SOC Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average SOC Engineer salary lies between USD 125,000 and USD 185,000 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 Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with SOC Engineer job listings are SOC, Incident response 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 | 95 jobs Incident response | 63 jobs Monitoring | 58 jobs Cloud | 57 jobs SIEM | 55 jobs Scripting | 47 jobs Python | 41 jobs Linux | 40 jobs Threat intelligence | 38 jobs Automation | 35 jobs EDR | 33 jobs Computer Science | 32 jobs Malware | 29 jobs Forensics | 28 jobs UNIX | 24 jobs SOAR | 23 jobs Sentinel | 23 jobs Splunk | 22 jobs Compliance | 22 jobs RDBMS | 22 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 Competitive pay. 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 | 58 jobs Career development | 51 jobs Competitive pay | 28 jobs Salary bonus | 27 jobs Startup environment | 24 jobs Equity / stock options | 22 jobs Flex hours | 21 jobs Conferences | 20 jobs Health care | 19 jobs Insurance | 18 jobs Flex vacation | 14 jobs Parental leave | 13 jobs Wellness | 12 jobs Home office stipend | 10 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 9 jobs Signing bonus | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Yoga | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for a SOC Engineer

The salary composition for a SOC (Security Operations Center) Engineer typically includes 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 policies and the individual's performance, often ranging from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, and comprehensive benefits packages that cover health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes even educational reimbursements.

Regional differences can impact salary composition, with higher base salaries often found in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and tech companies might offer higher bonuses compared to other sectors. Company size can influence the availability of stock options and the scale of bonuses, with larger companies typically offering more robust packages.

Steps to Increase Salary from a SOC Engineer Position

To increase your salary from a SOC Engineer position, consider pursuing advanced certifications and specialized training that can set you apart from your peers. Transitioning into roles with more responsibility, such as a SOC Manager or a Cybersecurity Architect, can also lead to higher compensation. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, gaining experience in niche areas like cloud security or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers.

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 formal degree, especially if the candidate has a strong track record in cybersecurity roles. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can be advantageous and may lead to higher-level positions and increased salary potential.

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 recognized certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices and can be crucial for career advancement.

Experience Required for SOC Engineers

Typically, a SOC Engineer position requires 2-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience with security monitoring tools, incident response, and threat analysis is often necessary. Employers look for candidates who have hands-on experience with security information and event management (SIEM) systems, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security technologies. Experience in a SOC environment is highly beneficial, as it demonstrates familiarity with the fast-paced and dynamic nature of security operations.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?