Security Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Engineer salary lies between USD 135,000 and USD 220,000 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 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 | 242 jobs Python | 213 jobs Engineering | 186 jobs Machine Learning | 154 jobs AWS | 132 jobs Architecture | 128 jobs Computer Science | 119 jobs Azure | 102 jobs Testing | 101 jobs Research | 78 jobs Privacy | 77 jobs GCP | 70 jobs Java | 69 jobs CI/CD | 62 jobs Pipelines | 57 jobs JavaScript | 54 jobs Kubernetes | 53 jobs Terraform | 47 jobs Linux | 46 jobs APIs | 42 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 | 180 jobs Health care | 111 jobs Equity / stock options | 101 jobs Competitive pay | 85 jobs Flex hours | 81 jobs Team events | 80 jobs Startup environment | 63 jobs Insurance | 63 jobs Wellness | 60 jobs Medical leave | 58 jobs Flex vacation | 49 jobs Parental leave | 42 jobs Salary bonus | 42 jobs 401(k) matching | 30 jobs Relocation support | 25 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 19 jobs Fertility benefits | 19 jobs Conferences | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 9 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 8 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Security Engineer specializing in AI/ML/Data Science can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary package includes a fixed base salary, which constitutes the majority of the total compensation. This base salary can range from 60% to 80% of the total package. Bonuses, which are often performance-based, can account for 10% to 20% of the total compensation. These bonuses may be annual or quarterly, depending on the company's policy. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, which can make up 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks also contribute to the overall package but are not usually included in the salary index figures.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider the following steps:

• Specialize Further: Gain expertise in niche areas within AI/ML or cybersecurity, such as adversarial machine learning or AI ethics, which are highly valued.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or leadership roles, such as a Security Architect or Head of AI Security, which typically offer higher salaries.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in AI/ML and cybersecurity. This can be achieved through advanced courses, workshops, or conferences.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network by attending industry events and joining relevant professional organizations. Networking can lead to opportunities in higher-paying roles.
• Negotiation Skills: Improve your negotiation skills to better advocate for higher pay during performance reviews or when switching jobs.

Educational Requirements

Most positions for a Security Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science 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 a specialized area such as machine learning, data science, or cybersecurity is often preferred and can significantly enhance your prospects. Advanced degrees demonstrate a deeper understanding of complex concepts and a commitment to the field, which can be attractive to employers.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can bolster your credentials and demonstrate expertise. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized globally, it validates your skills in designing, implementing, and managing a cybersecurity program.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on the latest commercial-grade hacking tools, techniques, and methodologies.
• 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, tuning, and deploying machine learning models on AWS.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience in security engineering, with a focus on AI/ML or data science applications. Experience in developing and deploying machine learning models, understanding of cybersecurity principles, and hands-on experience with data analysis tools and programming languages like Python or R are often required. Experience in cloud platforms and familiarity with AI frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch can also be advantageous.

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