Security Operations Manager Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Operations Manager salary lies between USD 115,000 and USD 200,000 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. 3, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Operations Manager roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Operations Manager job listings are Incident response, Cloud and Compliance. 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:

Incident response | 62 jobs Cloud | 44 jobs Compliance | 42 jobs Monitoring | 33 jobs SOC | 33 jobs CISSP | 32 jobs SIEM | 28 jobs Vulnerabilities | 24 jobs Strategy | 23 jobs Computer Science | 23 jobs Audits | 21 jobs Vulnerability management | 21 jobs Azure | 21 jobs CISM | 19 jobs Threat intelligence | 18 jobs Risk assessment | 18 jobs ISO 27001 | 15 jobs Risk management | 15 jobs Risk analysis | 15 jobs Privacy | 14 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Operations Manager roles

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

Career development | 60 jobs Team events | 51 jobs Health care | 31 jobs Medical leave | 31 jobs Flex hours | 20 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs Parental leave | 17 jobs Competitive pay | 17 jobs Flex vacation | 16 jobs Travel | 15 jobs Salary bonus | 14 jobs Insurance | 12 jobs 401(k) matching | 11 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Operations Manager 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 the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses are often tied to individual or company performance and can vary significantly depending on the industry and company size. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to non-profit organizations. Additional remuneration can include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes equity in the company, especially in larger or publicly traded companies. Regional differences also play a role, with higher salaries often found in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or major cities like New York and Washington, D.C.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Security Operations Manager, consider pursuing advanced leadership roles such as Director of Security Operations or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These roles typically command higher salaries and require a strategic understanding of cybersecurity at the organizational level. Additionally, specializing in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to thought leadership through publications or speaking engagements can also enhance your profile and open up higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Operations Manager positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, particularly in Information Security or Business Administration with a focus on technology management. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications demonstrate a solid understanding of security principles and practices and are often required or preferred by employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Operations Manager is expected to have 5-10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on technical roles such as a security analyst or engineer, as well as experience in leadership or management positions. Experience in incident response, threat analysis, and security architecture is particularly valuable. Employers also look for a proven track record of managing security teams and projects.

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