 jobs Linux | 7 jobs Compliance | 7 jobs IPS | 6 jobs Azure | 6 jobs Encryption | 6 jobs CISSP | 6 jobs Computer Science | 6 jobs DNS | 5 jobs Network security | 5 jobs Strategy | 5 jobs Malware | 5 jobs CEH | 5 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Operations Specialist job listings are Career development, Team events and Flex hours. 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 | 12 jobs Team events | 9 jobs Flex hours | 7 jobs Health care | 7 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs Medical leave | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 4 jobs Insurance | 4 jobs Competitive pay | 3 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs Flexible spending account | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Startup environment | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level Security Operations Specialist typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary is the largest component and varies significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech companies in major urban centers like San Francisco or New York may offer higher base salaries compared to smaller firms in less competitive markets. Bonuses are often tied to individual performance, team performance, or company profitability and can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages that cover health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Mid-level Security Operations Specialist position, consider pursuing advanced certifications, gaining specialized skills, or transitioning into a more senior role such as a Security Operations Manager or a Cybersecurity Architect. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, demonstrating leadership skills and taking on more responsibilities within your current role can position you for promotions and salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field for a Mid-level Security Operations Specialist position. Some companies may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a formal degree, especially if the candidate has a strong track record in cybersecurity roles. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity or information assurance, can be advantageous and may lead to higher salary offers or more senior positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications for a Security Operations Specialist include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices and are often required or preferred by employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Mid-level Security Operations Specialist is expected to have 3 to 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 vulnerability management. Experience in a Security Operations Center (SOC) environment is particularly valuable, as it provides practical exposure to real-world security challenges and solutions.

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