2025 SOC Analyst Salaries by State
Virginia
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $65,000 - $85,000 | $75,000 |
| Mid-Level (2-5 years) | $85,000 - $120,000 | $100,000 |
| Senior (5+ years) | $110,000 - $140,000 | $125,000 |
| Cleared (TS/SCI) | $120,000 - $165,000 | $140,000 |
*Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Tysons) typically 10-15% above state average
Maryland
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $60,000 - $80,000 | $70,000 |
| Mid-Level (2-5 years) | $80,000 - $115,000 | $95,000 |
| Senior (5+ years) | $105,000 - $135,000 | $118,000 |
| Cleared (NSA/CYBERCOM) | $130,000 - $175,000 | $150,000 |
*Fort Meade/NSA corridor (Columbia, Annapolis Junction) commands 15-25% premium
Washington, DC
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $70,000 - $90,000 | $80,000 |
| Mid-Level (2-5 years) | $90,000 - $125,000 | $105,000 |
| Senior (5+ years) | $115,000 - $150,000 | $130,000 |
| Cleared (Federal) | $135,000 - $180,000 | $155,000 |
Top-Paying SOC Employers in the DMV
Federal Contractors
- • Booz Allen Hamilton
- • Leidos
- • Northrop Grumman
- • General Dynamics IT
- • CACI International
- • ManTech
Enterprise / Financial
- • Capital One
- • Fannie Mae
- • T. Rowe Price
- • Marriott International
- • MedStar Health
- • Johns Hopkins
How to Maximize Your SOC Analyst Salary
1. Get Cleared (If Possible)
Security clearances (Secret, TS, TS/SCI) add 20-40% to base salary. Many employers sponsor clearances for qualified candidates.
2. Master In-Demand Tools
Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, CrowdStrike, and cloud security skills (AWS, Azure) command premium salaries.
3. Target High-Cost Areas
Northern Virginia, Montgomery County (MD), and DC proper pay 15-25% above surrounding areas.
4. Negotiate Based on Skills, Not Years
Demonstrated hands-on skills (lab portfolios, certifications, tool experience) matter more than years of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a SOC analyst in Virginia?
Entry-level SOC analysts in Virginia typically start at $65,000-$85,000, with Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun) on the higher end due to federal contractor demand. With 2-3 years of experience, salaries reach $90,000-$120,000.
Do SOC analysts in Maryland earn more due to NSA/Fort Meade?
Yes. The NSA/CYBERCOM corridor creates premium salaries, especially in Howard and Anne Arundel counties. Cleared SOC analysts supporting intelligence community work can earn $120,000-$160,000, significantly above national averages.
Is a security clearance required for high-paying SOC jobs?
Not always, but clearances (especially TS/SCI) significantly increase earning potential in the DMV region. Many employers sponsor clearances for qualified candidates, so don't let this stop you from applying.
What skills increase SOC analyst salary the most?
Cloud security (AWS, Azure), advanced SIEM skills (Splunk, Sentinel), threat hunting, and incident response expertise command the highest premiums. Tool-specific certifications and hands-on experience matter more than general certs.