Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Engineer in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Engineer salary lies between USD 132,320 and USD 190,000 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. 24, 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 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 1294 jobs AWS | 937 jobs Python | 906 jobs Automation | 790 jobs Vulnerabilities | 741 jobs Application security | 619 jobs Computer Science | 580 jobs Compliance | 573 jobs Monitoring | 489 jobs Incident response | 477 jobs Linux | 474 jobs Azure | 465 jobs Privacy | 465 jobs GCP | 453 jobs Scripting | 422 jobs Pentesting | 396 jobs Java | 385 jobs Kubernetes | 382 jobs Network security | 377 jobs C | 364 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 Team events. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 982 jobs Health care | 625 jobs Team events | 555 jobs Startup environment | 479 jobs Flex hours | 468 jobs Flex vacation | 427 jobs Competitive pay | 355 jobs Parental leave | 353 jobs Equity / stock options | 343 jobs 401(k) matching | 243 jobs Medical leave | 226 jobs Insurance | 209 jobs Wellness | 198 jobs Salary bonus | 188 jobs Home office stipend | 155 jobs Conferences | 109 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 104 jobs Fertility benefits | 67 jobs Fitness / gym | 54 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 49 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert Security Engineer in the United States typically comprises several components. The fixed base salary is the largest portion, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profits, usually make up 10-20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer higher base salaries and stock options, while smaller companies might provide more substantial bonuses to attract top talent.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level Security Engineer position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions often come with higher compensation packages. 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 lead to better opportunities. Negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when switching jobs is another effective strategy.

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 responsibilities. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest security trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the InfoSec field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Common and highly regarded certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in information security or related fields. This experience should include hands-on technical work, such as penetration testing, security analysis, and incident response. Experience in leading projects, managing teams, and developing security strategies is also highly valued. Employers look for a proven track record of successfully implementing security measures and mitigating risks.

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