Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Engineer in Canada during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Engineer salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 230,000 in Canada. 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 Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Engineer job listings are Cloud, AWS and Python. 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 | 1897 jobs AWS | 1374 jobs Python | 1334 jobs Automation | 1122 jobs Vulnerabilities | 988 jobs Computer Science | 956 jobs Application security | 834 jobs Compliance | 829 jobs GCP | 749 jobs Azure | 741 jobs Monitoring | 734 jobs Scripting | 700 jobs Incident response | 698 jobs Linux | 676 jobs C | 601 jobs Privacy | 584 jobs Java | 572 jobs Pentesting | 565 jobs Network security | 545 jobs CISSP | 522 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 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 1479 jobs Health care | 999 jobs Equity / stock options | 829 jobs Flex hours | 780 jobs Team events | 756 jobs Flex vacation | 682 jobs Competitive pay | 579 jobs Parental leave | 568 jobs Startup environment | 564 jobs Salary bonus | 517 jobs Insurance | 463 jobs Medical leave | 408 jobs Wellness | 350 jobs 401(k) matching | 325 jobs Home office stipend | 178 jobs Conferences | 171 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 129 jobs Fitness / gym | 92 jobs Fertility benefits | 84 jobs Gear | 66 jobs

Salary Composition

In Canada, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Security Engineer typically includes a mix of base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the largest portion, ranging from 70% to 85% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often comprising 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can make up 5% to 10% of the total package. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in major tech hubs like Toronto or Vancouver might be higher compared to other regions.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the current position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These roles often come with higher compensation due to increased responsibilities. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or AI-driven security solutions can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Lastly, consider negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities.

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 that involve strategic decision-making or leadership. A strong foundation in computer science principles, networking, and software development is essential. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies are also crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Common and highly regarded certifications for this role 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 not only validate your skills but also show your commitment to professional development.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Engineer is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in the field of information security. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, incident response, and risk management. Experience in leading security projects, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating with cross-functional teams is also highly valued. A proven track record of successfully implementing security measures and mitigating threats is essential.

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