Threat Detection Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Threat Detection Engineer salary lies between USD 128,000 and USD 205,000 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Threat Detection Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Threat Detection Engineer job listings are Threat detection, Cloud and SIEM. 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:

Threat detection | 72 jobs Cloud | 46 jobs SIEM | 42 jobs Python | 42 jobs Threat intelligence | 36 jobs Splunk | 34 jobs Incident response | 30 jobs Monitoring | 30 jobs SOC | 30 jobs MITRE ATT&CK | 29 jobs Scripting | 28 jobs Automation | 27 jobs Computer Science | 25 jobs TTPs | 22 jobs Analytics | 22 jobs EDR | 22 jobs Malware | 20 jobs Linux | 18 jobs AWS | 17 jobs Vulnerabilities | 16 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Threat Detection Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Threat Detection Engineer job listings are Career development, Equity / stock options and Team events. 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 | 42 jobs Equity / stock options | 32 jobs Team events | 31 jobs Health care | 27 jobs Flex hours | 25 jobs Flex vacation | 19 jobs Competitive pay | 18 jobs Salary bonus | 17 jobs Parental leave | 15 jobs Conferences | 12 jobs Startup environment | 10 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Insurance | 5 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Threat Detection Engineer in the United States typically comprises 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 success and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. In larger corporations or financial institutions, profit-sharing or annual bonuses might be more prevalent. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Threat Detection Engineer, consider pursuing advanced roles such as a Security Architect or a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions typically require a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic vision. Gaining experience in managing teams, developing security strategies, and understanding business operations can be beneficial. Additionally, specializing in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven threat detection, or zero-trust architecture can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your visibility and open up higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Threat Detection Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and programming is essential. Courses in cryptography, ethical hacking, and risk management can also be advantageous. Continuous learning is crucial in this field, so staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies is important.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most recognized certifications for a Threat Detection Engineer include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

These certifications cover various aspects of cybersecurity and can help you stand out in the job market.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field for a Threat Detection Engineer role. Experience in roles such as a security analyst, network administrator, or systems engineer can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with security tools, threat detection systems, and incident response is crucial. Familiarity with scripting languages like Python or Bash and experience with SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools are often required.

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