Security Operations Lead Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Operations Lead salary lies between USD 135,000 and USD 187,500 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Operations Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Operations Lead job listings are Cloud, Compliance and Incident response. 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 | 33 jobs Compliance | 28 jobs Incident response | 26 jobs Monitoring | 25 jobs Vulnerabilities | 23 jobs SIEM | 19 jobs CISSP | 18 jobs SOC | 18 jobs NIST | 17 jobs Threat intelligence | 16 jobs CISM | 16 jobs AWS | 14 jobs Malware | 13 jobs Computer Science | 13 jobs Governance | 12 jobs Audits | 11 jobs Strategy | 11 jobs Firewalls | 11 jobs Vulnerability management | 10 jobs ISO 27001 | 10 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Operations Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Operations Lead job listings are Career development, Flex hours 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 | 36 jobs Flex hours | 21 jobs Team events | 19 jobs Competitive pay | 15 jobs Health care | 14 jobs Equity / stock options | 10 jobs Wellness | 10 jobs Parental leave | 9 jobs Flex vacation | 8 jobs Salary bonus | 8 jobs Medical leave | 7 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Startup environment | 3 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Operations Lead 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, can make up the remaining 5-10%, though this varies widely based on the company's size and industry. For instance, tech companies or large financial institutions might offer more substantial stock options, while smaller firms might focus more on cash bonuses.

Next Steps for Salary Increase

To increase your salary further from the position of a Security Operations Lead, consider pursuing advanced leadership roles such as Director of Security Operations or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These roles typically require a combination of extensive experience, advanced certifications, and a proven track record of managing large teams and complex security projects. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable. Networking within industry groups and attending relevant conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Operations Lead 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, particularly in cybersecurity or business administration, as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of the role. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest security trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field, and several are particularly beneficial for a Security Operations Lead. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is highly regarded and often considered essential for leadership roles. Other valuable certifications include Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These certifications demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of security management, auditing, and ethical hacking, which are critical for the role.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Operations Lead is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on technical work, such as network security, incident response, and vulnerability management, as well as leadership experience in managing security teams and projects. Experience in developing and implementing security policies and procedures is also crucial, as is familiarity with compliance standards like ISO 27001, NIST, and GDPR.

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