Systems Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Systems Engineer salary lies between USD 109,250 and USD 198,000 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: 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

In the field of InfoSec/Cyber Security as a Systems Engineer, the salary composition can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range widely depending on the cost of living in the region and the demand for cybersecurity professionals. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can be a significant portion of the total compensation, especially in larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, as well as benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes even relocation assistance or signing bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from the position of a Systems Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security, consider pursuing advanced certifications and 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 managerial or lead positions, can also lead to higher compensation. Additionally, considering roles in high-demand sectors or regions where cybersecurity expertise is scarce can provide leverage for salary negotiations.

Educational Requirements

Most positions for Systems Engineers 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. 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 credentials. Some of the most common and respected 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 demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, which can be crucial for career advancement.

Required Experience

The usual experience required for a Systems Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes several years of experience in IT or a related field, with a focus on security. Employers often look for candidates with hands-on experience in network security, systems administration, and incident response. Experience with specific security tools and technologies, as well as familiarity with compliance standards and regulations, is also important. For more senior roles, leadership experience and a proven track record of managing security projects or teams may be required.

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