Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Software Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Software Engineer salary lies between USD 163,000 and USD 239,700 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. 10, 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 Computer Science. 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:

Python | 103 jobs C | 95 jobs Computer Science | 90 jobs Cloud | 85 jobs Network security | 54 jobs Automation | 49 jobs Golang | 47 jobs Incident response | 45 jobs Privacy | 45 jobs Monitoring | 45 jobs AWS | 43 jobs Vulnerabilities | 41 jobs STEM | 41 jobs Cryptography | 40 jobs Java | 36 jobs SDLC | 36 jobs Linux | 34 jobs Compliance | 32 jobs TCP/IP | 29 jobs Azure | 28 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 Health care, Equity / stock options and Insurance. 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:

Health care | 100 jobs Equity / stock options | 82 jobs Insurance | 67 jobs Medical leave | 66 jobs Career development | 62 jobs Parental leave | 60 jobs Flex hours | 60 jobs Flex vacation | 60 jobs Competitive pay | 32 jobs Startup environment | 22 jobs Salary bonus | 20 jobs Wellness | 19 jobs Team events | 19 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 18 jobs Relocation support | 13 jobs 401(k) matching | 12 jobs Fertility benefits | 10 jobs Home office stipend | 7 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs Transparency | 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 composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher, but companies often offer substantial stock options as part of the compensation package. In contrast, companies in regions with a lower cost of living might offer a smaller base salary but compensate with higher bonuses or other benefits. Industries such as finance or healthcare may offer higher bonuses due to the critical nature of security in these sectors. Larger companies might provide more comprehensive benefits packages, including retirement plans and health insurance, while smaller startups might focus on equity and performance-based incentives.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions often come with higher compensation due to their strategic importance. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, AI security, or blockchain technology can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and maintaining a strong professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies will enhance your expertise and bargaining power.

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 or even a Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles in research-intensive industries or academia. Some employers may also consider candidates with extensive experience and a proven track record in lieu of formal education. A strong foundation in software development, computer networks, and cybersecurity principles is essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most recognized certifications in the field include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications cover a range of skills and knowledge areas, from ethical hacking to cloud security, and can be pivotal in advancing your career.

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, network security, and incident response. Experience in leading security projects, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams is also highly valued. Employers look for candidates who have a proven track record of successfully implementing security measures and mitigating risks.

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