Systems Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Systems Engineer salary lies between USD 106,000 and USD 198,000 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: Jan. 19, 2025

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Systems Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Systems Engineer job listings are Cloud, Clearance and CISSP. 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 | 510 jobs Clearance | 456 jobs CISSP | 348 jobs Computer Science | 337 jobs Compliance | 302 jobs DoD | 295 jobs Automation | 276 jobs Linux | 275 jobs TS/SCI | 272 jobs Firewalls | 252 jobs Security Clearance | 247 jobs Windows | 236 jobs Agile | 214 jobs Python | 208 jobs Monitoring | 207 jobs Scripting | 192 jobs AWS | 189 jobs Network security | 151 jobs Azure | 151 jobs DoDD 8570 | 151 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Systems Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Systems Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Medical leave. 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 | 495 jobs Health care | 403 jobs Medical leave | 260 jobs Equity / stock options | 238 jobs Competitive pay | 237 jobs Flex hours | 212 jobs Insurance | 195 jobs Flex vacation | 178 jobs Team events | 171 jobs Salary bonus | 170 jobs 401(k) matching | 139 jobs Parental leave | 129 jobs Startup environment | 120 jobs Wellness | 108 jobs Relocation support | 83 jobs Transparency | 17 jobs Flexible spending account | 17 jobs Conferences | 16 jobs Travel | 14 jobs Home office stipend | 13 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary composition for a Systems Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into three main components: base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits.

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

• Bonuses: These are performance-based and can vary widely. In industries like finance or tech, bonuses can be substantial, sometimes making up 10-20% of the total compensation package.

• Additional Remuneration: This includes stock options, profit-sharing, and other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Larger companies or those in the tech industry often offer stock options as a significant part of the compensation package.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Systems Engineer position in InfoSec/Cyber Security, consider the following steps:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence, 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 team of engineers or managing large-scale security projects.

• Negotiate Effectively: Always negotiate your salary and benefits when starting a new role or during performance reviews. Research industry standards to ensure you are being compensated fairly.

Educational Requirements

Most Systems Engineer roles in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cyber Security. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest technologies and threats.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized certifications 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 validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate for higher-paying positions.

Required Experience

Typically, a Systems Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in IT or a related field, with a focus on security. Experience with network security, system administration, and security protocols is often required. For more senior roles, 5-10 years of experience may be necessary, along with proven expertise in managing complex security projects.

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