Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Operations Lead during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Operations Lead salary lies between USD 95,550 and USD 177,450 globally. 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.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 24, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Operations Lead job listings are Cloud, Compliance and Incident response. 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 | 33 jobs Compliance | 28 jobs Incident response | 26 jobs Monitoring | 25 jobs Vulnerabilities | 23 jobs SIEM | 19 jobs CISSP | 18 jobs SOC | 18 jobs NIST | 17 jobs Threat intelligence | 16 jobs CISM | 16 jobs AWS | 14 jobs Malware | 13 jobs Computer Science | 13 jobs Governance | 12 jobs Audits | 11 jobs Strategy | 11 jobs Firewalls | 11 jobs Vulnerability management | 10 jobs ISO 27001 | 10 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Operations Lead job listings are Career development, Flex hours 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 | 36 jobs Flex hours | 21 jobs Team events | 19 jobs Competitive pay | 15 jobs Health care | 14 jobs Equity / stock options | 10 jobs Wellness | 10 jobs Parental leave | 9 jobs Flex vacation | 8 jobs Salary bonus | 8 jobs Medical leave | 7 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Startup environment | 3 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Operations Lead typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, usually around 70-80%. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, typically ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can make up the remaining 5-10%.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in major tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options due to the competitive market. Industry and company size also play a role; larger companies or those in high-demand sectors like finance or technology may offer more lucrative compensation packages.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 135,000, consider pursuing leadership roles or specialized positions within cybersecurity. Transitioning into roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Security Operations can significantly boost your earning potential. Additionally, gaining expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers.

Networking and building a strong professional reputation can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Engaging in speaking engagements, publishing articles, or participating in industry conferences can enhance your visibility and credibility in the field.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Security Operations Lead positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or business administration can be advantageous and may be preferred by some employers. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized certifications for this role include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to staying current with industry standards and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Security Operations Lead is expected to have at least 7-10 years of experience in information security or related fields. This experience should include a strong background in security operations, incident response, threat analysis, and risk management. Leadership experience is also crucial, as the role often involves managing teams and coordinating security efforts across an organization.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?