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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Incident Response Engineer salary lies between USD 120,000 and USD 210,000 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: Nov. 17, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Incident Response Engineer job listings are Incident response, Cloud 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:

Incident response | 44 jobs Cloud | 32 jobs Python | 29 jobs Forensics | 28 jobs Scripting | 20 jobs Automation | 18 jobs Linux | 18 jobs Monitoring | 18 jobs Threat intelligence | 17 jobs Windows | 17 jobs Privacy | 17 jobs Malware | 15 jobs Computer Science | 14 jobs SOC | 14 jobs AWS | 13 jobs GCP | 13 jobs Vulnerabilities | 11 jobs Azure | 11 jobs Threat detection | 10 jobs Network security | 9 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Incident Response Engineer job listings are Flex vacation, Health care and Career development. 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:

Flex vacation | 20 jobs Health care | 20 jobs Career development | 20 jobs Parental leave | 18 jobs Team events | 15 jobs Medical leave | 15 jobs Equity / stock options | 14 jobs Insurance | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 11 jobs Flex hours | 10 jobs Startup environment | 8 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 2 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Incident Response 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. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can make up the remaining 5-10%, though this varies widely based on the company's size and industry.

In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, base salaries tend to be higher to compensate for living expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive compensation packages, including more substantial bonuses and stock options.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the current position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Incident Response Manager or Director of Cybersecurity. These positions often come with higher compensation due to increased responsibilities. Additionally, specializing in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as threat intelligence or digital forensics, can make you more valuable and justify a higher salary. Networking within the industry and maintaining a strong professional presence can also lead to opportunities with higher pay. Finally, consider relocating to regions or industries that offer higher compensation for cybersecurity professionals.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Incident Response Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, particularly in cybersecurity or information assurance, as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of the field. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most common and beneficial certifications for an Incident Response Engineer include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Certified Cyber Forensics Professional (CCFP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Incident Response Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a focus on incident response. Experience in related areas such as network security, threat analysis, and digital forensics is also valuable. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, as well as a proven track record of managing and responding to security incidents, is crucial.

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