Salary for Senior-level / Expert Cyber Engineer in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Cyber Engineer salary lies between USD 81,800 and USD 186,000 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

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Cyber Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Cyber Engineer job listings are Cloud, Clearance and Cyber defense. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 13 jobs Clearance | 12 jobs Cyber defense | 9 jobs CISSP | 9 jobs Linux | 8 jobs SaaS | 7 jobs R&D | 7 jobs RMF | 7 jobs C | 6 jobs Security Clearance | 6 jobs Risk management | 6 jobs DoD | 6 jobs Computer Science | 6 jobs Vulnerabilities | 5 jobs Code analysis | 5 jobs Windows | 5 jobs TS/SCI | 5 jobs Analytics | 4 jobs CEH | 4 jobs Python | 4 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Cyber Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Cyber Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Medical leave. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 14 jobs Health care | 11 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs Parental leave | 9 jobs Flex hours | 9 jobs Startup environment | 7 jobs Flex vacation | 6 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Equity / stock options | 4 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Team events | 4 jobs Competitive pay | 2 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Cyber Engineer typically includes 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, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and can be a significant part of the compensation in larger firms or high-growth industries. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries and bonuses compared to other regions. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or defense may offer more competitive packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level Cyber Engineer position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Cybersecurity Manager or Director of Information Security. These roles often come with higher compensation due to increased responsibilities. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas such as cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Another strategy is to seek employment in industries that are known for higher pay scales, such as finance, healthcare, or government contracting.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Cyber Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline can be advantageous and is often preferred by employers for senior roles. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field, which can be appealing to potential employers.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications for a Senior-level Cyber Engineer include:

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

These certifications demonstrate expertise and commitment to staying current with industry standards and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Cyber Engineer is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on technical work, such as network security, incident response, and vulnerability assessment. Experience in leading projects or teams, as well as a proven track record of implementing security solutions, is often required. Employers look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to handle complex security challenges and have a deep understanding of security protocols and technologies.

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