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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert SOC Engineer salary lies between USD 125,000 and USD 185,000 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

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

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

SOC | 69 jobs Incident response | 53 jobs Monitoring | 45 jobs Cloud | 42 jobs SIEM | 41 jobs Scripting | 38 jobs Automation | 32 jobs Threat intelligence | 30 jobs EDR | 29 jobs Linux | 28 jobs Python | 26 jobs Sentinel | 25 jobs Forensics | 23 jobs Malware | 22 jobs SOAR | 22 jobs CISSP | 19 jobs DFIR | 19 jobs RDBMS | 19 jobs UNIX | 18 jobs Open Source | 18 jobs

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

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

Team events | 45 jobs Career development | 38 jobs Startup environment | 25 jobs Competitive pay | 22 jobs Salary bonus | 22 jobs Equity / stock options | 21 jobs Conferences | 20 jobs Flex hours | 17 jobs Insurance | 17 jobs Flex vacation | 15 jobs Health care | 15 jobs Parental leave | 14 jobs Wellness | 11 jobs Home office stipend | 10 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 9 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Senior SOC Engineer

The salary for a Senior SOC Engineer 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 often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can make up the remaining 5-10%, though this is more common in larger companies or tech-heavy industries.

Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job markets. Industry-wise, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher compensation packages due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these fields. Company size can also influence salary composition, with larger organizations typically offering more comprehensive bonus structures and additional benefits.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Senior SOC Engineer Position

To increase your salary beyond the Senior SOC Engineer level, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility, such as SOC Manager or Director of Security Operations. These positions often come with higher pay scales and additional benefits. Expanding your skill set to include expertise in emerging technologies like cloud security, AI-driven threat detection, or advanced incident response can make you more valuable to employers.

Networking within the industry and building a strong professional reputation can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Attending industry conferences, participating in cybersecurity forums, and contributing to publications can enhance your visibility and credibility. Additionally, seeking roles in high-demand sectors or regions can provide leverage for negotiating higher salaries.

Educational Requirements for a Senior SOC Engineer

Most Senior SOC 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 involving strategic decision-making or leadership responsibilities. A strong foundation in networking, systems administration, and cybersecurity principles is essential.

Continuing education is also important in this rapidly evolving field. Staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends, tools, and technologies through workshops, online courses, and seminars can enhance your qualifications and appeal to potential employers.

Helpful Certifications for a Senior SOC Engineer

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your qualifications for a Senior SOC Engineer role. Some of the most recognized certifications 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 commitment to the field and a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices. They can also provide a competitive edge in the job market and may be required by some employers.

Experience Required for a Senior SOC Engineer

Typically, a Senior SOC Engineer is expected to have at least 5-7 years of experience in cybersecurity or related fields. 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 firewalls is often required.

Leadership experience, such as mentoring junior team members or leading security projects, can also be beneficial. Employers look for candidates who can demonstrate a track record of successfully managing security incidents and implementing effective security measures.

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