Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Software Engineer during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Software Engineer salary lies between USD 135,700 and USD 240,000 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: Dec. 15, 2024

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Software Engineer job listings are Python, C and Cloud. 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:

Python | 48 jobs C | 34 jobs Cloud | 34 jobs AWS | 29 jobs Automation | 26 jobs Computer Science | 24 jobs Cryptography | 23 jobs Java | 23 jobs Golang | 23 jobs Kubernetes | 19 jobs Incident response | 16 jobs Compliance | 16 jobs APIs | 16 jobs GCP | 15 jobs Privacy | 15 jobs Network security | 13 jobs Linux | 13 jobs Azure | 12 jobs Docker | 12 jobs Application security | 12 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Software Engineer job listings are Equity / stock options, Health care and Career development. 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:

Equity / stock options | 42 jobs Health care | 40 jobs Career development | 40 jobs Flex vacation | 33 jobs Flex hours | 32 jobs Parental leave | 27 jobs Salary bonus | 23 jobs Medical leave | 17 jobs Insurance | 17 jobs Wellness | 15 jobs Competitive pay | 12 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 11 jobs Startup environment | 10 jobs Lunch / meals | 8 jobs Fertility benefits | 8 jobs Team events | 7 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Signing bonus | 5 jobs Home office stipend | 5 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Software Engineer 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 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, is more common in tech companies and startups, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. In larger corporations, profit-sharing or retirement contributions might also be part of the package. Regional differences can be significant, with higher salaries often found in tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, or Seattle. Industry also plays a role; for instance, finance and tech sectors tend to offer higher compensation compared to non-profit or government roles.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the current position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions often come with higher compensation due to increased responsibilities. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, AI security, or blockchain can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Another strategy is to work for companies known for competitive compensation packages, such as top tech firms or financial institutions. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies can also position you for salary negotiations.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Security Software Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline can be advantageous and sometimes preferred. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field. Some roles may also value interdisciplinary studies, such as combining computer science with business or law, to address the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity challenges.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often valued by employers. Common and beneficial certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). For those focusing on specific areas, certifications like Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) can be particularly useful. These certifications demonstrate a recognized level of expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Software Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the field. This experience should include hands-on work in software development, security analysis, and incident response. Experience in leading projects or teams is also highly valued, as it demonstrates the ability to manage complex security challenges and mentor junior staff. Exposure to various security technologies and methodologies, as well as experience in different industries, can also be beneficial.

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