Software Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Software Engineer salary lies between USD 117,200 and USD 208,800 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: Feb. 2, 2025

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Software Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Software Engineer job listings are Cloud, Computer Science and Python. 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:

Cloud | 1360 jobs Computer Science | 1140 jobs Python | 1107 jobs Java | 888 jobs AWS | 785 jobs C | 767 jobs Agile | 659 jobs Monitoring | 624 jobs Automation | 613 jobs Compliance | 605 jobs Linux | 581 jobs Kubernetes | 576 jobs APIs | 562 jobs Azure | 558 jobs Docker | 485 jobs Privacy | 485 jobs GCP | 465 jobs CI/CD | 443 jobs JavaScript | 384 jobs Clearance | 363 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Software Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. 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 | 1382 jobs Health care | 1021 jobs Equity / stock options | 781 jobs Flex hours | 771 jobs Flex vacation | 765 jobs Parental leave | 682 jobs Medical leave | 663 jobs Insurance | 535 jobs Salary bonus | 465 jobs Startup environment | 448 jobs Competitive pay | 445 jobs Team events | 349 jobs Wellness | 285 jobs 401(k) matching | 259 jobs Transparency | 133 jobs Relocation support | 124 jobs Home office stipend | 121 jobs Gear | 89 jobs Flexible spending account | 87 jobs Fertility benefits | 73 jobs

Salary Composition in InfoSec/Cyber Security Roles

The salary composition for a Software Engineer transitioning into an InfoSec/Cyber Security role can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into three main components: base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration.

• Base Salary: This is the fixed annual amount and usually constitutes the largest portion of the total compensation package. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary tends to be higher to compensate for living expenses.

• Bonuses: These are performance-based and can vary widely. In larger tech companies or financial institutions, bonuses can be substantial, sometimes reaching 10-20% of the base salary. Bonuses are often tied to individual performance, team performance, or company profitability.

• Additional Remuneration: This includes stock options, profit-sharing, and other incentives. Tech companies, especially startups, often offer stock options as part of the compensation package. Larger companies might offer profit-sharing plans or other long-term incentives.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or penetration testing, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field, potentially leading to higher-paying roles.

• Seek Leadership Roles: Transitioning into management or leadership positions can significantly increase your earning potential. This might involve leading a security team or managing security projects.

• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engaging with industry professionals through conferences, seminars, and online forums can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.

Educational Requirements

Most InfoSec/Cyber Security roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. Continuous education through workshops, online courses, and seminars is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• CompTIA Security+

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-level positions.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level InfoSec/Cyber Security role requires 3-5 years of experience in IT or software engineering, with a focus on security. Experience in roles such as network security engineer, systems administrator, or software developer with security responsibilities is often preferred. Practical experience with security tools, incident response, and vulnerability assessment is also crucial.

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