Security Operations Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Security Operations Engineer salary lies between USD 100,000 and USD 208,800 globally. 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.

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 Operations Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Operations Engineer job listings are Cloud, Incident response and SIEM. 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 | 216 jobs Incident response | 192 jobs SIEM | 183 jobs Monitoring | 164 jobs Automation | 119 jobs AWS | 118 jobs Computer Science | 114 jobs Compliance | 110 jobs Vulnerabilities | 106 jobs Python | 106 jobs SOC | 95 jobs CISSP | 93 jobs Scripting | 92 jobs Azure | 91 jobs Vulnerability management | 90 jobs NIST | 78 jobs EDR | 77 jobs Firewalls | 76 jobs Linux | 73 jobs Strategy | 65 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Operations Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Operations 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 156 jobs Health care | 146 jobs Team events | 131 jobs Competitive pay | 84 jobs Flex hours | 81 jobs Startup environment | 73 jobs Medical leave | 70 jobs Equity / stock options | 63 jobs Salary bonus | 59 jobs Flex vacation | 52 jobs Insurance | 49 jobs Parental leave | 44 jobs 401(k) matching | 31 jobs Wellness | 29 jobs Home office stipend | 19 jobs Gear | 15 jobs Fitness / gym | 12 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 12 jobs Fertility benefits | 12 jobs Transparency | 11 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Operations Engineer typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary is the largest component, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, additional remuneration might include stock options or equity, which can be a significant part of the compensation, especially in startups or large tech companies. In contrast, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be more dominant, with fewer additional incentives.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Security Operations Engineer, consider the following steps:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as threat intelligence, incident response, or cloud security, which can make you more valuable to employers.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles within security operations, such as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager or Director of Security Operations.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies through courses, workshops, and conferences.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the cybersecurity community to learn about higher-paying opportunities and gain insights into industry trends.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Operations 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 foundation in computer science principles, networking, and security protocols is essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most recognized certifications for a Security Operations Engineer include:

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

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge in various aspects of cybersecurity and are often considered a prerequisite for advanced roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Operations Engineer role requires 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience in roles such as a security analyst, network administrator, or systems administrator can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and threat analysis is crucial. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to handle real-world security challenges and have a track record of successful security operations.

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