Security Engineer Salary in Germany during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Engineer salary lies between USD 77,777 and USD 112,000 in Germany. 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: Jan. 12, 2025

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 | 6905 jobs Compliance | 4751 jobs Vulnerabilities | 4360 jobs Computer Science | 4327 jobs Python | 4129 jobs AWS | 4029 jobs Automation | 3614 jobs Monitoring | 3171 jobs CISSP | 2970 jobs Azure | 2885 jobs Incident response | 2858 jobs Application security | 2677 jobs Scripting | 2676 jobs Firewalls | 2593 jobs Network security | 2454 jobs Linux | 2364 jobs NIST | 2319 jobs Privacy | 2289 jobs SIEM | 2121 jobs Pentesting | 2055 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 | 6140 jobs Health care | 4468 jobs Equity / stock options | 2897 jobs Flex hours | 2871 jobs Team events | 2814 jobs Competitive pay | 2431 jobs Insurance | 2161 jobs Flex vacation | 2047 jobs Salary bonus | 1968 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

In Germany, the salary composition for a Security Engineer can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into a fixed base salary and additional components like bonuses and other forms of remuneration. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can be performance-based or tied to company profits and may range from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in larger tech companies, or benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and transportation allowances. In larger cities like Berlin or Munich, salaries might be higher due to the increased cost of living, while industries such as finance or technology may offer more competitive packages compared to smaller sectors.

Increasing Salary

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

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence, which are in high demand.
• Advanced Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM, which can enhance your qualifications and bargaining power.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial positions, such as Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher salaries.
• Networking: Engage in professional networking to learn about higher-paying opportunities and gain insights into industry trends.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and security threats to remain competitive and justify salary increments.

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. A strong foundation in computer systems, networks, and programming is essential. Additionally, coursework in cybersecurity, cryptography, and risk management can be highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications play a crucial role in the cybersecurity field, often serving as a testament to your skills and knowledge. Some of the most valuable certifications for a Security Engineer 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 not only enhance your resume but also provide you with the latest industry knowledge and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience in network security, system administration, or software development can be advantageous. Practical experience with security tools, incident response, and vulnerability assessments is often required. For more senior positions, 5-10 years of experience may be necessary, along with proven leadership skills.

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