SOC Analyst Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 68,400 and USD 114,000 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: Dec. 15, 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 SOC, SIEM and Monitoring. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

SOC | 188 jobs SIEM | 128 jobs Monitoring | 125 jobs Incident response | 122 jobs Cloud | 113 jobs Malware | 81 jobs Vulnerabilities | 71 jobs Firewalls | 71 jobs Linux | 67 jobs Windows | 66 jobs Threat intelligence | 60 jobs GCIH | 59 jobs EDR | 59 jobs Splunk | 56 jobs Intrusion detection | 55 jobs Computer Science | 55 jobs Automation | 52 jobs CISSP | 50 jobs IDS | 48 jobs Forensics | 48 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, Career development and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Team events | 105 jobs Career development | 84 jobs Health care | 74 jobs 401(k) matching | 44 jobs Flex hours | 27 jobs Startup environment | 26 jobs Competitive pay | 26 jobs Flex vacation | 20 jobs Salary bonus | 19 jobs Medical leave | 17 jobs Insurance | 17 jobs Parental leave | 15 jobs Equity / stock options | 12 jobs Conferences | 10 jobs Home office stipend | 8 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 7 jobs Lunch / meals | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Relocation support | 5 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs

Salary Composition for a SOC Analyst

The salary composition for a 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 the United States, this base salary can range from 70% to 85% of the total compensation. Bonuses are also a common component, often tied to performance metrics or company profitability, and can account for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, salaries tend to 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 the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, particularly in emerging areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, and incident response.
• 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.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to build relationships and learn about new opportunities.
• Specialization: Consider specializing in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as penetration testing or digital forensics, which can command higher salaries.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial roles within the SOC, which typically offer higher compensation.

Educational Requirements for a SOC Analyst

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 equivalent experience, especially if they possess relevant certifications. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance, can be advantageous and may lead to higher-level positions.

Helpful Certifications for SOC Analysts

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary potential. Some common and beneficial certifications for SOC Analysts include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification that covers a broad range of security topics.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Validates knowledge of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on management and governance aspects of information security.

Experience Requirements for SOC Analysts

Typically, SOC Analyst roles require 1 to 3 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity. Entry-level positions may be available for candidates with strong educational backgrounds and relevant certifications. Experience in network administration, system administration, or a related IT field can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, is often required.

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