Salary for Senior-level / Expert System Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert System Engineer salary lies between USD 105,000 and USD 184,000 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.

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

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert System Engineer job listings are Clearance, Cloud and CISSP. 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:

Clearance | 36 jobs Cloud | 32 jobs CISSP | 31 jobs Computer Science | 29 jobs Linux | 24 jobs Compliance | 22 jobs DoD | 22 jobs Windows | 19 jobs TS/SCI | 19 jobs Polygraph | 17 jobs Firewalls | 16 jobs Risk management | 16 jobs Vulnerabilities | 15 jobs UNIX | 15 jobs Privacy | 15 jobs Scripting | 15 jobs AWS | 14 jobs Azure | 14 jobs CISA | 14 jobs DoDD 8570 | 14 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert System Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Insurance. 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 | 44 jobs Health care | 33 jobs Insurance | 25 jobs Competitive pay | 22 jobs 401(k) matching | 21 jobs Flex vacation | 19 jobs Medical leave | 19 jobs Flex hours | 17 jobs Startup environment | 15 jobs Parental leave | 14 jobs Wellness | 11 jobs Team events | 7 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Relocation support | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert System Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the largest component, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly based on company performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. 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 market. Industry-specific factors can also influence salary composition, with financial services and healthcare often offering higher bonuses due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these sectors.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Senior-level/Expert System Engineer position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response, which 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: Explore opportunities in cybersecurity consulting, where you can leverage your expertise to advise multiple organizations and potentially earn more.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and threats in cybersecurity, and pursue advanced certifications or degrees to enhance your qualifications.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert System Engineer roles in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, especially for roles with a focus on research or advanced technical skills. A strong foundation in computer systems, networking, and security principles is essential, and coursework in cryptography, ethical hacking, and risk management can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. 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)
• CompTIA Security+

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, and they are often required or preferred by employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert System Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have at least 5-10 years of relevant experience. This experience should include hands-on work in system engineering, network security, and cybersecurity operations. Experience with security tools, incident response, and vulnerability assessment is crucial. Additionally, experience in leading projects or teams can be advantageous for senior roles.

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