System Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average System Engineer salary lies between USD 105,000 and USD 160,000 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 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

In the field of InfoSec/Cyber Security as a System Engineer, the salary composition 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, often ranging from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and can be a significant part of the compensation in larger firms or those in high-cost regions like Silicon Valley. The industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and healthcare often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of security in these sectors. Company size can influence salary composition as well, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven security solutions. Gaining expertise in these areas can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or project management responsibilities can lead to higher compensation. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Finally, consider relocating to regions with higher demand for cybersecurity professionals, as this can significantly impact salary potential.

Educational Requirements

Most positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security as a System Engineer 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, networking, and security principles is essential. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to keep up with the rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, which can be crucial for career advancement.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in IT or a related field, with a focus on security. Experience with system administration, network security, and incident response is often required. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, as well as familiarity with compliance standards and regulations, is also important. For more senior roles, 7-10 years of experience may be necessary, along with proven leadership skills.

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