Systems Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Systems Engineer salary lies between USD 109,250 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: Dec. 22, 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 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 | 496 jobs Clearance | 441 jobs CISSP | 330 jobs Computer Science | 329 jobs Compliance | 292 jobs DoD | 285 jobs Automation | 268 jobs Linux | 268 jobs TS/SCI | 267 jobs Security Clearance | 241 jobs Firewalls | 239 jobs Windows | 229 jobs Agile | 210 jobs Python | 205 jobs Monitoring | 201 jobs AWS | 186 jobs Scripting | 186 jobs Azure | 147 jobs Network security | 146 jobs DoDD 8570 | 145 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 | 480 jobs Health care | 387 jobs Medical leave | 256 jobs Equity / stock options | 235 jobs Competitive pay | 232 jobs Flex hours | 207 jobs Insurance | 184 jobs Flex vacation | 171 jobs Team events | 168 jobs Salary bonus | 161 jobs 401(k) matching | 136 jobs Parental leave | 127 jobs Startup environment | 118 jobs Wellness | 107 jobs Relocation support | 76 jobs Flexible spending account | 17 jobs Transparency | 16 jobs Conferences | 16 jobs Travel | 13 jobs Home office stipend | 12 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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