Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Engineer salary lies between USD 135,000 and USD 224,034 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: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Engineer job listings are Security, Python and Engineering. 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:

Security | 176 jobs Python | 152 jobs Engineering | 137 jobs Machine Learning | 117 jobs AWS | 97 jobs Architecture | 89 jobs Computer Science | 80 jobs Testing | 76 jobs Azure | 74 jobs Privacy | 59 jobs Java | 56 jobs Research | 49 jobs GCP | 47 jobs CI/CD | 46 jobs JavaScript | 44 jobs Kubernetes | 40 jobs Pipelines | 38 jobs APIs | 37 jobs Terraform | 34 jobs LLMs | 32 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Security Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. 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 | 129 jobs Health care | 83 jobs Equity / stock options | 67 jobs Flex hours | 61 jobs Competitive pay | 54 jobs Team events | 52 jobs Insurance | 48 jobs Medical leave | 47 jobs Wellness | 43 jobs Startup environment | 43 jobs Flex vacation | 38 jobs Salary bonus | 36 jobs Parental leave | 30 jobs 401(k) matching | 21 jobs Relocation support | 11 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 10 jobs Fertility benefits | 10 jobs Home office stipend | 8 jobs Conferences | 7 jobs Flexible spending account | 6 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Security Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a mix of base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley. The base salary often constitutes the largest portion, ranging from 70% to 85% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or company-wide, might account for 10% to 20%. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, equity, or profit-sharing, can vary significantly depending on the company size and industry. For instance, startups might offer more equity, while established companies might provide more substantial bonuses. Regional differences also play a role, with higher salaries often found in tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York City.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 166,500, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas within AI/ML or cybersecurity, such as adversarial machine learning or AI ethics, which are in high demand.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or leadership positions, such as a Director of Security Engineering or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher compensation.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in AI/ML and cybersecurity. Pursuing advanced certifications or a master's degree in a related field can also enhance your qualifications.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities to discover new opportunities and negotiate better offers.
• Consulting: Consider offering consulting services or starting a side business, leveraging your expertise to increase your income.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that involve complex problem-solving and research. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of machine learning algorithms, data analysis, and cybersecurity principles, which are crucial for this role.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your expertise:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized globally, this certification is valuable for security professionals.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Useful for understanding potential vulnerabilities and threats.
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer: Validates your ability to design, build, and productionize ML models.
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: Demonstrates expertise in building, training, and deploying ML models on AWS.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in the field. This includes hands-on experience with machine learning frameworks, data analysis, and cybersecurity practices. Experience in leading projects, managing teams, and developing security strategies is also highly valued.

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