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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Engineer salary lies between USD 135,500 and USD 218,835 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. 17, 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 Incident response | 700 jobs Scripting | 700 jobs Linux | 678 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 the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Security Engineer can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary package includes a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation. This base salary can range from 60% to 80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses are also a common component, often tied to individual performance, company performance, or both. These bonuses can account for 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Additionally, stock options or equity, especially in tech companies or startups, can form a significant part of the remuneration, sometimes making up 10% to 20% of the total package. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks also add value to the overall compensation.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of $170,000, 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 leveraging offers from other companies 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 or require a master's degree, especially for more strategic roles. Advanced degrees in cybersecurity or information assurance can provide a competitive edge. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to keep up with the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications 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 commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, which can be crucial for career advancement.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Engineer is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on technical work, such as penetration testing, security analysis, and incident response. Experience in designing and implementing security solutions, as well as leading security projects, is also important. Leadership experience, even in informal capacities, can be beneficial for those looking to move into higher-level roles.

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