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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Operations Manager salary lies between USD 137,600 and USD 208,000 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: Dec. 22, 2024

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

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

Incident response | 22 jobs CISSP | 16 jobs SOC | 16 jobs Cloud | 15 jobs Compliance | 13 jobs Monitoring | 13 jobs ISO 27001 | 11 jobs Computer Science | 11 jobs SIEM | 10 jobs Vulnerability management | 10 jobs Vulnerabilities | 10 jobs NIST | 10 jobs Threat intelligence | 9 jobs CISM | 9 jobs Risk management | 9 jobs Privacy | 8 jobs Strategy | 7 jobs Audits | 6 jobs Risk assessment | 6 jobs GIAC | 6 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Operations Manager 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 | 20 jobs Health care | 15 jobs Team events | 14 jobs Flex hours | 13 jobs Medical leave | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Parental leave | 9 jobs Startup environment | 9 jobs 401(k) matching | 8 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs Insurance | 8 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Equity / stock options | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 4 jobs Travel | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Operations Manager in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, often making up 10% to 20% of the total compensation, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can account for 5% to 10% of the total package, particularly in larger tech companies or startups.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options due to the competitive market. Industry also plays a role; financial services and technology sectors often provide higher bonuses compared to other industries. Company size can influence the availability and size of stock options, with larger companies typically offering more robust packages.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 172,500, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility, such as Director of Security Operations or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions often come with higher compensation packages. Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers. Networking within industry groups and attending conferences can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, consider negotiating your salary by leveraging offers from other companies or highlighting your contributions to your current employer's security posture.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Security Operations Manager positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or Business Administration with a focus on technology management. Advanced degrees can provide a competitive edge and may be necessary for roles in highly regulated industries like finance or healthcare.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a Senior-level Security Operations Manager role. Common and highly regarded certifications 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 they are often required or preferred by employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Operations Manager is expected to have at least 7 to 10 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include a proven track record of managing security operations teams, developing and implementing security policies, and responding to security incidents. Experience in leadership roles and a strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards are also crucial.

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