SOC Analyst Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 66,000 and USD 115,000 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. 17, 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

SOC | 574 jobs SIEM | 417 jobs Monitoring | 412 jobs Incident response | 371 jobs Cloud | 281 jobs EDR | 216 jobs Vulnerabilities | 205 jobs Firewalls | 205 jobs Windows | 195 jobs Threat intelligence | 191 jobs Malware | 190 jobs Computer Science | 180 jobs IDS | 174 jobs Linux | 172 jobs Compliance | 156 jobs Splunk | 155 jobs IPS | 144 jobs Scripting | 136 jobs Intrusion detection | 121 jobs TCP/IP | 120 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Team events | 376 jobs Career development | 258 jobs Health care | 207 jobs Competitive pay | 121 jobs Flex hours | 118 jobs Medical leave | 89 jobs Startup environment | 80 jobs Equity / stock options | 78 jobs Flex vacation | 76 jobs Insurance | 76 jobs Salary bonus | 71 jobs Parental leave | 52 jobs Wellness | 46 jobs 401(k) matching | 41 jobs Transparency | 20 jobs Conferences | 17 jobs Home office stipend | 16 jobs Fertility benefits | 15 jobs Gear | 12 jobs Fitness / gym | 12 jobs

Salary Composition for SOC Analysts

The salary for a SOC Analyst 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 the individual's performance. Additional remuneration might include health benefits, retirement contributions, and sometimes stock options, especially in larger tech companies.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, SOC Analysts in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might receive higher base salaries and stock options due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Industry also plays a role; financial services and tech companies often offer more lucrative packages compared to smaller firms or non-profit organizations. Company size can influence the availability of bonuses and stock options, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive packages.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary as a SOC Analyst, consider pursuing advanced certifications and gaining specialized skills. Transitioning into roles with more responsibility, such as a Senior SOC Analyst or a Security Engineer, can also lead to higher pay. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends can open up opportunities for advancement. Additionally, gaining experience in high-demand areas like cloud security or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers.

Another effective strategy is to seek opportunities in industries or regions that offer higher compensation. For example, moving to a larger city or transitioning to a sector like finance or healthcare, which often have higher security budgets, can result in a salary increase. Lastly, consider negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when offered a new position, as this can lead to immediate financial benefits.

Educational Requirements

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 higher-level positions.

Helpful Certifications

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

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and is often a starting point for cybersecurity professionals.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification that demonstrates a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• 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

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 seek candidates with 3-5 years of experience specifically in cybersecurity roles. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and threat analysis is highly valued.

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