SOC Analyst Salary in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 75,000 and USD 104,000 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. 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 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 for a SOC Analyst 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 forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, the individual's performance, and the industry. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to smaller firms or non-profit organizations. Additional remuneration might include health benefits, retirement contributions, and sometimes stock options, especially in larger tech companies. Regional differences also play a role; for example, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary as a SOC Analyst, consider pursuing advanced certifications, gaining specialized skills, or transitioning to a more senior role. Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive. Additionally, gaining expertise in niche areas like threat intelligence, incident response, or cloud security can set you apart. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also provide insights into career advancement opportunities. Finally, consider moving to a larger company or a different industry that offers higher compensation for cybersecurity roles.

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 equivalent work experience or an associate degree combined with relevant certifications. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and security principles is essential. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can be beneficial but are not always necessary for entry-level positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Common certifications for SOC Analysts include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field and can be a deciding factor in hiring and salary negotiations.

Experience Requirements

Entry-level SOC Analyst positions typically require 1-3 years of experience in IT or a related field. Experience in roles such as IT support, network administration, or systems administration can be beneficial. Employers look for candidates with hands-on experience in monitoring and analyzing security events, familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, and a basic understanding of incident response procedures. As you gain more experience, you can progress to more senior roles, which often require 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity.

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