Security Engineer Salary in Australia during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Engineer salary lies between USD 89,700 and USD 162,150 in Australia. 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: Dec. 15, 2024

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 | 6976 jobs Compliance | 4702 jobs Vulnerabilities | 4434 jobs Computer Science | 4279 jobs Python | 4196 jobs AWS | 4108 jobs Automation | 3598 jobs Monitoring | 3150 jobs CISSP | 2952 jobs Azure | 2901 jobs Incident response | 2834 jobs Scripting | 2671 jobs Application security | 2666 jobs Firewalls | 2563 jobs Network security | 2476 jobs Linux | 2352 jobs NIST | 2292 jobs Privacy | 2262 jobs SIEM | 2100 jobs Pentesting | 2080 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 | 6097 jobs Health care | 4511 jobs Equity / stock options | 2948 jobs Flex hours | 2839 jobs Team events | 2810 jobs Competitive pay | 2519 jobs Insurance | 2127 jobs Flex vacation | 2019 jobs Salary bonus | 1940 jobs Medical leave | 1912 jobs Parental leave | 1835 jobs Startup environment | 1767 jobs 401(k) matching | 1399 jobs Wellness | 1355 jobs Home office stipend | 409 jobs Relocation support | 371 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 329 jobs Flexible spending account | 316 jobs Conferences | 314 jobs Fertility benefits | 289 jobs

Salary Composition for Security Engineers in Australia

The salary for a Security Engineer in Australia typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary is the most substantial component, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual achievements, and industry standards, usually ranging from 10-20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. The composition can vary based on the region, with major cities like Sydney and Melbourne offering higher base salaries due to the higher cost of living. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and tech companies might offer more competitive packages compared to smaller firms or public sector roles.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Security Engineer Position

To increase your salary from a Security Engineer position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training that can set you apart in the field. Transitioning into roles with more responsibility, such as a Security Architect or Security Manager, can also lead to higher pay. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Additionally, gaining experience in high-demand areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or incident response can make you more valuable to employers. Negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities can also be effective.

Educational Requirements for Security Engineers

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. A strong foundation in computer systems, networking, and programming is essential. Courses in cybersecurity, cryptography, and risk management are particularly beneficial. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies are crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications for Security Engineers

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most recognized certifications in the field include:

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

These certifications cover a range of skills and knowledge areas, from ethical hacking and penetration testing to security management and risk assessment.

Experience Required for Security Engineers

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience in network security, system administration, or software development can be advantageous. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools, is often required. Demonstrating a track record of successfully managing security incidents and implementing security measures can also be beneficial.

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