Security Engineer Salary in United States during 2022
💰 The median Security Engineer Salary in United States during 2022 is USD 155,000
✏️ This salary info is based on 297 individual salaries reported during 2022
Salary details
The average Security Engineer salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 186,000 in the United States. 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.
- Job title
- Security Engineer
- Experience
- all levels
- Region
- United States
- Salary year
- 2022
- Sample size
- 297
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- Top 25%
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- Median
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- Bottom 25%
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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: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, AWS and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:
Cloud | 1789 jobs AWS | 1232 jobs Python | 1216 jobs Automation | 1057 jobs Vulnerabilities | 1036 jobs Compliance | 875 jobs Computer Science | 875 jobs Application security | 855 jobs Monitoring | 725 jobs Linux | 707 jobs Incident response | 667 jobs Azure | 641 jobs Scripting | 624 jobs Privacy | 596 jobs Pentesting | 587 jobs GCP | 575 jobs Network security | 536 jobs C | 535 jobs Java | 512 jobs Kubernetes | 501 jobsTop 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 Team events. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:
Career development | 1350 jobs Health care | 929 jobs Team events | 752 jobs Flex hours | 690 jobs Startup environment | 662 jobs Flex vacation | 589 jobs Competitive pay | 531 jobs Parental leave | 463 jobs Equity / stock options | 447 jobs 401(k) matching | 382 jobs Insurance | 309 jobs Medical leave | 288 jobs Salary bonus | 269 jobs Wellness | 250 jobs Home office stipend | 189 jobs Conferences | 153 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 140 jobs Fitness / gym | 90 jobs Fertility benefits | 73 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 68 jobsSalary Composition
The salary for a Security Engineer in the United States typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and the industry. For instance, tech companies often offer substantial bonuses and stock options, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. In contrast, smaller companies or those in less competitive regions might offer lower bonuses but compensate with other benefits like flexible working conditions or additional vacation days. The industry also plays a role; financial services and tech companies tend to offer higher compensation packages compared to non-profit or government sectors.
Increasing Salary
To increase your salary from a Security Engineer position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Senior Security Engineer, Security Architect, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These roles typically require more experience and a broader skill set but offer significantly higher compensation. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your visibility and lead to better opportunities. Negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when switching jobs is another effective strategy.
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 includes network security, cryptography, and systems architecture. Practical experience gained through internships or cooperative education programs is highly valued and can sometimes substitute for formal education requirements.
Helpful Certifications
Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often required or preferred by employers. Common and valuable certifications for Security Engineers include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-paying positions.
Required Experience
Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, incident response, and vulnerability assessment. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present. Additionally, experience with compliance and regulatory standards like GDPR or HIPAA can be beneficial.
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