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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Systems Engineer salary lies between USD 116,425 and USD 198,000 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: March 30, 2025

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Systems Engineer job listings are Cloud, Clearance and Compliance. 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 | 331 jobs Clearance | 327 jobs Compliance | 227 jobs Computer Science | 219 jobs DoD | 213 jobs TS/SCI | 209 jobs CISSP | 199 jobs Security Clearance | 180 jobs Automation | 177 jobs Linux | 162 jobs Agile | 162 jobs Python | 154 jobs AWS | 147 jobs Monitoring | 144 jobs Scripting | 139 jobs Windows | 132 jobs DoDD 8570 | 114 jobs Azure | 110 jobs Firewalls | 109 jobs VMware | 102 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Systems 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 | 343 jobs Health care | 283 jobs Equity / stock options | 170 jobs Flex hours | 162 jobs Medical leave | 162 jobs Competitive pay | 158 jobs Insurance | 148 jobs Flex vacation | 144 jobs Team events | 129 jobs Salary bonus | 122 jobs 401(k) matching | 105 jobs Startup environment | 95 jobs Wellness | 91 jobs Parental leave | 89 jobs Relocation support | 61 jobs Transparency | 14 jobs Flexible spending account | 14 jobs Travel | 13 jobs Home office stipend | 13 jobs Conferences | 10 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level/Expert Systems Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, usually ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often comprising 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives, may account for 5% to 10% of the total package.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options due to the competitive market. Industry variations are also notable; for example, financial services and technology companies often provide more lucrative bonuses compared to other sectors. Company size can influence the salary structure as well, with larger corporations typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonus structures.

Increasing Salary Further

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

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or blockchain security, which are in high demand.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or leadership roles, such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Cybersecurity, which typically offer higher compensation.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in cybersecurity through courses, workshops, and conferences.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the industry to learn about higher-paying opportunities and gain insights into salary trends.
• Negotiation Skills: Enhance your negotiation skills to better advocate for salary increases during performance reviews or when switching jobs.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Systems Engineer positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security 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 roles that involve strategic decision-making or leadership responsibilities. Advanced degrees can provide a competitive edge and may lead to higher salary offers.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some common and beneficial certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Systems Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have at least 7 to 10 years of relevant experience. This experience should include a strong background in systems engineering, network security, and cybersecurity practices. Experience in managing complex security projects, leading teams, and developing security strategies is also highly desirable.

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