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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Software Engineer salary lies between USD 168,000 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. 22, 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 | 118 jobs C | 109 jobs Computer Science | 103 jobs Cloud | 90 jobs Network security | 64 jobs Golang | 57 jobs Incident response | 55 jobs Automation | 52 jobs STEM | 52 jobs Cryptography | 49 jobs Privacy | 48 jobs AWS | 46 jobs Monitoring | 46 jobs Vulnerabilities | 43 jobs Java | 40 jobs SDLC | 39 jobs TCP/IP | 37 jobs Linux | 37 jobs Compliance | 34 jobs Clearance | 32 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 Medical leave. 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 | 116 jobs Equity / stock options | 95 jobs Medical leave | 78 jobs Insurance | 78 jobs Parental leave | 72 jobs Flex hours | 72 jobs Flex vacation | 71 jobs Career development | 68 jobs Competitive pay | 34 jobs Startup environment | 24 jobs Wellness | 20 jobs Salary bonus | 20 jobs Team events | 19 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 18 jobs Relocation support | 15 jobs 401(k) matching | 14 jobs Fertility benefits | 11 jobs Home office stipend | 8 jobs Transparency | 6 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Security Software Engineer can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into three main components:

• Base Salary: This is the fixed annual amount and usually constitutes the largest portion of the total compensation package. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York, or Seattle, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

• Bonus: Bonuses can be performance-based or company-wide and are often tied to individual, team, or company performance metrics. In larger companies or those in high-revenue industries like finance or tech, bonuses can be substantial, sometimes ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary.

• Additional Remuneration: This includes stock options, equity, or profit-sharing plans, which are more common in tech startups or publicly traded companies. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks also form part of the total compensation package.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 220,500, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as cloud security, AI security, or blockchain security, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.

• Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or leadership roles, such as a Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher compensation.

• Consulting or Freelancing: Consider consulting or freelance work, which can offer higher hourly rates and the flexibility to work with multiple clients.

• Continuous Learning and Networking: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity and expand your professional network to open up new opportunities.

Educational Requirements

For a Senior-level Security Software Engineer position, most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree or higher in cybersecurity or a related discipline can be advantageous and may be preferred by some employers, especially for expert-level roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise. Some of the most recognized and beneficial 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)

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 and a proven track record of implementing security measures in software development processes are also highly valued.

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