Security Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Security Engineer salary lies between USD 117,120 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: March 30, 2025

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 | 6886 jobs Compliance | 4741 jobs Vulnerabilities | 4354 jobs Computer Science | 4322 jobs Python | 4120 jobs AWS | 4015 jobs Automation | 3600 jobs Monitoring | 3160 jobs CISSP | 2965 jobs Azure | 2870 jobs Incident response | 2852 jobs Application security | 2673 jobs Scripting | 2672 jobs Firewalls | 2585 jobs Network security | 2446 jobs Linux | 2360 jobs NIST | 2315 jobs Privacy | 2288 jobs SIEM | 2113 jobs Pentesting | 2054 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 | 6117 jobs Health care | 4447 jobs Equity / stock options | 2876 jobs Flex hours | 2871 jobs Team events | 2812 jobs Competitive pay | 2431 jobs Insurance | 2140 jobs Flex vacation | 2047 jobs Salary bonus | 1944 jobs Medical leave | 1942 jobs Parental leave | 1853 jobs Startup environment | 1793 jobs 401(k) matching | 1419 jobs Wellness | 1257 jobs Home office stipend | 411 jobs Relocation support | 376 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 331 jobs Flexible spending account | 319 jobs Conferences | 318 jobs Transparency | 294 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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