Network Security Engineer Salary

Created by Henry Steele

By Henry Steele - April 15, 2018
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The following article discusses the career path of Network Security Engineer. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Network Security Engineers.

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Job Duties

The role of network security engineers is vital to most large and mid-sized organizations’ technology teams. They are involved in the administration, configuration, deployment, and provision of the hardware and software and how it relates to the network and overall security. These include such things as VPNs (virtual private networks), network monitoring tools, switches, routers, firewalls, user behavior analytics software, and so on. They also perform risk assessments on the network and, where appropriate, help in the creation of infrastructure options when a company replaces its existing system or starts to expand.

Network security engineers usually work for one company, but they often have to travel. Indeed, some spend as much as 50% of their time in different locations. This is due to the fact that most businesses use third party software and hardware, which they have to familiarize themselves with. It is a highly mentally demanding job, although there may be some physical demands when they install new technology.

Other duties of the network security engineer are:

  • To be responsible for email, web, VPN, and firewall security, protocols, and programs
  • To ensure the code and physical environment is protected so that the entire IT systems, including switches and servers, are safe, while ensuring they can carry the load
  • To monitor and record any security incidents and concerns, creating reports on overall performance

Where We Work

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 100,000 information security analysts in 2016. The largest employers of these professionals are:

  • Computer systems design and related services: 28%
  • Finance and insurance: 19%
  • Management of companies and enterprises: 9%
  • Information: 8%
  • Administrative and support services: 6%

How to Become

Network security engineers often have many different certifications as they relate to the third party hardware and software used in the organization’s technological infrastructure. Additionally, they often have to obtain a number of independent hardware certifications as well, including CISSP and RSA, which qualify them to do their job.

Most have a bachelor’s degree, although experience usually weighs heavier than education. This ensures that they understand computer systems and networks, and that their knowledge is current and up to date. Additionally, it is common for them to become network security engineers in industries in which they previously worked. For instance, someone who worked as an IT support officer in a health care environment will be more likely to be hired as a network analyst in that same environment.

Education Requirements

A network security engineer should hold a bachelor’s degree in a field related to programming, information security, or computer science as a minimum. It is becoming common for employers to look for those who hold a master’s degree, such as the master of business administration (MBA).

A number of different licenses and certifications are available for the network security engineer. Certification is not mandatory in most cases, but it is preferred as it demonstrates commitment towards excellence, while at the same time showcasing that their knowledge is up to date, as continuous education is generally required to maintain certification. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is quite popular.

Traits & Qualities

The most effective network security engineers have the following traits to some degree or other:

– Strong analytical skills
– Detail oriented
– Ingenuity
– Excellent problem solving skills
– Ability to think outside the box
– Strong communication skills, particularly verbal

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s Degree

National Salary

The national average salary estimate for Network Security Engineer was $110,774. This number is estimated from over 1,017,936 employees, users past and present job advertisements from Indeed.com. This equates to an hourly salary of $57.69 and monthly of $9,231.

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$38,000

$221,000

Salary Distribution

Salary by State

The following section lists Network Security Engineer salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings through Indeed.com. For example, Vermont had the largest quoted salary of $138,173 while Idaho had the smallest quoted salary of $46,951.

AlabamaHawaiiNorth CarolinaSouth Carolina
ArkansasIdahoNew HampshireTennessee
ArizonaIllinoisNew JerseyTexas
CaliforniaIndianaNew MexicoUtah
ColoradoKansasNevadaVirginia
ConnecticutMassachusettsNew YorkVermont
DCMarylandOhioWashington
DelawareMichiganOklahomaWisconsin
FloridaMinnesotaOregon
GeorgiaMissouriPennsylvania
Alabama – $80,601Rank: 33rd
The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like World IT Solutions and World IT Solutions LLC.

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$10.55

$94.30

Salary Distribution
Arkansas – $116,534Rank: 9th
The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders.

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$58,000

$177,000

Salary Distribution
Arizona – $124,126Rank: 4th
The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders.

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$60,000

$211,000

Salary Distribution
California – $122,443Rank: 7th
The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Phoenix 2.0, fulltimeGiGS, TEEMA Solutions Group Inc., and Cyntekk.

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$45,000

$237,000

Salary Distribution
Colorado – $115,437Rank: 11th
The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like SysMind, Hart, World IT Solutions, and Search Praxis, Inc..

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$54,000

$200,000

Salary Distribution
Connecticut – $110,952Rank: 14th
The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Tech Mahindra, CyberCoders, and Robert Half Technology.

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$22,000

$267,000

Salary Distribution
DC – $123,910Rank: 5th
The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Accurate Resource, Computer Futures Solutions, Robert Half Technology, and Primastep LLC.

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$51,000

$228,000

Salary Distribution
Delaware – $125,734Rank: 3rd
The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Request Technology and CyberCoders.

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$63,000

$191,000

Salary Distribution
Florida – $103,564Rank: 21st
The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Q-data inc, zen3, Norwin Technologies, and Robert Half Technology.

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$18.95

$200

Salary Distribution
Georgia – $103,190Rank: 22nd
The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Virtue Group, Stratactico, firstPRO Inc., and Request Technology.

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$45,000

$184,000

Salary Distribution
Hawaii – $53,376Rank: 37th
The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Freedom Staffing LLC.

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$8.25

$58.65

Salary Distribution
Idaho – $46,951Rank: 38th
The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Boise State University.

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$14,000

$111,000

Salary Distribution
Illinois – $99,576Rank: 24th
The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rushrash, Inc., Huxley Banking & Financial Services, fulltimeGiGS, and ICS.

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$31,000

$206,000

Salary Distribution
Indiana – $91,550Rank: 29th
The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Freedom Staffing LLC.

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$43,000

$157,000

Salary Distribution
Kansas – $69,037Rank: 35th
The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Covenant Consulting and YRC Freight.

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$26,000

$132,000

Salary Distribution
Massachusetts – $100,216Rank: 23rd
The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders, Business Knowledge Services, Inc., OnDek Solutions, and Marcum Search LLP.

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$39,000

$188,000

Salary Distribution
Maryland – $116,406Rank: 10th
The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Johns Hopkins University, Milton Hershey School, PPS Information Systems Staffing, and Robert Half Technology.

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$58,000

$194,000

Salary Distribution
Michigan – $104,187Rank: 20th
The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Request Technology, Venteon, Cybertech, and Cube Management.

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$41,000

$196,000

Salary Distribution
Minnesota – $97,545Rank: 25th
The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Spry Info Solutions, CyberCoders, and Cube Management.

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$34,000

$193,000

Salary Distribution
Missouri – $83,145Rank: 32nd
The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Tech Mahindra, YRC Freight, and CyberCoders.

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$20,000

$190,000

Salary Distribution
North Carolina – $95,078Rank: 27th
The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Catapult Staffing, Varite,Inc, Techstar Group Inc, and MS Corporation.

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$24.35

$83.25

Salary Distribution
New Hampshire – $94,541Rank: 28th
The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders.

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$47,000

$144,000

Salary Distribution
New Jersey – $123,670Rank: 6th
The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New Jersey Department of Education, Infinity Consulting Solutions, Engineering Resource Group, and Princeton Consulting.

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$51,000

$226,000

Salary Distribution
New Mexico – $55,593Rank: 36th
The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Request Technology.

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$22,000

$103,000

Salary Distribution
Nevada – $111,436Rank: 13th
The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Freedom Staffing LLC, Damcosoft Inc, and Redline Associates.

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$51,000

$194,000

Salary Distribution
New York – $127,736Rank: 2nd
The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Gables Search Group, Phillips Staffing Solutions, PMG Employment Consultants, and MedExec International.

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$39,000

$265,000

Salary Distribution
Ohio – $95,539Rank: 26th
The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders, TEKsystems, Equity Trust Company, and Robert Half Technology.

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$44,000

$166,000

Salary Distribution
Oklahoma – $77,990Rank: 34th
The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Principal Technologies Inc. and american it resource group inc.

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$9.30

$94.30

Salary Distribution
Oregon – $107,653Rank: 15th
The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MSGI Corp, Able Forces Professional Services, and CyberCoders.

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$46,000

$194,000

Salary Distribution
Pennsylvania – $106,154Rank: 17th
The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Milton Hershey School, CompuGroup Technologies, CEI America, and BIGCODE.

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$42,000

$198,000

Salary Distribution
South Carolina – $90,274Rank: 30th
The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AppleOne IT & Engineering and Freedom Staffing LLC.

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$45,000

$137,000

Salary Distribution
Tennessee – $90,017Rank: 31st
The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like National Systems Consulting and Strivector.

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$38,000

$163,000

Salary Distribution
Texas – $112,513Rank: 12th
The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like San Antonio Water System, Rackspace, Bryant Associates, Inc., and Huxley Financial Services.

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$46,000

$207,000

Salary Distribution
Utah – $106,903Rank: 16th
The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kforce, ConsultNet, and CyberCoders.

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$44,000

$197,000

Salary Distribution
Virginia – $118,968Rank: 8th
The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Verizon, Secunetics, Dept of State Police, and Navy Exchange.

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$55,000

$207,000

Salary Distribution
Vermont – $138,173Rank: 1st
The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders.

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$62,000

$243,000

Salary Distribution
Washington – $105,478Rank: 18th
The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Freedom Staffing LLC, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Redline Associates, and CyberCoders.

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$41,000

$198,000

Salary Distribution
Wisconsin – $104,630Rank: 19th
The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders, BSC SOLUTIONS, Red Sky Consulting, and Request Technology – Jacqueline White.

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$46,000

$186,000

Salary Distribution

Top 20 National Employers

According to Indeed.com, the following states had employers looking to hire a Network Security Engineer. The quoted salary figure represents the average salary from all job postings by this employer.

Employer NameLocationAverage Salary
Bryant Associates, Inc. Network Security EngineerTexas$232,746
Gables Search Group Network Security EngineerNew York$226,477
Huxley Banking & Financial Services Network Security EngineerIllinois$190,027
Stratactico Network Security EngineerGeorgia$189,737
Infinity Consulting Solutions Network Security EngineerNew Jersey$179,923
fulltimeGiGS Network Security EngineerIllinois$177,285
Phillips Staffing Solutions Network Security EngineerNew York$170,233
PMG Employment Consultants Network Security EngineerNew York$170,233
MedExec International Network Security EngineerNew York$170,233
The Hastings Group Network Security EngineerNew York$170,233
Engineering Resource Group Network Security EngineerNew Jersey$169,707
Cameron Craig Group Network Security EngineerNew York$167,817
Princeton Consulting Network Security EngineerNew Jersey$160,473
Phoenix 2.0 Network Security EngineerCalifornia$158,289
firstPRO Inc. Network Security EngineerGeorgia$154,439
Cybertech Network Security EngineerMichigan$152,132
AMS Staffing Inc. Network Security EngineerNew York$148,970
Primastep LLC Network Security EngineerDC$147,645

Learn More

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Henry Steele
Managing Editor
Henry is Managing Editor of BusinessStudent.com. He is a seasoned business professional who regularly consults with local business's throughout Southern California. Henry pursued his undergrad in Business and Economics at the University of San Diego and gained valuable life changing experience through a unique internship upon graduation.

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