Protecting confidential data from online attacks has become critical for businesses worldwide. Network security experts play an essential role in defending the company's networks, data, and servers from intrusions and online attacks. Because of the surge in cyber-attacks, there is a massive demand for certified network security engineers. Thus, if you're interested in starting a career in cyber security or if you've already started one and want to know more about network security engineer salary and other pertinent information, read the blog through to the end. I will help you get the complete idea of how much an entry-level network security engineer can earn and move ahead in their career.
Without further ado, let's get started.
Who is a Network Security Engineer?
A Network Security Engineer is a high-tech professional responsible for implementing security measures to safeguard the organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Their primary role involves designing, implementing, and managing security measures to protect an organization's data, infrastructure, and network from cyber threats such as hackers, viruses, and other malicious attacks.
Network Security Engineer Salary in 2024
The average salary of a network security engineer in India or anywhere else varies due to factors like expertise, number of work experiences, job location, and others. However, every business proactively implements advanced secure technologies, leading to a great demand for network security engineers. This instance raises the network and security engineer salary. At the entry level, network engineers generally earn moderate pay.
However, as soon as they obtain certifications and good work exposure, they can get a handsome package with additional benefits. Due to the prevalence of several online classes for Cyber Security,' you can quickly advance your expertise without compromising other things. Now, take a look at network engineers' salaries on different tiers:
KingslanduniversityNetwork Security Engineer Salary: Based on Experience
Beginner: Being a recent graduate with no practical expertise in network security roles, engineers typically come in low salary ranges. With only a year or two of expertise, novice network engineers may expect to make an average of $73,555 (Source: Indeed) annually.
Intermediate: After gaining 3 to 5 years of experience, you may become an intermediate-level network security engineer. Now that you have gained some good experience in network engineering and can manage security protocols and conduct complex tasks like vulnerability assessments, your network engineering and security salary will be higher compared to novice network engineers.
Advanced: Employees who touch this tier are seasoned in implementing network security strategies and solutions for large-scale organizations. They possess a strong understanding and expertise in penetration testing, threat intelligence, and cloud security. Sr network security engineer salary is higher than the average owing to their experience and expertise. To strengthen their candidature, they typically leverage advanced knowledge through top-notch certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacking certification. Senior network security engineers usually make an average of $185,345 yearly.
Network Security Engineer Salary: Based on Location
Let me walk you through some of the top global network engineer salary ranges for better understanding.
India
Salary Range (INR) | Beginner (0-2 years) | Intermediate (3-5 years) | Advanced (5+ years) |
Bangalore | INR 3-6 lakhs/year | INR 8-12 lakhs/year | INR 15-25 lakhs/year |
Mumbai | INR 3-6 lakhs/year | INR 8-12 lakhs/year | INR 15-25 lakhs/year |
Delhi | INR 3-6 lakhs/year | INR 8-12 lakhs/year | INR 15-25 lakhs/year |
Source: Glassdoor
Top Companies in India for Network Security Engineers:
Tata Consultancy Services: Provides reasonable salary along with perks to proficient network security engineers.
Infosys: Provides ample opportunities for network security engineers' career growth and development.
Wipro: Lucrative salaries to experienced network security professionals.
US
City | Top Companies | Salary Range (Annual) |
New York | IBM, Cisco, Symantec | USD 80,000 - USD 150,000 |
San Francisco | Google, Facebook, Apple | USD 90,000 - USD 160,000 |
Seattle | Microsoft, Amazon | USD 85,000 - USD 155,000 |
Washington D.C. | Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin | USD 80,000 - USD 145,000 |
Boston | Raytheon, Dell EMC | USD 80,000 - USD 140,000 |
UK
City | Top Companies | Salary Range (GBP) |
London | IBM, Accenture, BT | GBP 40,000 - GBP 90,000 |
Manchester | BAE Systems, PwC | GBP 35,000 - GBP 75,000 |
Birmingham | Deloitte, Capgemini | GBP 30,000 - GBP 70,000 |
Edinburgh | RBS, Standard Life | GBP 35,000 - GBP 80,000 |
Bristol | Airbus, Hargreaves | GBP 35,000 - GBP 75,000 |
Australia
Salary Tier | Average Salary Range (AUD) | Top Cities | Top Companies |
Beginner | USD 60,000 - USD 90,000 | Sydney, Melbourne | Telstra, Optus |
Intermediate | USD 90,000 - USD 120,000 | Brisbane, Perth | Commonwealth Bank, Westpac |
Advanced | USD 120,000 - USD 150,000+ | Adelaide, Canberra | Macquarie Group, ANZ Bank |
Canada
City | Top Companies | Average Salary (CAD) |
Toronto | IBM, Cisco, Symantec | USD 75,000 - USD 120,000 |
Vancouver | TELUS, Amazon, Microsoft | USD 70,000 - USD 110,000 |
Ottawa | BlackBerry, CGI, Cisco | USD 70,000 - USD 115,000 |
Montreal | Bell, CGI, CAE | USD 65,000 - USD 105,000 |
Calgary | ATB Financial, Shaw, Suncor | USD 70,000 - USD 115,000 |
Singapore
City | Top Companies | Salary Range (Annual) |
Singapore | Google, Facebook, IBM Singapore | SGD 60,000 - SGD 120,000 |
Jurong East | Microsoft Asia Pacific, Cisco Systems | SGD 70,000 - SGD 130,000 |
Orchard Road | Singtel, StarHub | SGD 65,000 - SGD 125,000 |
Changi | DBS Bank, OCBC Bank | SGD 75,000 - SGD 135,000 |
Tampines | Amazon Web Services (AWS), Accenture | SGD 68,000 - SGD 128,000 |
Factors Affecting Network Security Engineer Salary
Location (Impact with numbers): Geographical location significantly impacts a network security and engineer salary. Numerous factors significantly influence compensation ranges, including the cost of living, state-by-state salary variations, market dynamics related to supply and demand, and many more. For example, a senior network security engineer salary in Bangalore can be 25% to 45% more than in Chennai due to the higher cost of living and cultural differences.
Industry / Employer / Company (Impact with numbers): The variance in the industry is the next central element that affects the wage range. Engineers working for IT businesses have attractive compensation packages and other perks. Additionally, you could anticipate a skyrocketing package if you work in a highly competitive area like cloud computing or software development. Tech companies are always looking for top talent to manage their sensitive data; in exchange, they pay top dollar.
Experience: As everyone knows, experience is a major factor in compensation differences, and this is particularly significant for those in the engineering sector, where employers are constantly looking for top personnel with solid backgrounds and experiences. A junior network security engineer salary usually ranges in between INR 2 lakh to INR 6 lakh since they have little or no job experience. Additionally, it differs according to the industry, work location, etc. With two to five years of experience, mid-level engineers can perform their duties more expertly. After gaining this expertise, their pay ranges from INR 8 lakh to INR 9 lakh. Experienced engineers might command high salaries if they have accumulated significant job experience and skills. High-level leadership positions that involve extensive team management duties and senior management advice on risk assessment and solutions may fetch USD 500,000 annually.
Source: Glassdoor
Demand and Supply: Industries that experience a shortage of qualified workers but strong demand for network security engineers frequently pay their employees more to draw and keep network engineers. Conversely, you will be offered lower compensation if there is a surplus of qualified applicants compared to the market. Numerous factors, such as the speed at which technology develops, the rise in cyberattacks, and many more, influence the demand and supply graph. Organizations that carry sensitive data, such as banks and governments, frequently need network security specialists due to the essential significance of securing their data from cyber-attacks.
Credentials / Certifications: Obtaining certifications elevates network security engineers' skill sets and increases their salary range. Many novices take leadership positions using popular certificates like CISA certification, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and others. Equipped with particular expertise and skills closely related to cyber security professions, certified professionals become more valuable assets to their employers. They may command more excellent compensation than non-certified engineers.
Skills: More specialized skills in detecting breaches, firewall configuration, penetration testing, and governance affect sr cybersecurity engineer salary scales. Because cyberattacks are so common, every company needs skilled engineers who can strengthen the security posture of their networks and systems. Engineers with experience in blockchain security, machine learning, and cloud security may make over INR 5,000,000 a year.
How to Improve Network Security Engineer Salary?
Skills: A network security engineer's competence to defend an organization's data from cyber attacks is based on their technical expertise. Engineers who possess these talents are able to spot vulnerabilities in systems before malevolent actors do. Skilled engineers assist firms in averting financial losses, reputational harm, and legal risks connected with cyberattacks and data theft by successfully safeguarding networks and averting cyber events. Being proficient in these areas will thus help you rise in the network security industry and provide premium salary support.
Certifications : Engineers need to obtain pertinent and in-demand certifications with premium packages in order to enhance their job prospects. These certifications provide them an advantage in their field of expertise and attract employers' attention since they show their in-depth knowledge and competence in network security engineering.
Degrees: Network security engineers can increase their income by obtaining advanced degrees in cybersecurity. A bachelor's degree can help them acquire critical abilities and provide them with a solid grasp of the industry. Obtaining a higher degree together with the necessary qualifications, however, might lead to even higher earning positions. Additionally, these advanced degrees may provide engineers with access to leadership roles and even better compensation.
Experience : Through hands-on experience, cybersecurity engineers may enhance their comprehension of cybersecurity trends and technologies and become proficient in their applications. They may learn how businesses manage safety concerns, put security measures in place, and adhere to regulations by being exposed to industry practices. Work experience is necessary for network security engineering job advancement and pay increase. By taking advantage of internships or co-op positions, you may be able to get real-world experience. Eventually you can climb the ladder and you will be in the bracket of lead network security engineer salary in no time.
Why are Network Security Engineers Paid so Much?
Security is essential as any breach might cause a large loss for the business. Helping organizations protect their networks, systems, and data from assaults is a critical role that network security engineers perform. They are compensated generously because of their crucial job responsibilities. Professionals with specific knowledge and abilities might command much greater compensation.
Conclusion
Network security engineers are the protectors of our digital fortresses. They use their talents and knowledge to safeguard enterprises from the ever-present threat of cybercrime. The entry level network security engineer salary is a little modest, but senior network security engineers with substantial expertise may command high incomes in India.
Please note that the article is directed for Global audience and not Indian audience. Please tell the author not to provide the salaries not segmented by location only in USD. Please check for the whole article once again.
