Salary for Senior-level / Expert Software Engineer during 2024

💰 The median Salary for Senior-level / Expert Software Engineer during 2024 is USD 170,000

✏️ This salary info is based on 579 individual salaries reported during 2024

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Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Software Engineer salary lies between USD 125,130 and USD 223,900 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.

Job title
Software Engineer
Experience
Senior-level / Expert
Region
global/worldwide
Salary year
2024
Sample size
579
Top 10%
$ 251,600
Top 25%
$ 223,900
Median
$ 170,000
Bottom 25%
$ 125,130
Bottom 10%
$ 94,200

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated:

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Software Engineer job listings are Cloud, Computer Science and Python. 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:

Cloud | 875 jobs Computer Science | 711 jobs Python | 663 jobs Java | 516 jobs AWS | 498 jobs C | 465 jobs Monitoring | 413 jobs Compliance | 392 jobs Agile | 365 jobs Automation | 361 jobs Kubernetes | 354 jobs Azure | 347 jobs APIs | 346 jobs Linux | 327 jobs Privacy | 312 jobs GCP | 310 jobs Docker | 288 jobs CI/CD | 264 jobs DevOps | 224 jobs Vulnerabilities | 215 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. 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:

Career development | 853 jobs Health care | 680 jobs Equity / stock options | 540 jobs Flex hours | 519 jobs Flex vacation | 518 jobs Parental leave | 495 jobs Medical leave | 455 jobs Insurance | 345 jobs Salary bonus | 338 jobs Startup environment | 293 jobs Competitive pay | 282 jobs Team events | 220 jobs Wellness | 180 jobs 401(k) matching | 157 jobs Home office stipend | 91 jobs Transparency | 89 jobs Gear | 71 jobs Flexible spending account | 64 jobs Relocation support | 60 jobs Fertility benefits | 46 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Software Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and the specific industry. For instance, tech companies often offer higher bonuses compared to other sectors. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in startups or large tech firms, and benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The composition can also vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries and more lucrative stock options compared to other areas.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or transitioning into specialized areas like security architecture or threat intelligence, which often command higher salaries. Additionally, gaining expertise in emerging technologies such as cloud security, AI, and machine learning can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your visibility and open up higher-paying opportunities. Negotiating your salary based on market research and your contributions to the company can also be effective.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline can be advantageous and sometimes preferred. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to keep up with the rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly bolster your credentials in the cybersecurity field. Some of the most recognized and helpful certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, often making candidates more attractive to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior-level position in InfoSec/Cyber Security requires at least 5-10 years of experience in the field. This experience should include hands-on work in various aspects of cybersecurity, such as network security, application security, and incident response. Experience in leadership roles or managing security teams can also be crucial for senior positions.

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