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Soc Analyst Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Security Tutor

Normal, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of network security, cryptography, threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, security protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, incident response, ethical hacking, and ...

Lead vulnerability management efforts across a portfolio of client applications, including analyzing findings, identifying affected versions, providing remediation guidance, assigning issues to teams ...

Soc Analyst information

See Normal, IL salary details

$34.7K

$96.9K

$124.2K

How much do soc analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for soc analyst in Normal, IL is $96,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $123,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a SOC analyst?

SOC Analysts, or Security Operations Center Analysts, are cybersecurity professionals responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats within an organization's IT infrastructure. They analyze security alerts, investigate suspicious activities, and help protect against data breaches and cyber attacks. SOC Analysts often work in shifts to provide round-the-clock surveillance and are essential for maintaining an organization’s security posture. Their duties also include reporting incidents, conducting threat analysis, and recommending improvements to security policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SOC analyst?

To thrive as a SOC Analyst, you need a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, threat analysis, and incident response, often backed by a degree in information security or a related field. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems, and relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for quickly identifying and mitigating threats. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively protecting organizational assets and maintaining robust security operations.

What are some typical challenges a SOC analyst faces during incident response, and how can these be managed?

SOC Analysts often encounter challenges such as distinguishing legitimate threats from false positives, responding quickly to multiple simultaneous incidents, and managing large volumes of security alerts. These challenges can be managed by developing strong analytical skills, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of threat landscapes, and leveraging automated tools to prioritize incidents. Effective communication with IT teams and regular training in incident response protocols also play a key role in overcoming these obstacles and ensuring organizational security.

What is the difference between Soc Analyst vs Security Engineer?

AspectSoc AnalystSecurity Engineer
CredentialsCertifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP (entry-level to mid-level)Certifications like CISSP, CEH, OSCP, often more technical and advanced
Work EnvironmentSecurity operations centers, monitoring and analyzing security alertsDesigning, implementing, and maintaining security systems and infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial, healthcare, government, and corporate sectorsTech companies, cybersecurity firms, large enterprises
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in security monitoring and incident responseUnderstanding technical security implementation and architecture

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Soc Analysts primarily monitor security alerts and respond to incidents within security operations centers. Security Engineers design and build security systems to prevent breaches. The roles complement each other but differ in focus, skills, and responsibilities.

Do SOC analysts get paid well?

SOC analysts typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced analysts with certifications like CISSP or CEH can command higher wages, especially in high-demand areas or specialized environments.

Is a SOC analyst a hard job?

A SOC analyst role involves monitoring security systems, analyzing threats, and responding to incidents, which can be challenging due to the need for quick decision-making and technical skills. The job often requires knowledge of cybersecurity tools, protocols, and certifications, and may involve shift work to ensure 24/7 coverage.

What are the most commonly searched types of Soc Analyst jobs in Normal, IL?

The most popular types of Soc Analyst jobs in Normal, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Soc Analyst jobs in Normal, IL?

For Soc Analyst jobs in Normal, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Soc Analyst jobs in Normal, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Soc Analyst jobs in Normal, IL are:

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Soc Analyst jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Soc Analyst job openings:

Infographic showing various Soc Analyst job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,942 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Cybersecurity Operations Director

Pearl Technology

Bloomington, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Cybersecurity Operations Director role combines a comprehensive understanding of information security with the management and coordination skills required to analyze and implement best security practices and proper risk management across the corporate landscape. 

  • Also responsible for monitoring, detecting, analyzing, mitigating, and responding to cyber threats against IT assets, networks, and information. 
  • The environment includes local area networks/wide area networks (LAN/WAN), commercial Internet connections, public facing websites, wireless, mobile/cellular, cloud, security devices, servers and workstations.
  • Take lead in performing security testing of applications, networks and infrastructures, including vulnerability assessments, penetration testing and manual testing techniques.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Lead and manage a 24x7x365 Security Operations Center providing technical oversight.
  • Lead staff to proactively identify, prevent and respond to security incidents.
  • Ensure incident identification, assessment, quantification, reporting, communication, mitigation and monitoring.
  • Ensure compliance to Service Level Agreements (SLA), process adherence and process improvisation to achieve operational objectives and mitigate threats.
  • Revise and develop processes to strengthen the current operational activities; review policies and recommend changes to improve governance.
  • Responsible for team management, personnel scheduling, overall use of resources and initiation of corrective action where required for Security Operations Center.
  • Perform threat management, threat modeling, identify threat vectors and develop use cases for security monitoring.
  • Creation of reports, dashboards, metrics for SOC operations and presentation to client.
  • Operate a hands-on role involving penetration testing and vulnerability assessment activities of complex applications, operating systems, wired and wireless networks, and mobile applications/devices.
  • Manage consulting engagements, with a focus on incident response and forensics. Provide both subject matter expertise and project management experience to serve as the “point person” for engagements.
  • Communicate security issues to a wide variety of internal and external “customers” to include technical teams, executives, risk groups, vendors and regulators.
  • Ensures that disaster recovery and business continuity plans are in place and tested on a regular basis.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct supervision of the Security Services department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Company policies, procedures, and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, promoting and training employees; planning, assigning, directing and approving work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and recommending salary adjustments.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in information technology or related field and combination of experience in the following areas:
    • 10+ years in security and/or risk assessment/management related field
    • Hands on experience with testing frameworks such as the PTES and OWASP
    • Applicable knowledge of Windows client/server, Unix/Linux systems, Mac OS X, VMware/Xen, and cloud technologies such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
    • In-depth knowledge of security concepts such as cyber-attacks and techniques, threat vectors, risk management, incident management etc.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Critical thinker and problem solver.
  • Experience in performing vendor management.
  • Detailed orientated with effective written and communication skills.

Certifications and Licenses:

  • CISSP, GIAC, CISSP, CEH, OSCP, or equivalent certifications a plus