SOC Analyst Salary in 2022

Salary details

The average SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 75,000 and USD 104,000 globally. 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.

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

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for SOC Analyst roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with SOC Analyst job listings are Incident response, SOC and Monitoring. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Incident response | 83 jobs SOC | 81 jobs Monitoring | 77 jobs SIEM | 76 jobs Malware | 66 jobs Clearance | 55 jobs Cloud | 53 jobs GCIH | 51 jobs Linux | 44 jobs Windows | 44 jobs CISSP | 43 jobs GCFA | 43 jobs Intrusion detection | 43 jobs GCIA | 43 jobs Active Directory | 40 jobs IDS | 39 jobs Threat intelligence | 38 jobs Threat detection | 36 jobs GNFA | 36 jobs Splunk | 34 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for SOC Analyst roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with SOC Analyst job listings are Team events, Health care and 401(k) matching. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Team events | 74 jobs Health care | 65 jobs 401(k) matching | 45 jobs Career development | 27 jobs Flex hours | 26 jobs Flex vacation | 24 jobs Competitive pay | 16 jobs Salary bonus | 16 jobs Parental leave | 14 jobs Startup environment | 14 jobs Equity / stock options | 13 jobs Insurance | 12 jobs Home office stipend | 11 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 11 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Medical leave | 3 jobs Flexible spending account | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Yoga | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for SOC Analysts

The salary composition for a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company's profitability and the individual's performance. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive compensation packages.

Steps to Increase Salary from a SOC Analyst Position

To increase your salary from a SOC Analyst position, consider pursuing advanced certifications and further education, which can make you more valuable to employers. Transitioning to a more specialized role, such as a Threat Intelligence Analyst or Incident Response Specialist, can also lead to higher pay. Gaining experience in managing teams or projects can open up opportunities for leadership roles, which typically come with higher salaries. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also provide opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, consider exploring opportunities in different industries or regions where the demand for cybersecurity professionals is higher, potentially leading to better compensation.

Educational Requirements for SOC Analysts

Most SOC Analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may accept candidates with an associate degree or relevant experience, but a bachelor's degree is often preferred. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance, can be beneficial for career advancement and may be required for more senior positions. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies are crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications for SOC Analysts

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications as a SOC Analyst. Some of the most common and beneficial certifications include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential cybersecurity concepts.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A more advanced certification that demonstrates a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in systems.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Validates knowledge of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on managing and governing information security programs.

Experience Requirements for SOC Analysts

Entry-level SOC Analyst positions typically require 1-3 years of experience in IT or a related field. Experience in network administration, system administration, or technical support can be beneficial. For more advanced positions, employers may look for candidates with 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity roles. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and threat analysis is highly valued. Internships, co-op programs, or relevant project work during your education can also provide valuable experience.

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