Security Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Security Engineer salary lies between USD 135,000 and USD 220,000 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. 10, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with 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 | 235 jobs Python | 209 jobs Engineering | 180 jobs Machine Learning | 149 jobs AWS | 130 jobs Architecture | 124 jobs Computer Science | 114 jobs Azure | 101 jobs Testing | 99 jobs Research | 75 jobs Privacy | 74 jobs GCP | 70 jobs Java | 67 jobs CI/CD | 61 jobs Pipelines | 56 jobs JavaScript | 52 jobs Kubernetes | 52 jobs Terraform | 47 jobs Linux | 45 jobs APIs | 41 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with 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 | 176 jobs Health care | 109 jobs Equity / stock options | 98 jobs Competitive pay | 84 jobs Flex hours | 80 jobs Team events | 78 jobs Insurance | 62 jobs Startup environment | 60 jobs Wellness | 59 jobs Medical leave | 56 jobs Flex vacation | 47 jobs Parental leave | 40 jobs Salary bonus | 40 jobs 401(k) matching | 29 jobs Relocation support | 25 jobs Fertility benefits | 19 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 18 jobs Home office stipend | 9 jobs Conferences | 8 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 8 jobs

Salary Composition for AI/ML/Data Science Security Engineer Roles

The salary for a Security Engineer specializing in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises several components. The fixed base salary is the largest portion, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or company-wide, usually make up 10-20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances.

Regional differences can significantly impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options compared to other regions. Industry also plays a role; tech companies might offer more in stock options, while financial institutions might provide higher cash bonuses. Company size can influence the package as well, with larger companies often providing more comprehensive benefits and smaller companies offering more equity.

Steps to Increase Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 165,000, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in AI/ML and cybersecurity. Specializing in niche areas like AI-driven threat detection or blockchain security can make you more valuable.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. in a related field can open doors to higher-paying roles.
• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into managerial or lead roles can significantly boost your salary.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to opportunities in higher-paying companies or roles.
• Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate expertise and justify a higher salary.

Educational Requirements

Most positions in this field require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. in AI, machine learning, data science, or cybersecurity is often preferred, especially for roles with a research or development focus. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of complex algorithms and data analysis techniques, which are crucial for developing AI-driven security solutions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer

These certifications can validate your skills in both security and AI/ML, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-level positions.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience with AI/ML projects, particularly those involving security applications, is highly desirable. Practical experience in threat modeling, vulnerability assessment, and incident response, combined with a solid understanding of machine learning algorithms and data analysis, is often required.

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