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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Operations Specialist salary lies between USD 60,549 and USD 118,800 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: 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 in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes stock options, especially in tech companies or startups.

The composition can vary based on several factors: - Region: Salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, or Seattle tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. - Industry: Financial services and tech companies often offer higher salaries compared to other industries due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these sectors. - Company Size: Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits and bonuses, while smaller companies might offer stock options as part of the compensation package.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Mid-level Security Operations Specialist position, consider the following steps: - Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your qualifications and make you eligible for higher-paying roles. - Specialization: Developing expertise in niche areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable to employers. - Leadership Roles: Transitioning into a leadership or managerial role within the security operations team can lead to a significant salary increase. - Networking and Professional Development: Engaging in professional networks and attending industry conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.

Educational Requirements

Most Mid-level Security Operations Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, especially if accompanied by relevant certifications. A master's degree in Cybersecurity or a related field can be advantageous and may be required for more senior roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Some common and helpful certifications include: - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) - CompTIA Security+ - GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

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

Required Experience

Typically, a Mid-level Security Operations Specialist 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 threat analysis. Experience in a Security Operations Center (SOC) environment is often preferred, as it provides practical exposure to real-world security challenges.

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