The average salary for a Security Operations Engineer in the US is $142,680 per year.
Security Operations Engineers are responsible for monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to security incidents within an organization’s infrastructure. In the US, this role is critical across enterprise corporations, SaaS companies, financial institutions, healthcare systems, and government contractors. Salaries vary based on incident response expertise, SIEM platform ownership, threat hunting capability, and cloud security exposure. Professionals who automate detection processes and lead incident remediation efforts typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Security Operations Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $142,680 |
| Median Salary | $136,200 |
| Lowest Salary | $98,000 |
| Highest Salary | $215,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Security Operations Engineer
Gender pay differences for Security Operations Engineers in the US are influenced by technical specialization, on-call responsibilities, and leadership scope within security operations teams.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $146,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $138,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $143,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where pay is tied directly to incident response leadership and security system performance.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Security Operations Engineers in the US typically earn around $98,000–$115,000 per year. These roles focus on monitoring alerts, analyzing logs, escalating incidents, and assisting with vulnerability assessments. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience in SOC or cybersecurity roles.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Security Operations Engineers usually earn between $120,000 and $165,000 per year. At this stage, professionals handle advanced threat investigations, manage SIEM tools, automate detection workflows, and lead incident containment efforts. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Security Operations Engineers earn $190,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $215,000 in major US enterprises. These professionals design detection frameworks, oversee security monitoring strategy, and mentor junior analysts. Compensation reflects ownership of high-impact operational security initiatives.
Certifications for Security Operations Engineer
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- GIAC Security Operations Certified (GSOC)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- SIEM management (Splunk, QRadar, Sentinel)
- Threat detection and analysis
- Incident response coordination
- Log analysis and monitoring
- Security automation and scripting
- Cloud security operations
Best-paying cities for Security Operations Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($142,680) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $168,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $158,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Seattle, WA | $153,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Washington, DC | $149,000 | ▲ +4% |
| Boston, MA | $147,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $135,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $132,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $143,500 | ▲ +0% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying role isn’t just about skills — it’s also about applying consistently, at scale, and to the right opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and salary negotiation instead of manual applications.
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Different employers prioritize different SIEM tools and cloud platforms. RoboApply helps tailor resumes to better match job descriptions, increasing interview callbacks and improving application success rates.
Prepare Better for Interviews
RoboApply supports interview preparation by helping candidates understand incident response scenarios, detection rule design discussions, and operational security challenges.
Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track submitted applications and monitor employer responses to refine their job search strategy over time.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a competitive target range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate reduced incident response times, improved detection accuracy, and successful automation initiatives. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, shift differentials, remote flexibility, and certification reimbursements. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Security Operations Engineer Compensation
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, organizations continue investing in advanced monitoring and response capabilities. Security Operations Engineers who automate detection systems and lead effective incident response initiatives are expected to see sustained earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $142,680 a good salary for a Security Operations Engineer?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level security operations roles depending on technical specialization.
Can Security Operations Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior-level professionals and security operations leaders in major enterprises can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do certifications increase salary?
Certifications enhance credibility and often increase earning potential when combined with hands-on experience.
Are remote Security Operations roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid security operations positions.
Which industries pay Security Operations Engineers the most?
Technology, financial services, healthcare, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Security Operations Engineer?
It typically requires 6–10 years of progressive cybersecurity experience.
Is Security Operations a stable career in the US?
Yes, increasing cybersecurity threats ensure long-term demand for skilled professionals.
