SOC Analyst Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average SOC Analyst salary lies between USD 68,390 and USD 115,000 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 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 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. Additionally, companies in regions with a higher cost of living, such as California or New York, may offer higher base salaries to attract talent. Larger companies might also provide stock options or other long-term incentives as part of the compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary from a SOC Analyst Position

To increase your salary from a SOC Analyst position, 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 eligible for higher-paying roles. Developing expertise in niche areas like threat intelligence, incident response, or cloud security can also make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking a promotion to a senior SOC Analyst or SOC Manager position can lead to a significant salary increase. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends can also open up opportunities for career advancement.

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 roles. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to keep up with the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Helpful Certifications for SOC Analysts

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

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and practices.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in systems.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification that demonstrates a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles.
• 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

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 senior roles, employers may require 3-5 years of experience specifically in cybersecurity or SOC operations. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and threat analysis is highly valued. Internships, co-op programs, or volunteer work in cybersecurity can also provide relevant experience and help you stand out to potential employers.

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