Security Operations Specialist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Operations Specialist salary lies between USD 101,109 and USD 188,800 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. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Operations Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Operations Specialist job listings are Incident response, Monitoring and Cloud. 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 | 41 jobs Monitoring | 34 jobs Cloud | 34 jobs AWS | 28 jobs IDS | 26 jobs CISSP | 26 jobs SIEM | 25 jobs Firewalls | 25 jobs Linux | 23 jobs Compliance | 23 jobs Automation | 22 jobs Privacy | 21 jobs IPS | 20 jobs Vulnerabilities | 19 jobs Vulnerability management | 18 jobs Python | 17 jobs Windows | 16 jobs Endpoint security | 16 jobs Scripting | 16 jobs Computer Science | 16 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Operations Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Operations Specialist 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 | 44 jobs Health care | 34 jobs Team events | 34 jobs Flex hours | 18 jobs Insurance | 17 jobs Parental leave | 16 jobs Equity / stock options | 15 jobs Transparency | 15 jobs Medical leave | 14 jobs 401(k) matching | 12 jobs Flex vacation | 12 jobs Startup environment | 10 jobs Flexible spending account | 8 jobs Competitive pay | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Relocation support | 4 jobs Travel | 3 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Security Operations Specialist

The salary for a Security Operations Specialist in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's profitability and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or comprehensive benefits packages that cover health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

Regional differences can affect salary composition, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries and bonuses due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and tech companies often offer more lucrative compensation packages compared to non-profit or government sectors. Company size can influence salary as well, with larger corporations typically providing more substantial bonuses and benefits compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary from the position of a Security Operations Specialist, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, especially in emerging areas like cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, and threat intelligence.
• Advanced Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) to demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial roles within the security operations team, which often come with higher pay.
• Industry Networking: Engage in industry networking through conferences, seminars, and professional groups to increase visibility and open up higher-paying opportunities.
• Cross-Industry Experience: Gain experience in different industries to broaden your expertise and make you more attractive to employers willing to pay a premium for diverse experience.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Operations Specialist 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 are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a Security Operations Specialist include:

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

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate for higher-level positions.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or related fields for a Security Operations Specialist role. Experience in security monitoring, incident response, and threat analysis is particularly valuable. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, as well as familiarity with security frameworks and compliance standards, is often required.

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