System Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average System Engineer salary lies between USD 105,000 and USD 160,000 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: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for System Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with System Engineer job listings are Cloud, Clearance and Computer Science. 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 | 53 jobs Clearance | 49 jobs Computer Science | 47 jobs Linux | 44 jobs CISSP | 41 jobs Windows | 32 jobs Compliance | 31 jobs TS/SCI | 29 jobs DoD | 29 jobs Monitoring | 27 jobs Scripting | 27 jobs Python | 26 jobs Automation | 25 jobs Vulnerabilities | 22 jobs ITIL | 22 jobs Agile | 22 jobs Firewalls | 21 jobs AWS | 21 jobs Risk management | 21 jobs Azure | 20 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for System Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with System Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Insurance. 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 | 59 jobs Health care | 51 jobs Insurance | 34 jobs Competitive pay | 30 jobs Flex hours | 28 jobs Medical leave | 28 jobs 401(k) matching | 25 jobs Flex vacation | 25 jobs Parental leave | 22 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs Equity / stock options | 15 jobs Wellness | 15 jobs Team events | 12 jobs Salary bonus | 8 jobs Relocation support | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Flexible spending account | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Cell phone stipend | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a System Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the largest component and varies significantly based on region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Bonuses are usually performance-based and can be influenced by individual, team, or company performance metrics. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes equity in the company, especially in startups or large tech firms.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining specialized skills in emerging areas like cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, or blockchain can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and seeking roles with greater responsibility, such as a managerial or lead position, can also lead to higher compensation. Additionally, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity and demonstrating your ability to implement them effectively can position you for salary negotiations or promotions.

Educational Requirements

Most positions for a System Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. A strong foundation in computer systems, networks, and security principles is essential. Coursework or experience in areas like cryptography, network security, and software development can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often sought after by employers. Some of the most recognized certifications in the field include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, which can be advantageous in both securing a position and negotiating a higher salary.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience with system administration, network management, and security protocols is crucial. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and risk assessment is also highly valued. For more senior positions, 7-10 years of experience may be required, along with proven leadership skills and a track record of successful security implementations.

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