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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Operations Engineer salary lies between USD 135,482 and USD 227,700 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 Operations Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Operations Engineer job listings are Cloud, Incident response and SIEM. 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 | 92 jobs Incident response | 82 jobs SIEM | 70 jobs Monitoring | 67 jobs AWS | 58 jobs Python | 53 jobs Compliance | 53 jobs Automation | 52 jobs Computer Science | 44 jobs SOC | 42 jobs Vulnerabilities | 40 jobs EDR | 38 jobs Privacy | 38 jobs Strategy | 36 jobs Azure | 35 jobs Threat intelligence | 34 jobs NIST | 33 jobs CISSP | 33 jobs Vulnerability management | 32 jobs Scripting | 32 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, Health care and Team events. 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 | 75 jobs Health care | 57 jobs Team events | 56 jobs Equity / stock options | 37 jobs Competitive pay | 36 jobs Salary bonus | 32 jobs Flex hours | 31 jobs Startup environment | 26 jobs Medical leave | 24 jobs 401(k) matching | 17 jobs Parental leave | 16 jobs Flex vacation | 16 jobs Insurance | 11 jobs Fertility benefits | 10 jobs Wellness | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 9 jobs Gear | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Transparency | 5 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 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. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can make up the remaining 5-10%, though this varies widely based on the company's size and industry. For instance, tech companies in Silicon Valley might offer more in stock options, while financial institutions in New York might provide higher cash bonuses.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of $185,000, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Operations Manager or Director of Security Operations. 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 industry circles, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your visibility and reputation, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities.

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 in cybersecurity or information assurance. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in the technical and theoretical aspects of cybersecurity, which is crucial for tackling complex security challenges.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly bolster your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Common and highly regarded certifications for this role 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 cover a range of skills and knowledge areas, from general security management to specific technical competencies, and are often considered essential for senior-level positions.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Operations Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on work in security operations, incident response, and threat analysis. Experience in leading teams or projects, as well as a proven track record of successfully mitigating security threats, is highly valued. Familiarity with various security tools and technologies, as well as experience in different industries, can also be advantageous.

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