The average salary for a SOC Analyst in the US is $95,000 per year.
SOC Analysts (Security Operations Center Analysts) monitor, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats in real time. In the US, this role is critical for organizations that require continuous security monitoring. Salaries vary based on experience level, technical skills, shift responsibilities, and industry sector. Professionals who can quickly identify and contain security incidents often move into higher-paying cybersecurity roles over time.
Salary Statistics: SOC Analyst (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $95,000 |
| Median Salary | $92,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $60,000 |
| Highest Salary | $155,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in SOC Analyst
Gender pay differences for SOC Analysts in the US are influenced by years of experience, certifications, and technical specialization. Many organizations use structured pay bands, which help reduce compensation disparities.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $97,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $93,000 | ▼ −2% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $95,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation differences are generally smaller at entry levels and widen slightly at senior analyst levels based on leadership responsibilities.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level SOC Analysts in the US typically earn around $60,000 per year. These roles focus on monitoring alerts, reviewing logs, and escalating suspicious activity to senior team members. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience. Developing strong knowledge of SIEM tools and incident response procedures is essential for career growth.
Mid-Level
Mid-level SOC Analysts usually earn between $85,000 and $115,000 per year. At this stage, professionals conduct deeper threat analysis, respond to incidents independently, and assist with vulnerability assessments. This level commonly requires 3–5 years of experience. Strong analytical skills and fast response times often lead to salary increases.
Senior Level
Senior SOC Analysts earn $130,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $155,000 in large US organizations. These professionals lead investigations, mentor junior analysts, and coordinate incident response strategies. Compensation reflects responsibility for protecting critical systems and minimizing operational risk.
Certifications and Skills for SOC Analyst
Certifications and technical skills significantly influence a SOC Analyst’s salary in the US. Recognized credentials and strong threat detection capabilities increase earning potential.
Common Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Threat detection and response
- Log analysis
- Incident handling
- Network monitoring
- Basic scripting and automation
Best-paying cities for SOC Analyst in the US
SOC Analyst salaries vary by city depending on industry demand and cost of living.
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($95,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $112,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $105,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $102,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $98,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $91,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $86,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $85,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $96,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $88,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is $80,000 a good salary for a SOC Analyst in the US?
Yes, $80,000 is competitive for entry-level or early mid-level roles, especially outside major tech hubs.
Can SOC Analysts earn over $120,000?
Yes, senior SOC Analysts and incident response specialists can exceed $120,000 annually.
Do certifications increase SOC Analyst salary?
Yes, certifications such as Security+, CEH, and GCIH often increase earning potential.
Are remote SOC Analyst jobs common?
Yes, many SOC roles offer remote or hybrid work, particularly for experienced analysts.
What industries pay SOC Analysts the most?
Finance, government agencies, healthcare, and large technology companies typically offer higher compensation.
How long does it take to become a senior SOC Analyst?
It typically takes 4–7 years of experience in cybersecurity operations.
Is SOC Analyst a good entry point into cybersecurity?
Yes, many professionals start as SOC Analysts before moving into higher-paying security roles.
