Security Operations Analyst Salary in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average Security Operations Analyst salary lies between USD 88,000 and USD 112,200 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: Nov. 24, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Operations Analyst roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Operations Analyst job listings are Cloud, SIEM and Incident response. 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 | 46 jobs SIEM | 44 jobs Incident response | 38 jobs Monitoring | 34 jobs Vulnerabilities | 26 jobs AWS | 26 jobs Automation | 23 jobs Threat intelligence | 21 jobs Compliance | 20 jobs Firewalls | 19 jobs EDR | 18 jobs CISSP | 17 jobs Scripting | 17 jobs Malware | 16 jobs Analytics | 16 jobs SOC | 16 jobs Vulnerability management | 15 jobs Linux | 15 jobs IDS | 14 jobs IPS | 14 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Operations Analyst roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Operations Analyst job listings are Team events, Flex hours and Career development. 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:

Team events | 42 jobs Flex hours | 32 jobs Career development | 31 jobs Health care | 26 jobs Startup environment | 23 jobs Flex vacation | 19 jobs Competitive pay | 16 jobs Parental leave | 15 jobs Equity / stock options | 13 jobs Wellness | 12 jobs Insurance | 12 jobs Salary bonus | 12 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Medical leave | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Lunch / meals | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for a Security Operations Analyst

The salary for a Security Operations Analyst typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Regional differences can affect salary composition, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries but potentially lower relative bonuses due to the high cost of living. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and tech companies might offer more competitive packages compared to smaller firms or non-profit organizations. Larger companies often have more structured bonus programs and additional perks compared to smaller companies.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from a Security Operations Analyst position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining specialized skills in areas like threat intelligence, incident response, or cloud security can make you more valuable to employers. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage teams or complex security challenges can position you for promotions or higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Operations Analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can be advantageous. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can further enhance your qualifications and open up opportunities for higher-level positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Common and beneficial certifications for a Security Operations Analyst include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience in network security, incident response, and threat analysis is particularly valuable. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, such as SIEM systems, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, is often required. Demonstrating a track record of successfully managing security incidents and implementing security measures can be crucial.

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