SOC Manager Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average SOC Manager salary lies between USD 110,700 and USD 189,000 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. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for SOC Manager roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with SOC Manager 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 | 79 jobs Incident response | 56 jobs Monitoring | 48 jobs SIEM | 46 jobs Compliance | 40 jobs CISSP | 34 jobs Strategy | 29 jobs Cloud | 26 jobs Computer Science | 26 jobs CISM | 25 jobs EDR | 22 jobs Automation | 21 jobs Threat intelligence | 20 jobs Forensics | 20 jobs Analytics | 20 jobs IDS | 19 jobs IPS | 19 jobs NIST | 18 jobs CEH | 18 jobs Threat detection | 16 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for SOC Manager roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with SOC Manager job listings are Career development, Team events 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:

Career development | 38 jobs Team events | 32 jobs Health care | 18 jobs Medical leave | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Competitive pay | 10 jobs Insurance | 10 jobs Startup environment | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 9 jobs Flex hours | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Parental leave | 6 jobs Wellness | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 3 jobs Travel | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs Fertility benefits | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a SOC Manager

The salary composition for a SOC (Security Operations Center) Manager in the United States typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, might make up the remaining 5% to 10%.

Regional differences can influence these percentages. For instance, SOC Managers in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might receive higher base salaries and stock options due to the 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 comprehensive bonus structures and additional benefits compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary from a SOC Manager Position

To increase your salary beyond the SOC Manager position, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility and broader scope, such as Director of Security Operations or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions typically offer higher compensation due to their strategic importance and leadership requirements.

Enhancing your skills and expertise in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response, can make you more valuable to employers. Networking within the industry and building a strong professional reputation can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or business administration, can position you for higher-level roles.

Educational Requirements for a SOC Manager

Most SOC Manager positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, particularly in cybersecurity or business administration, as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects.

In addition to formal education, practical experience and a strong understanding of security operations, threat management, and incident response are crucial. Employers often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to lead a team and manage complex security challenges effectively.

Helpful Certifications for a SOC Manager

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a SOC Manager role. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• Certified SOC Analyst (CSA)

These certifications validate your expertise in various aspects of cybersecurity and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

Experience Required for a SOC Manager

Typically, a SOC Manager is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on roles in security operations, incident response, and threat analysis. Leadership experience is also crucial, as SOC Managers are responsible for guiding and mentoring their teams.

Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique security challenges these sectors face. Familiarity with security tools and technologies, as well as a track record of successfully managing security incidents, are often key requirements.

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