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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Operations Engineer salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 197,772 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: Dec. 15, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Security Operations Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Operations Engineer job listings are Incident response, Cloud and AWS. 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:

Incident response | 36 jobs Cloud | 34 jobs AWS | 30 jobs Monitoring | 29 jobs SIEM | 27 jobs Python | 25 jobs Vulnerability management | 22 jobs Vulnerabilities | 21 jobs Scripting | 20 jobs Computer Science | 20 jobs Automation | 19 jobs Compliance | 19 jobs CISSP | 16 jobs Linux | 16 jobs Privacy | 15 jobs SOC | 15 jobs Firewalls | 14 jobs Azure | 13 jobs GCP | 13 jobs Forensics | 12 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Security Operations Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Operations Engineer job listings are Career development, Team events and Health care. 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 | 29 jobs Team events | 26 jobs Health care | 24 jobs Equity / stock options | 17 jobs Flex hours | 17 jobs Startup environment | 15 jobs Competitive pay | 12 jobs Medical leave | 12 jobs Parental leave | 10 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Insurance | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 9 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs Gear | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Operations Engineer in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can constitute 5-10% of the total package.

Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job markets. Industry-wise, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these fields. Company size can also influence salary composition, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonus structures.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the current median, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Operations Manager or Director of Security Operations. These positions not only offer higher salaries but also provide opportunities to influence strategic decisions within an organization. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable to employers. Networking within the industry and maintaining a strong professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, consider negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Security Operations 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. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in the technical and theoretical aspects of cybersecurity, which is crucial for understanding complex security challenges.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common certifications for a Senior-level Security Operations Engineer include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and validate your expertise in various aspects of cybersecurity.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Operations Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity or related fields. This experience should include hands-on work in security operations, incident response, threat analysis, and vulnerability management. Experience in leading teams or projects is also highly desirable, as it demonstrates your ability to manage complex security challenges and coordinate efforts across different departments.

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