SOC Analyst Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 69,400 and USD 114,000 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: 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 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 makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, often ranging from 5% to 15% of the base salary. 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 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 healthcare sectors often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these fields. Larger companies may provide more robust bonus structures and benefits compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary as a SOC Analyst, consider pursuing advanced certifications and gaining specialized skills. Transitioning into roles such as Senior SOC Analyst, SOC Manager, or Cybersecurity Consultant can lead to higher pay. Networking within the industry and attending cybersecurity conferences can open up opportunities for advancement. Additionally, gaining experience in threat intelligence, incident response, or security architecture can make you more valuable to employers.

Another strategy is to seek employment in industries that prioritize cybersecurity, such as finance or healthcare, where the demand for skilled professionals often translates into higher salaries. Negotiating your salary based on market research and your contributions to the company can also be effective.

Educational Requirements

Most SOC Analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. 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, can be advantageous for career progression and salary increases.

Helpful Certifications

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

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential cybersecurity concepts.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification that demonstrates expertise in cybersecurity.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking skills.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Validates knowledge of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts.

These certifications not only improve your skills but also make you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

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 help desk support can be beneficial. For more advanced roles, employers may seek candidates with 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or specific experience in a SOC environment.

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