Security Engineer Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Security Engineer salary lies between USD 135,000 and USD 212,800 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.

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

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 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 2556 jobs AWS | 1736 jobs Python | 1616 jobs Automation | 1419 jobs Computer Science | 1341 jobs Vulnerabilities | 1339 jobs Compliance | 1229 jobs Application security | 1085 jobs Monitoring | 1025 jobs Azure | 1012 jobs Incident response | 939 jobs GCP | 926 jobs Scripting | 915 jobs Linux | 908 jobs Network security | 800 jobs CISSP | 780 jobs C | 772 jobs Privacy | 764 jobs Pentesting | 763 jobs Java | 704 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 Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 2098 jobs Health care | 1417 jobs Flex hours | 1112 jobs Team events | 1056 jobs Equity / stock options | 1007 jobs Flex vacation | 886 jobs Competitive pay | 801 jobs Startup environment | 796 jobs Parental leave | 704 jobs Salary bonus | 679 jobs Insurance | 639 jobs Medical leave | 495 jobs Wellness | 472 jobs 401(k) matching | 464 jobs Home office stipend | 232 jobs Conferences | 221 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 174 jobs Fitness / gym | 126 jobs Gear | 103 jobs Fertility benefits | 96 jobs

Salary 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 industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options might be more substantial compared to other areas. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries such as finance or technology often offer more competitive compensation packages, including higher bonuses and stock options, compared to smaller companies or those in less competitive industries.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Security Engineer position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven security solutions. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also be beneficial. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Additionally, considering roles in high-demand sectors or regions with a higher cost of living can lead to increased salary offers. Negotiating your salary based on market research and your unique skills and contributions can also be effective.

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 security principles is essential. Coursework in cryptography, network security, and software development can be particularly beneficial. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies are crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most recognized certifications for Security Engineers 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 to management-level security practices, and can help you stand out in the job market.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in information security or a related field for a Security Engineer role. Experience with security tools, incident response, and vulnerability assessment is often required. Hands-on experience with network and system administration can also be valuable. As you gain more experience, you may be expected to take on more complex projects and responsibilities, which can lead to career advancement and higher salaries.

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