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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Systems Engineer salary lies between USD 103,500 and USD 193,000 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. 15, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Systems Engineer job listings are Clearance, Cloud and Firewalls. 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:

Clearance | 81 jobs Cloud | 79 jobs Firewalls | 63 jobs CISSP | 63 jobs DoD | 52 jobs Network security | 46 jobs Security Clearance | 45 jobs Intrusion detection | 44 jobs Compliance | 43 jobs TS/SCI | 41 jobs Computer Science | 39 jobs Encryption | 38 jobs Agile | 38 jobs Python | 36 jobs Linux | 36 jobs Windows | 36 jobs AWS | 35 jobs Monitoring | 35 jobs Scripting | 35 jobs Automation | 32 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Systems Engineer job listings are Health care, Career development 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:

Health care | 87 jobs Career development | 64 jobs Competitive pay | 60 jobs Medical leave | 40 jobs Insurance | 40 jobs Parental leave | 32 jobs Flex hours | 30 jobs Team events | 30 jobs 401(k) matching | 28 jobs Equity / stock options | 26 jobs Flex vacation | 22 jobs Relocation support | 16 jobs Startup environment | 15 jobs Wellness | 11 jobs Salary bonus | 10 jobs Conferences | 5 jobs Fertility benefits | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Mid-level/Intermediate Systems Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range from 70% to 85% of the total compensation. Bonuses are also a common component, often tied to individual performance, company performance, or both. These bonuses can account for 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Additionally, some companies offer stock options or equity, especially in tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, which can add another 5% to 10% to the overall package. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks can also be significant, though they are not typically included in the salary index figures.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, AI security, or blockchain technology. Gaining expertise in these areas can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or project management responsibilities can position you for higher-paying roles. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open up opportunities for advancement. Finally, consider relocating to regions with higher demand for cybersecurity professionals, as this can lead to higher salary offers.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level systems engineer positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles that involve more complex responsibilities or leadership duties. Continuous education and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies are also crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most common and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

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

Experience Requirements

Typically, a mid-level systems engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have 3 to 5 years of relevant experience. This experience should include hands-on work with security systems, network security, and possibly some experience with security policy development and implementation. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be advantageous due to the unique security challenges these sectors face.

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