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: Dec. 22, 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 | 6977 jobs Compliance | 4703 jobs Vulnerabilities | 4434 jobs Computer Science | 4280 jobs Python | 4197 jobs AWS | 4109 jobs Automation | 3599 jobs Monitoring | 3150 jobs CISSP | 2953 jobs Azure | 2902 jobs Incident response | 2834 jobs Scripting | 2671 jobs Application security | 2667 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 | 6098 jobs Health care | 4512 jobs Equity / stock options | 2948 jobs Flex hours | 2840 jobs Team events | 2810 jobs Competitive pay | 2519 jobs Insurance | 2127 jobs Flex vacation | 2019 jobs Salary bonus | 1941 jobs Medical leave | 1913 jobs Parental leave | 1835 jobs Startup environment | 1767 jobs 401(k) matching | 1400 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

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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