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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate SOC Engineer salary lies between USD 83,500 and USD 125,000 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

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate SOC Engineer job listings are SOC, SIEM and Python. 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:

SOC | 26 jobs SIEM | 18 jobs Python | 18 jobs Computer Science | 16 jobs Incident response | 15 jobs Linux | 13 jobs Monitoring | 13 jobs Cloud | 13 jobs Firewalls | 10 jobs Windows | 10 jobs Scripting | 10 jobs CEH | 9 jobs IPS | 8 jobs AWS | 8 jobs CISSP | 8 jobs CompTIA | 8 jobs Splunk | 7 jobs Compliance | 7 jobs Agile | 7 jobs EDR | 7 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate SOC Engineer job listings are Career development, Team events and Competitive pay. 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 | 17 jobs Team events | 16 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Flex hours | 2 jobs Health care | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Startup environment | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs Medical leave | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level SOC Engineer

The salary for a mid-level SOC Engineer in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, usually ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often ranging from 5% to 15% of the total compensation. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, profit-sharing, or comprehensive benefits packages, can make up the remaining 5% to 15%.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and stock options due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. In contrast, companies in smaller cities or regions with a lower cost of living might offer a more balanced mix of salary and benefits. Industry and company size also play a role; larger tech companies or those in finance might offer more lucrative stock options, while smaller firms might focus on competitive base salaries.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Mid-level Position

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, particularly in emerging areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, and automation. This can make you more valuable to your current employer or attractive to potential employers.

• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities, attend industry conferences, and participate in webinars to increase your visibility and learn about new opportunities.

• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to take on leadership roles within your team or organization, such as leading projects or mentoring junior staff, to demonstrate your capability for higher-level positions.

• Negotiation: When discussing salary with your employer, be prepared to negotiate by highlighting your achievements, skills, and contributions to the company.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level SOC Engineer 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 formal degree, especially if accompanied by relevant certifications and a strong track record in the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some common and beneficial certifications for a SOC Engineer include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more competitive candidate for higher-level positions.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level SOC Engineer is expected to have 3 to 5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security monitoring, incident response, and threat analysis. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems, and network security protocols is often required.

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