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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Software Engineer salary lies between USD 135,700 and USD 240,000 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. 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 in the United States typically comprises several components. The fixed base salary is the largest portion, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profits, usually make up 10-20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and stock options, while smaller companies might provide more substantial bonuses to attract talent.

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 packages. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, AI security, or blockchain technology can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities.

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. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles that involve complex security challenges or leadership responsibilities. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest security trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often highly regarded by employers. Common and valuable certifications for this role include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a deep understanding of security principles and practices, and they 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, security analysis, and incident response. Experience in leading projects or teams, as well as a proven track record of implementing security measures in software systems, is often required. Familiarity with various programming languages, security tools, and frameworks is also essential.

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