Security Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Engineer salary lies between USD 120,000 and USD 200,000 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.

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

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, 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 for a Security Engineer

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.

In terms of industry, tech companies, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these sectors. Larger companies may provide more comprehensive benefits and stock options, while smaller companies might offer higher base salaries to attract talent. Regional differences also play a role, with metropolitan areas generally offering higher salaries to offset the cost of living.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications like CISSP, CISM, or CEH can enhance your qualifications and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.
• Gain Leadership Experience: Transitioning into a managerial or leadership role can significantly increase your earning potential. Consider roles like Security Manager or Director of Information Security.
• Expand Your Network: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to increase your visibility and learn about higher-paying opportunities.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate your salary and benefits package to reflect your skills and market value.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in the technical and theoretical aspects of cybersecurity, which is crucial for this role.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most beneficial 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 demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Engineer position requires 3-5 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, understanding of security protocols, and familiarity with risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present.

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