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Security Operation Center Analyst information

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How much do security operation center analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for security operation center analyst in Virginia is $36.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.40 and $43.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Security Operation Center (SOC) analyst do?

A Security Operation Center (SOC) Analyst monitors and analyzes an organization's IT infrastructure for security threats and incidents. They use specialized tools and processes to detect, investigate, and respond to cyberattacks, such as malware infections, hacking attempts, or unauthorized access. SOC Analysts also create reports, maintain security documentation, and help improve the organization's overall cybersecurity posture. Their work is crucial for preventing data breaches and ensuring the safety of sensitive information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Security Operation Center (SOC) analyst?

To thrive as a Security Operation Center (SOC) Analyst, you need a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, threat detection, and incident response, often supported by a degree in information security or related fields. Familiarity with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help SOC Analysts proactively identify and respond to security threats. These skills are crucial to quickly mitigating cyber risks and ensuring the organization's digital assets remain secure.

What are some common challenges faced by Security Operation Center analysts, and how can they be managed effectively?

Security Operation Center (SOC) Analysts often face challenges such as managing a high volume of security alerts, distinguishing between false positives and real threats, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of evolving cyber threats. Effective management involves utilizing automation tools to streamline alert triage, collaborating closely with team members for knowledge sharing, and committing to continuous learning through training and threat intelligence updates. Building strong communication skills also helps SOC Analysts coordinate effectively with other IT and business units when responding to incidents.

What is the difference between Security Operation Center Analyst vs Security Engineer?

AspectSecurity Operation Center AnalystSecurity Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP (preferred)CISSP, GIAC, CEH, Security+ (common)
Work EnvironmentMonitoring security alerts, incident response, real-time analysisDesigning security systems, implementing security measures, vulnerability assessments
Employer & Industry UsageSecurity operations centers, IT departments, cybersecurity firmsIT departments, cybersecurity consulting firms, product companies

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Security Operation Center Analysts primarily monitor and respond to security incidents in real-time, whereas Security Engineers design and implement security solutions to prevent breaches. The roles often overlap in certifications and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

How much do security operation center analysts make?

Security Operation Center (SOC) analysts typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced analysts with certifications like CISSP or CEH can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand environments with 24/7 shifts and advanced security tools.

Is a Security Operation Center Analyst still in demand?

Yes, Security Operation Center 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 profession in the cybersecurity industry.

Is a Security Operation Center analyst an entry-level?

A Security Operation Center (SOC) analyst can be entry-level or require some experience, depending on the organization. Entry-level SOC analyst roles typically require basic knowledge of cybersecurity principles, network protocols, and security tools, and may be suitable for recent graduates or those with relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco's CCNA Security. More advanced positions may require prior experience or specialized skills in threat detection and incident response.

What are popular job titles related to Security Operation Center Analyst jobs in Virginia?

For Security Operation Center Analyst jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Security Operation Center Analyst jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Security Operation Center Analyst jobs in Virginia are:

Security Operation Center Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Operation Center Analyst job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,018 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

Digital-Global-Connectors

Mclean, VA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Cybersecurity Analyst – Tier 1 (Security Operations Center Analyst)

Location: Bethesda, MD (Hybrid; On‑site as Required)

Clearance: Tier 2 Public Trust (Required)

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Position Summary

Digital Global Connectors (DGC) is seeking a motivated Cybersecurity Analyst – Tier 1 (Security Operations Center Analyst) to support a Federal information security program. The Tier 1 SOC Analyst serves as the first line of defense in monitoring, detecting, analyzing, documenting, and escalating cybersecurity events affecting enterprise information systems and networks.

This position is responsible for continuous monitoring of security tools, initial incident triage, alert validation, event correlation, ticket management, and coordination with higher‑tier cybersecurity personnel. The analyst helps identify potential threats, supports incident response activities, and contributes to maintaining a strong enterprise cybersecurity posture through proactive monitoring and timely reporting.

The successful candidate will possess strong analytical skills, experience working within a Security Operations Center (SOC), and a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, network operations, and security monitoring technologies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Security Monitoring
  • Monitor enterprise security monitoring platforms for cybersecurity events and alerts.
  • Identify, review, and validate potential security incidents.
  • Analyze security events to determine severity, priority, and potential business impact.
  • Continuously monitor enterprise networks, systems, endpoints, cloud environments, and applications.
  • Escalate suspicious activity requiring advanced investigation.
  • Maintain situational awareness of the organization's security posture.
Event Analysis and Triage
  • Perform initial analysis of security alerts generated by SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS, and other security technologies.
  • Correlate alerts from multiple security platforms.
  • Distinguish false positives from legitimate security events.
  • Categorize and prioritize security events based on established procedures.
  • Document findings and recommended actions.
  • Initiate incident response procedures when appropriate.
Incident Response Support
  • Support Tier 2 Incident Responders during security investigations.
  • Collect preliminary evidence supporting incident analysis.
  • Preserve relevant logs and security artifacts.
  • Assist with containment activities under senior analyst guidance.
  • Update incident records throughout the investigation lifecycle.
  • Participate in post‑incident documentation and lessons learned.
Security Tool Operations

Operate and monitor technologies including:

  • Microsoft Sentinel
  • Splunk Enterprise Security
  • Microsoft Defender XDR
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Microsoft Defender for Identity
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud
  • CrowdStrike Falcon
  • Palo Alto Cortex XDR
  • Trellix
  • Cisco Secure
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
  • Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
  • Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

Assist in identifying operational issues affecting monitoring platforms and coordinate with engineering teams as needed.

Threat Detection
  • Monitor indicators of compromise (IOCs) and indicators of attack (IOAs).
  • Identify suspicious user activity, anomalous network behavior, and unauthorized access attempts.
  • Recognize malware infections, phishing attempts, credential misuse, and policy violations.
  • Review threat intelligence provided by internal and external sources.
  • Support implementation of updated detection rules and monitoring use cases.
Ticket and Case Management
  • Create, update, and maintain incident tickets.
  • Document investigation activities, findings, and recommendations.
  • Track incidents through resolution.
  • Ensure complete and accurate case documentation.
  • Escalate unresolved issues according to established procedures.
  • Maintain audit‑ready documentation supporting security operations.
Reporting and Documentation

Develop and maintain:

  • Incident Reports
  • Alert Summaries
  • Daily Operations Reports
  • Shift Handover Reports
  • Security Event Logs
  • Investigation Notes
  • Trend Reports
  • Metrics Dashboards
  • Lessons Learned Documentation
  • Standard Operating Procedures

Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and supports operational continuity.

Collaboration
  • Coordinate with Tier 2 Incident Responders, Threat Hunters, Security Engineers, ISSOs, Vulnerability Management personnel, and technical support teams.
  • Participate in operational briefings and shift turnover meetings.
  • Communicate security findings clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Support cross‑functional cybersecurity initiatives.
  • Maintain effective working relationships across cybersecurity disciplines.
Continuous Improvement
  • Stay current with emerging cyber threats, attack techniques, and defensive technologies.
  • Recommend improvements to monitoring procedures and operational workflows.
  • Participate in tabletop exercises, incident response drills, and training events.
  • Assist in refining detection logic and operational playbooks.
  • Pursue professional development and relevant cybersecurity certifications.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
  • Minimum two (2) years of experience supporting cybersecurity operations or a Security Operations Center (SOC).
  • Experience monitoring SIEM, EDR, or related cybersecurity technologies.
  • Understanding of networking concepts, operating systems, common attack techniques, and cybersecurity fundamentals.
  • Experience documenting security events and supporting incident investigations.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, holidays, or on‑call schedules as required.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Tier 2 Public Trust.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting a Federal civilian agency.
  • Experience using Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk Enterprise Security, Microsoft Defender XDR, or comparable enterprise security platforms.
  • Experience supporting incident response or vulnerability management activities.
  • Familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK Framework.
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA CySA+
  • GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
  • Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC‑200)
  • Splunk Core Certified User or Power User
  • Cisco CyberOps Associate (preferred)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Operations
  • Security Monitoring
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
  • Microsoft Sentinel
  • Splunk Enterprise Security
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
  • Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
  • Microsoft Defender XDR
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud
  • Incident Triage
  • Event Correlation
  • Log Analysis
  • Threat Detection
  • Malware Identification
  • Phishing Analysis
  • Network Security
  • TCP/IP
  • Windows Security
  • Linux Security
  • MITRE ATT&CK Framework
  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework
  • NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF)
  • Ticket Management
  • Technical Documentation
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • ServiceNow
  • Jira
Security Requirements
  • Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a Tier 2 Public Trust investigation.
  • Compliance with all applicable Federal security, privacy, ethics, and information assurance training requirements before receiving system access.
  • Ability to support 24x7 cybersecurity operations, emergency response activities, scheduled maintenance windows, continuity of operations (COOP), and surge support as required.
  • Must maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive security events, log data, investigation records, and Federal information systems.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced Security Operations Center environment while providing timely monitoring, accurate incident documentation, and responsive support to Government stakeholders and cybersecurity teams.
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