Security Operations Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Operations Engineer salary lies between USD 117,200 and USD 220,000 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: Nov. 17, 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 | 191 jobs Incident response | 174 jobs SIEM | 166 jobs Monitoring | 144 jobs AWS | 107 jobs Automation | 102 jobs Computer Science | 102 jobs Python | 94 jobs Compliance | 94 jobs Vulnerabilities | 90 jobs SOC | 86 jobs CISSP | 81 jobs Scripting | 80 jobs Vulnerability management | 79 jobs Azure | 78 jobs NIST | 68 jobs EDR | 67 jobs Firewalls | 64 jobs Linux | 63 jobs Strategy | 62 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 | 142 jobs Health care | 131 jobs Team events | 119 jobs Competitive pay | 79 jobs Flex hours | 73 jobs Startup environment | 67 jobs Medical leave | 62 jobs Equity / stock options | 58 jobs Salary bonus | 54 jobs Flex vacation | 47 jobs Parental leave | 39 jobs Insurance | 39 jobs Wellness | 28 jobs 401(k) matching | 27 jobs Home office stipend | 19 jobs Gear | 15 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 12 jobs Fertility benefits | 11 jobs Fitness / gym | 9 jobs Transparency | 8 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Operations Engineer in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can make up 5-10% of the total package. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job markets. Industry-wise, sectors like finance and technology often offer higher compensation compared to others.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from the position of a Security Operations Engineer, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Security Architect, Security Manager, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions typically require a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic vision. Gaining experience in managing teams, leading projects, and developing security strategies can be beneficial. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and obtaining advanced certifications can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities.

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 general security principles to specific technical skills, and are often considered valuable by employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Operations Engineer is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, incident response, and threat analysis. Experience in a Security Operations Center (SOC) or similar environment is highly beneficial, as it provides practical exposure to real-world security challenges and solutions.

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