Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Engineer in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Engineer salary lies between USD 135,800 and USD 205,000 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. 22, 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 | 4354 jobs Compliance | 2880 jobs AWS | 2718 jobs Vulnerabilities | 2662 jobs Python | 2622 jobs Computer Science | 2503 jobs Automation | 2313 jobs Monitoring | 1872 jobs Azure | 1831 jobs CISSP | 1816 jobs Incident response | 1751 jobs Application security | 1704 jobs Scripting | 1630 jobs Firewalls | 1506 jobs Network security | 1473 jobs Privacy | 1471 jobs NIST | 1410 jobs Linux | 1410 jobs GCP | 1343 jobs Pentesting | 1282 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 | 3636 jobs Health care | 2850 jobs Equity / stock options | 1875 jobs Flex hours | 1742 jobs Team events | 1651 jobs Competitive pay | 1577 jobs Insurance | 1390 jobs Flex vacation | 1366 jobs Salary bonus | 1265 jobs Medical leave | 1236 jobs Parental leave | 1205 jobs Startup environment | 1091 jobs 401(k) matching | 894 jobs Wellness | 887 jobs Home office stipend | 255 jobs Relocation support | 228 jobs Fertility benefits | 217 jobs Flexible spending account | 216 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 211 jobs Gear | 190 jobs

Salary Composition

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

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 160,000, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions typically offer 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.

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 planning or management. A strong foundation in computer science principles, networking, and systems architecture 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 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 cover a range of skills and knowledge areas, from ethical hacking to cloud security, and can help you stand out in the job market.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior 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 developing security policies and procedures is also highly valued. A proven track record of successfully managing security incidents and implementing security solutions is crucial for this role.

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