Salary for Senior-level / Expert SOC Analyst in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 95,000 and USD 120,000 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: Oct. 28, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert SOC Analyst roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert SOC Analyst job listings are SOC, Cloud and Incident response. 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:

SOC | 83 jobs Cloud | 64 jobs Incident response | 59 jobs SIEM | 56 jobs Monitoring | 49 jobs Malware | 37 jobs GCIH | 37 jobs Vulnerabilities | 36 jobs CISSP | 34 jobs Forensics | 31 jobs Threat intelligence | 30 jobs Azure | 30 jobs CISM | 29 jobs Intrusion detection | 29 jobs Splunk | 28 jobs Linux | 28 jobs Strategy | 27 jobs Firewalls | 26 jobs Computer Science | 26 jobs C | 24 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert SOC Analyst roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert SOC Analyst job listings are Career development, Team events and Health care. 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:

Career development | 41 jobs Team events | 36 jobs Health care | 34 jobs 401(k) matching | 20 jobs Startup environment | 13 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Flex hours | 10 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs Insurance | 10 jobs Equity / stock options | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 9 jobs Flex vacation | 7 jobs Competitive pay | 6 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs Lunch / meals | 3 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for a Senior SOC Analyst

The salary for a Senior SOC Analyst in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and the individual's performance, often ranging from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or profit-sharing plans, which are more common in larger organizations. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries and stock options, while regions with a lower cost of living might offer more balanced packages. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and healthcare might offer higher bonuses due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these sectors.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Senior SOC Analyst Position

To increase your salary beyond the Senior SOC Analyst level, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility, such as SOC Manager or Director of Security Operations. These positions often require leadership skills and a strategic understanding of cybersecurity. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or an MBA with a focus on information security, can also enhance your qualifications and salary prospects.

Educational Requirements for a Senior SOC Analyst

Most Senior SOC Analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for senior or expert-level roles. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and security protocols is essential. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies are also crucial for success in this field.

Helpful Certifications for a Senior SOC Analyst

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your credentials. Common certifications for a Senior SOC Analyst include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• CompTIA Security+

These certifications demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices and are often required or preferred by employers.

Experience Required for a Senior SOC Analyst

Typically, a Senior SOC Analyst is expected to have at least 5-7 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work in security operations, incident response, threat analysis, and vulnerability management. Experience with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems, and other security technologies is also crucial. Leadership experience or the ability to mentor junior analysts can be a significant advantage.

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