Systems Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Systems Engineer salary lies between USD 111,093 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: Nov. 17, 2024

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 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 | 437 jobs Clearance | 373 jobs Computer Science | 293 jobs CISSP | 278 jobs Compliance | 265 jobs DoD | 241 jobs Linux | 239 jobs Automation | 237 jobs TS/SCI | 225 jobs Firewalls | 212 jobs Windows | 200 jobs Security Clearance | 196 jobs Agile | 183 jobs Monitoring | 181 jobs Python | 173 jobs AWS | 169 jobs Scripting | 159 jobs Azure | 130 jobs DoDD 8570 | 121 jobs Network security | 119 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 | 419 jobs Health care | 328 jobs Medical leave | 232 jobs Equity / stock options | 200 jobs Competitive pay | 197 jobs Flex hours | 157 jobs Insurance | 155 jobs Salary bonus | 150 jobs Team events | 140 jobs Flex vacation | 131 jobs 401(k) matching | 114 jobs Parental leave | 103 jobs Startup environment | 100 jobs Wellness | 94 jobs Relocation support | 58 jobs Conferences | 14 jobs Flexible spending account | 13 jobs Transparency | 12 jobs Home office stipend | 12 jobs Travel | 11 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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