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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Operations Lead salary lies between USD 135,000 and USD 187,500 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. 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 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 the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can make up the remaining 5-10%, and these are more common in larger companies or tech-focused industries. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 164,500, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility, such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) 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 the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to thought leadership through publications or speaking engagements can also enhance your profile and lead to higher-paying opportunities.

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 is sometimes preferred by employers. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and highly regarded certifications for this role include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a deep understanding of security principles and practices and are often required or preferred by employers.

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 a related field. This experience should include hands-on technical work, as well as leadership roles where you have managed teams or projects. Experience in developing and implementing security policies, conducting risk assessments, and responding to security incidents is also crucial.

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