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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Engineer salary lies between USD 130,180 and USD 210,000 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. 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, 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 | 3965 jobs Compliance | 2597 jobs AWS | 2453 jobs Vulnerabilities | 2414 jobs Python | 2392 jobs Computer Science | 2298 jobs Automation | 2127 jobs Monitoring | 1689 jobs Azure | 1666 jobs CISSP | 1654 jobs Incident response | 1568 jobs Application security | 1530 jobs Scripting | 1489 jobs Firewalls | 1361 jobs Network security | 1359 jobs Privacy | 1340 jobs Linux | 1284 jobs NIST | 1279 jobs GCP | 1213 jobs Pentesting | 1149 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 | 3296 jobs Health care | 2606 jobs Equity / stock options | 1697 jobs Flex hours | 1573 jobs Team events | 1517 jobs Competitive pay | 1424 jobs Insurance | 1274 jobs Flex vacation | 1241 jobs Salary bonus | 1157 jobs Medical leave | 1142 jobs Parental leave | 1108 jobs Startup environment | 977 jobs 401(k) matching | 839 jobs Wellness | 819 jobs Home office stipend | 227 jobs Relocation support | 213 jobs Flexible spending account | 206 jobs Fertility benefits | 205 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 194 jobs Gear | 180 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 constitutes the majority of the total compensation. This base salary can range from 70% to 85% of the total package. Bonuses, which are often performance-based, can make up 10% to 20% of the total compensation. These bonuses may be tied to individual performance, team performance, or company-wide success. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, salaries tend to be higher to compensate for living expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive compensation packages.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 168,000, 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 and maintaining a strong professional presence can also lead to opportunities with higher pay. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies can further enhance your value to employers.

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 with a strategic or leadership focus. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field. Additionally, coursework in cybersecurity, network security, and information assurance can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial 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 demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior 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 work with security technologies, incident response, and risk management. Experience in leading security projects or teams can also be crucial, as these roles often require a combination of technical expertise and leadership skills.

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