Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Engineer salary lies between USD 127,500 and USD 207,600 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: Dec. 15, 2024

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Engineer job listings are Cloud, Compliance and AWS. 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:

Cloud | 4306 jobs Compliance | 2848 jobs AWS | 2682 jobs Vulnerabilities | 2642 jobs Python | 2601 jobs Computer Science | 2480 jobs Automation | 2284 jobs Monitoring | 1845 jobs Azure | 1814 jobs CISSP | 1805 jobs Incident response | 1734 jobs Application security | 1686 jobs Scripting | 1615 jobs Firewalls | 1488 jobs Network security | 1460 jobs Privacy | 1455 jobs NIST | 1399 jobs Linux | 1396 jobs GCP | 1320 jobs Pentesting | 1273 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. 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 | 3595 jobs Health care | 2826 jobs Equity / stock options | 1851 jobs Flex hours | 1721 jobs Team events | 1633 jobs Competitive pay | 1561 jobs Insurance | 1375 jobs Flex vacation | 1357 jobs Salary bonus | 1245 jobs Medical leave | 1223 jobs Parental leave | 1192 jobs Startup environment | 1082 jobs 401(k) matching | 884 jobs Wellness | 883 jobs Home office stipend | 249 jobs Relocation support | 227 jobs Fertility benefits | 217 jobs Flexible spending account | 213 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 209 jobs Gear | 188 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Engineer typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options can be substantial, often making up a significant portion of the total compensation. In contrast, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be more dominant. Larger companies or those in highly competitive industries may offer more lucrative bonus structures and additional perks, such as health benefits, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 165,759, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions often come with higher compensation due to their increased responsibilities. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your visibility and reputation, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities. Negotiating your salary based on market research and demonstrating your impact on the organization can also be effective strategies.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Security 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 with a strategic focus. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to stay updated with the latest security trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, often making candidates more attractive to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior Security Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, risk assessment, and incident response. Experience in leading security projects, managing teams, and developing security policies is also highly desirable. Employers look for candidates who have a proven track record of successfully implementing security measures and mitigating risks.

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