Security Operations Engineer Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Security Operations Engineer salary lies between USD 135,500 and USD 197,772 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 Operations Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Operations Engineer job listings are Cloud, Incident response and Monitoring. 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 | 45 jobs Incident response | 41 jobs Monitoring | 38 jobs AWS | 36 jobs SIEM | 35 jobs Python | 32 jobs Compliance | 27 jobs Scripting | 27 jobs Vulnerability management | 26 jobs Vulnerabilities | 25 jobs Automation | 25 jobs Computer Science | 24 jobs Linux | 22 jobs Firewalls | 19 jobs CISSP | 19 jobs SOC | 19 jobs Azure | 18 jobs Privacy | 18 jobs GCP | 16 jobs Network security | 14 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, Team events and Health care. 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 | 40 jobs Team events | 32 jobs Health care | 29 jobs Flex hours | 23 jobs Equity / stock options | 20 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs Competitive pay | 15 jobs Medical leave | 14 jobs Flex vacation | 13 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Salary bonus | 12 jobs Insurance | 11 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Operations 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 like finance or technology often offer more competitive compensation packages, including higher bonuses and additional perks such as health benefits, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Security Operations Engineer, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training that can set you apart from your peers. Gaining expertise in emerging areas such as cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or transitioning into a managerial position within the security domain can lead to higher compensation. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

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 educational background provides a solid foundation in the technical and theoretical aspects of cybersecurity, which is crucial for effectively managing security operations.

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)
• CompTIA Security+
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

These certifications cover a range of skills and knowledge areas, from ethical hacking to security management, and can be instrumental in advancing your career.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field for a Security Operations Engineer role. Experience in network security, incident response, and security monitoring is often required. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, as well as a proven track record of managing security incidents, is highly valued. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be beneficial due to the unique security challenges they present.

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