Security Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Security Engineer salary lies between USD 117,200 and USD 200,000 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

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Engineer job listings are Cloud, Compliance and Vulnerabilities. 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 | 6889 jobs Compliance | 4646 jobs Vulnerabilities | 4390 jobs Computer Science | 4229 jobs Python | 4148 jobs AWS | 4048 jobs Automation | 3548 jobs Monitoring | 3104 jobs CISSP | 2924 jobs Azure | 2868 jobs Incident response | 2796 jobs Scripting | 2641 jobs Application security | 2634 jobs Firewalls | 2532 jobs Network security | 2444 jobs Linux | 2323 jobs NIST | 2268 jobs Privacy | 2236 jobs SIEM | 2069 jobs Pentesting | 2064 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security 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 | 6019 jobs Health care | 4456 jobs Equity / stock options | 2915 jobs Flex hours | 2799 jobs Team events | 2782 jobs Competitive pay | 2486 jobs Insurance | 2101 jobs Flex vacation | 1995 jobs Salary bonus | 1914 jobs Medical leave | 1885 jobs Parental leave | 1809 jobs Startup environment | 1749 jobs 401(k) matching | 1384 jobs Wellness | 1348 jobs Home office stipend | 402 jobs Relocation support | 368 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 325 jobs Flexible spending account | 313 jobs Conferences | 304 jobs Transparency | 286 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Engineer in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. In contrast, companies in regions with a lower cost of living might offer a lower base salary but compensate with bonuses or stock options.

In the tech industry, particularly at large companies like Google, Amazon, or Microsoft, stock options and bonuses can form a significant part of the total compensation package. Smaller companies or startups might offer lower base salaries but provide equity as an incentive. In industries like finance or healthcare, bonuses might be tied to performance metrics or company profitability.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Security Engineer position, consider the following steps:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence. Specialized skills are often in high demand and can command higher salaries.

• Advanced Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to enhance your credentials and marketability.

• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as a Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher salaries.

• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to stay updated on trends and opportunities, which can lead to higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most Security 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 more senior roles. Relevant coursework in cybersecurity, network security, and computer systems is highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often required or preferred by employers. Some common and helpful certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and validate your skills and knowledge in cybersecurity.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Engineer role requires 3-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity. Experience in roles such as a network administrator, systems administrator, or security analyst can provide a solid foundation. Employers often look for hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and vulnerability assessment.

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