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 130,000 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: Jan. 12, 2025

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 | 4275 jobs Compliance | 2894 jobs AWS | 2642 jobs Vulnerabilities | 2600 jobs Python | 2556 jobs Computer Science | 2525 jobs Automation | 2310 jobs Monitoring | 1872 jobs CISSP | 1817 jobs Azure | 1800 jobs Incident response | 1764 jobs Application security | 1706 jobs Scripting | 1620 jobs Firewalls | 1513 jobs Privacy | 1484 jobs Network security | 1456 jobs NIST | 1422 jobs Linux | 1408 jobs GCP | 1313 jobs Pentesting | 1248 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 | 3637 jobs Health care | 2787 jobs Equity / stock options | 1821 jobs Flex hours | 1765 jobs Team events | 1646 jobs Competitive pay | 1494 jobs Insurance | 1410 jobs Flex vacation | 1381 jobs Salary bonus | 1282 jobs Medical leave | 1246 jobs Parental leave | 1213 jobs Startup environment | 1106 jobs 401(k) matching | 903 jobs Wellness | 799 jobs Home office stipend | 256 jobs Relocation support | 231 jobs Flexible spending account | 218 jobs Fertility benefits | 217 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 212 jobs Conferences | 192 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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