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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Engineer salary lies between USD 85,252 and USD 125,000 in the United Kingdom. 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 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 the United Kingdom, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Security Engineer can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary package is divided into three main components:

• Fixed Salary: This is the base salary and usually constitutes the largest portion of the total compensation package. In the UK, this can range from 70% to 85% of the total salary, depending on the company and industry.

• Bonus: Bonuses are often performance-based and can vary widely. In financial services or large tech companies, bonuses might be more substantial, ranging from 10% to 20% of the total compensation. In smaller companies or non-profit sectors, bonuses might be less significant or even non-existent.

• Additional Remuneration: This can include stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives. In tech startups or large corporations, stock options can be a significant part of the package, potentially making up 5% to 15% of the total compensation. Other benefits might include health insurance, pension contributions, and professional development allowances.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 100,000, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, AI security, or blockchain technology. Specialists in these areas are often in high demand and can command higher salaries.

• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into managerial or leadership positions, such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), can significantly increase your earning potential.

• Consulting: Consider moving into a consulting role, where you can leverage your expertise across multiple projects and clients. Consulting roles often offer higher pay due to the specialized knowledge and flexibility required.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity. Pursuing advanced certifications or a master's degree in cybersecurity can also enhance your qualifications and salary prospects.

Educational Requirements

For a Senior-level Security Engineer position, most employers in the UK expect candidates to have at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some positions may require a master's degree, especially for roles in highly specialized or competitive industries. Additionally, a strong foundation in mathematics, programming, and network security is often essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your credibility and expertise in the field of cybersecurity. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This is one of the most respected certifications for security professionals and is often required for senior roles.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification is valuable for those focusing on penetration testing and ethical hacking.

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Ideal for those looking to move into management roles within cybersecurity.

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): With the increasing importance of cloud security, this certification is highly relevant.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Engineer is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in the field of cybersecurity. This experience should include hands-on technical work, such as network security, incident response, and vulnerability assessment. Experience in leading projects, managing teams, or working in specific industries (e.g., finance, healthcare) can also be advantageous.

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