Salary for Senior-level / Expert Firewall Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Firewall Engineer salary lies between USD 100,000 and USD 180,200 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 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 | 54 jobs Network security | 35 jobs Cloud | 32 jobs Compliance | 26 jobs VPN | 23 jobs Monitoring | 22 jobs IPS | 18 jobs AWS | 18 jobs Computer Science | 18 jobs Clearance | 17 jobs IDS | 14 jobs CCNP | 14 jobs Incident response | 13 jobs Ansible | 13 jobs Azure | 12 jobs Automation | 12 jobs CISSP | 12 jobs DoD | 12 jobs Analytics | 11 jobs Splunk | 11 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 Startup environment. 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 | 32 jobs Health care | 25 jobs Startup environment | 14 jobs Wellness | 13 jobs Competitive pay | 12 jobs Insurance | 10 jobs 401(k) matching | 8 jobs Equity / stock options | 7 jobs Team events | 7 jobs Medical leave | 7 jobs Flex vacation | 6 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Flex hours | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs

Salary Composition for a Senior Firewall Engineer

The salary for a Senior Firewall Engineer 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 often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can make up 5-10% of the total package. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Senior Firewall Engineer Position

To increase your salary beyond the median for a Senior Firewall Engineer, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions typically offer higher compensation and require a blend of technical expertise and strategic oversight. Additionally, specializing in emerging technologies like cloud security or artificial intelligence can make you more valuable. Networking within industry groups and attending conferences can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, consider negotiating your salary by leveraging offers from other companies or highlighting your contributions to your current employer.

Educational Requirements for a Senior Firewall Engineer

Most Senior 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 planning or management responsibilities. A strong foundation in networking, systems administration, and cybersecurity principles is essential. Continuous learning through workshops, online courses, and seminars is also important to keep up with the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications for a Senior Firewall Engineer

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Common and highly regarded 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 validate your skills in network security, risk management, and firewall configuration and management.

Experience Required for a Senior Firewall Engineer

Typically, a Senior 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 firewall technologies, network protocols, and security policies. Experience in designing and implementing security solutions, as well as troubleshooting complex network issues, is crucial. Leadership experience or project management skills can also be beneficial, especially for roles that involve mentoring junior engineers or leading security initiatives.

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