SOC Engineer Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average SOC Engineer salary lies between USD 83,900 and USD 170,200 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 Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with SOC Engineer job listings are SOC, SIEM and Cloud. 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 | 25 jobs SIEM | 20 jobs Cloud | 16 jobs Incident response | 15 jobs AWS | 12 jobs Monitoring | 12 jobs Linux | 11 jobs Automation | 10 jobs GCP | 10 jobs Forensics | 9 jobs EDR | 9 jobs Threat intelligence | 8 jobs Firewalls | 8 jobs Malware | 8 jobs Network security | 7 jobs Python | 7 jobs Threat detection | 6 jobs Analytics | 6 jobs TCP/IP | 6 jobs Windows | 6 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for SOC Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with SOC Engineer job listings are Team events, Career development and Startup environment. 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 | 17 jobs Career development | 13 jobs Startup environment | 9 jobs Medical leave | 7 jobs Flex vacation | 6 jobs Health care | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Equity / stock options | 3 jobs Flex hours | 3 jobs Competitive pay | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a SOC Engineer

The salary composition for a SOC (Security Operations Center) Engineer can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas in the United States, the base salary tends to be higher to compensate for living expenses. Industries like finance and technology often offer more competitive salaries due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these sectors. Larger companies may provide more comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and stock options, which can significantly enhance the overall compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary from a SOC Engineer Position

To increase your salary from a SOC Engineer position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your technical skills and knowledge in cybersecurity trends and tools. Specializing in areas like threat intelligence, incident response, or cloud security can make you more valuable.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to connect with peers and potential employers.
• Advanced Education: Pursue further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field, to qualify for higher-level positions.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial roles within the SOC, which typically come with higher salaries.

Educational Requirements for a SOC Engineer

Most SOC Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, especially if the candidate has a strong technical background and relevant certifications. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or specialized training in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications for SOC Engineers

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

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

These certifications demonstrate a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Experience Required for SOC Engineers

The typical experience required for a SOC Engineer role ranges from 2 to 5 years in IT or cybersecurity. Experience in network security, incident response, and threat analysis is particularly valuable. Entry-level positions may be available for candidates with strong educational backgrounds and relevant internships or co-op experiences. For more senior roles, employers may seek candidates with extensive experience in managing security operations and leading incident response teams.

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