SOC Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

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

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 SIEM. 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 | 114 jobs Incident response | 79 jobs SIEM | 71 jobs Monitoring | 70 jobs Cloud | 64 jobs Scripting | 57 jobs Python | 52 jobs Automation | 45 jobs Linux | 43 jobs Computer Science | 43 jobs Threat intelligence | 42 jobs EDR | 40 jobs Malware | 32 jobs SOAR | 31 jobs Forensics | 30 jobs IPS | 28 jobs CISSP | 28 jobs Sentinel | 28 jobs Firewalls | 26 jobs Splunk | 25 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 | 68 jobs Career development | 64 jobs Competitive pay | 32 jobs Startup environment | 27 jobs Salary bonus | 27 jobs Equity / stock options | 22 jobs Flex hours | 22 jobs Health care | 21 jobs Conferences | 20 jobs Insurance | 20 jobs Flex vacation | 15 jobs Parental leave | 14 jobs Wellness | 12 jobs Home office stipend | 10 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 9 jobs Medical leave | 5 jobs Signing bonus | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Yoga | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for a SOC Engineer

The salary composition for a SOC (Security Operations Center) Engineer in the United States typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. 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. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes stock options, especially in larger tech companies or startups.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, SOC Engineers in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might receive higher base salaries and more substantial bonuses compared to those in smaller cities. Industry also plays a role; financial services and tech companies often offer more competitive compensation packages. Company size can influence salary as well, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, especially in emerging areas like cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, and threat intelligence.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, such as CISSP or CISM, which can position you for higher-paying roles.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the cybersecurity community. This can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions or roles with more responsibility.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial positions within the SOC, such as a SOC Manager or Director of Security Operations, which typically come with higher salaries.
• Industry Transition: Consider moving to industries that pay more for cybersecurity expertise, such as finance or healthcare.

Educational Requirements

Most SOC Engineer 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 in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can be advantageous. Advanced degrees, such as a Master’s in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance, can further enhance your qualifications and salary potential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly boost your employability and salary. Some common and beneficial certifications for a SOC Engineer include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-level positions.

Required Experience

Typically, a SOC Engineer position requires 2-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience in network security, incident response, and threat analysis is particularly valuable. Employers often look for candidates who have hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.

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