Salary for Senior-level / Expert Firewall Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Firewall Engineer salary lies between USD 85,800 and USD 172,000 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. 24, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Firewall Engineer job listings are Firewalls, Network security and Cloud. 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:

Firewalls | 50 jobs Network security | 31 jobs Cloud | 30 jobs Compliance | 23 jobs VPN | 21 jobs Monitoring | 19 jobs AWS | 18 jobs Computer Science | 18 jobs Clearance | 17 jobs IPS | 16 jobs IDS | 14 jobs Incident response | 13 jobs CCNP | 13 jobs Azure | 12 jobs DoD | 12 jobs Analytics | 11 jobs Automation | 11 jobs CISSP | 11 jobs Security Clearance | 11 jobs Intrusion detection | 10 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Firewall Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Wellness. 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 | 29 jobs Health care | 23 jobs Wellness | 13 jobs Competitive pay | 11 jobs Startup environment | 10 jobs Insurance | 9 jobs Equity / stock options | 7 jobs Medical leave | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Team events | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Flex hours | 3 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Firewall Engineer 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, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries and stock options, while regions with a lower cost of living might offer more in benefits. Industry and company size also play a role; larger companies or those in high-demand sectors may offer more competitive packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging technologies such as cloud security or AI-driven security solutions. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, gaining experience in leadership or project management can position you for roles with greater responsibility and higher pay. Exploring opportunities in high-demand industries or regions can also lead to salary increases. Negotiating your salary based on market research and your contributions to the company can be effective as well.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Firewall Engineer positions 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 strategic decision-making or leadership. A strong foundation in networking, computer systems, and cybersecurity principles is essential. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest technologies and threats.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field. Common and beneficial certifications for a Senior Firewall Engineer include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security)
• Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
• Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE)

These certifications demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Firewall Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in network security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security technologies. Experience in designing and implementing security policies, as well as managing security incidents, is crucial. Leadership experience or experience in a senior technical role can also be beneficial.

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