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Entry Level Security Operations Center Analyst Jobs

Description The Security Operations Center (SOC) Operator supports 24/7 security operations by monitoring, assessing, and responding to incidents across physical and technical security systems. This ...

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Entry Level Security Operations Center Analyst information

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$70

How much do entry level security operations center analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level security operations center analyst in the United States is $36.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $43.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Security Operations Center Analyst vs Security Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Security Operations Center AnalystSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CySA+ (preferred)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (more advanced)
Work EnvironmentSecurity operations center, monitoring security alertsSecurity teams, risk assessment, incident response
Job FocusMonitoring, alert analysis, basic incident responseThreat analysis, vulnerability management, policy development

While both roles involve cybersecurity, the Entry Level Security Operations Center Analyst primarily focuses on monitoring security alerts and initial incident response within a SOC environment. In contrast, a Security Analyst often handles broader security tasks, including threat analysis and vulnerability management, with more emphasis on strategic security planning. The analyst role typically requires more experience and advanced certifications, but both roles are essential in maintaining organizational security.

Can you be a SOC analyst with no experience?

Entry Level Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts can often start with little to no professional experience if they have foundational knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, basic understanding of network protocols, and familiarity with security tools. Employers may provide on-the-job training and value certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco's CCNA Security to demonstrate relevant skills. Strong analytical abilities and a willingness to learn are also important for entry-level candidates.

How much do SOC analysts earn?

Entry-level Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. Salaries can increase with additional skills in threat detection, incident response, and familiarity with tools like SIEM systems.

Is SOC analyst a high paying job?

Entry-level Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts typically earn salaries that are competitive within cybersecurity, with pay increasing with experience, certifications, and skills such as intrusion detection tools and incident response. While salaries vary by location and employer, SOC analyst roles generally offer a solid starting point for cybersecurity careers, with potential for growth into higher-paying positions.

Is SOC analyst in high demand?

Yes, Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts are in high demand due to increasing cybersecurity threats and the need for organizations to monitor and respond to security incidents. The role often requires knowledge of security tools, threat detection, and incident response, making it a valuable and growing position in the cybersecurity field.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Security Operations Center Analyst jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Security Operations Center Analyst job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Security Operations Center Analyst jobs? The most popular types of Security Operations Center Analyst jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Security Operations Center Analyst jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Security Operations Center Analyst jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Security Operations Center Analyst job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,675 per year, or $36.9 per hour.
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst II

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst II

Heartland Business Systems, LLC

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Heartland Business Systems rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 205 rated it services


Job description

Description:

Position Summary:

A Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst II provides real time security monitoring and threat hunting in our Security Operations Center. This individual will have the opportunity to work with customers across many industries by providing managed security services such as XDR, SIEM, vulnerability scanning, firewall and end point management. In this position, you will provide exceptional customer service by assisting customers in identifying potential security incidents, attack sources, root causes and/or threat actors.

Roles and Responsibilities/ Essential Functions:

  • Provides security event monitoring and analysis to identify critical security events at client sites.
  • Characterize and analyze network traffic to identify anomalous activity and potential threats to network resources.
  • Coordinate with customer staff to validate security alerts.
  • Document and escalate incidents (including event’s history, status, and potential impact for further action) that may cause ongoing and immediate impact to the environment.
  • Perform event correlation using information gathered from a variety of sources to gain situational awareness and determine the effectiveness of an observed attack.
  • Receive and analyze network alerts from various sources and determine possible causes of such alerts.
  • Provides recommendations for system tuning and enhancements.
  • Analyze identified malicious activity to determine weaknesses exploited, exploitation methods, effects on system and information.
  • Conduct research, analysis, and correlation across a wide variety of all source data sets (indications and warnings).
  • Notify customer of suspected cyber incidents and articulate the event’s history, status, and potential impact of further action.
  • Work with customers to resolve computer security incidents and vulnerability compliance.
  • Provide guidance and expertise to SOC Analyst I’s and other team members.
  • Participate in an on-call rotation.
  • Commits changes to DevOps repositories and syncs global changes to client environments.
  • Serve as the primary person for onboarding new clients into the various services.
  • Writes new analytics rules, log parsers, and workbooks.
  • Performs proactive threat hunting.
  • Serves as a technical resource for the Sales team during the sales process by answering questions and/or performing demos of SOC services.


Requirements:

Competencies:

  • Accuracy - Strong attention to detail.
  • Active Listening – Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others.
  • Adaptability – Ability to adapt to change in the workplace.
  • Assertiveness – Ability to act in a self-confident manner to facilitate completion of a work assignment or to defend a position or idea.
  • Coaching and Development – ability to provide guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas.
  • Conflict Resolution – Ability to deal with others in an antagonistic situation.
  • Decision Making – Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures.
  • Delegating Responsibility – Ability to allocate authority and/or task responsibility to appropriate people.
  • Honesty / Integrity – Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
  • Innovative – ability to look beyond the standard solutions.
  • Leadership – Ability to influence others to perform their jobs effectively and to be responsible for making decisions.
  • Problem Solving – Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.
  • Relationship Building – Ability to effectively build relationships with customers and co-workers.
  • Resource Management – Ability to obtain and appropriate the proper usage of equipment, facilities, materials, as well as personnel.
  • Time Management – Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.


Required Experience:

  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • 1+ years working within a security operations center

Preferred Experience:

  • 2+ years working in or with security products

Required Skills, Education and/ or Certifications:

  • Experience with security tools

Preferred Skills, Education and/ or Certifications:

  • Experience with SIEM software
  • Experience with Defender for endpoint
  • Azure, AWS, GCP
  • DevOps

Equal Opportunity Employer - Including Disabled and Veterans

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