Cyber Security Engineer Job: Salary and Insights

Overview

What Does a Cyber Security Engineer Do?

Cyber security engineers are responsible for safeguarding an organisation’s digital infrastructure from cyber threats. Their role is both preventative and responsive, involving the development of secure systems as well as the active monitoring and investigation of potential vulnerabilities or breaches.

Key responsibilities include designing and implementing security architectures across networks, applications, and cloud environments. They monitor network traffic for anomalies using tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms, respond to incidents such as phishing or malware attacks, and conduct routine security audits to ensure ongoing system integrity.

Many also work closely with development and operations teams to embed security early in the software development process — a practice known as DevSecOps.

To perform effectively, cyber security engineers need strong technical foundations. Proficiency with tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and endpoint protection platforms is essential.

They must also understand core networking concepts like TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs, and routing protocols. Programming knowledge in languages such as Python or PowerShell is often beneficial, particularly for automation and scripting tasks.

Familiarity with data protection regulations, including Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and international standards like ISO 27001, is increasingly important. Equally vital are soft skills — such as clear communication and collaboration — especially when translating complex risks to non-technical stakeholders or working within cross-functional teams.

In Singapore, cyber security engineers are in high demand across multiple sectors. Financial institutions employ them to prevent fraud and secure digital banking platforms. Government agencies require their expertise to protect national systems and public data. The healthcare sector depends on them to secure patient records stored on cloud-based platforms, while tech companies rely on them to safeguard product development environments.

Even sectors like telecommunications, education, and manufacturing are increasingly hiring cybersecurity professionals as they adopt more digital systems.

Cyber Security Engineer Salary Range

Cyber security engineers in Singapore are well-compensated for their technical expertise and critical role in protecting digital assets. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total monthly pay — including bonuses — is around S$5,617, with a base salary of approximately S$4,850.

NodeFlair reports a slightly higher median monthly salary of S$5,750, while JobStreet indicates a typical range between S$4,700 and S$6,600. In tech-heavy areas such as Jurong East, salaries can reach as high as S$8,550 per month.

Below is a table outlining average monthly salaries for cyber security engineers in Singapore, segmented by years of experience. These figures provide a useful benchmark for professionals at various stages of their careers.

Salary by Experience:

• Entry-Level (0–3 years): Ranges from S$2,000 to S$5,000/month. Fresh grads or junior hires often begin at S$3,500–5,000/month, especially if certified (e.g., CompTIA Security+ or CEH).
• Mid-Level (4–7 years): Ranges from S$5,000 to S$9,000/month, with more experienced engineers overseeing audits, internal SOCs, or cloud migrations.
• Senior-Level (8+ years): Specialists or team leads may earn up to S$14,700/month. Architects and CISOs can exceed this, especially in MNCs and highly regulated sectors.

These figures highlight how cybersecurity roles offer strong upward mobility, especially for those who specialise or lead teams.

Factors Influencing Cyber Security Engineer Salaries In Singapore

Several variables can affect how much cyber security engineers earn in Singapore:

• Experience Level: The longer you’ve been in the field — especially with hands-on incident response experience — the higher your earning potential.

• Education and Certifications: Credentials like CISSP, CISM, OSCP, and AWS Security Specialty are highly sought after and can boost salary offers by 15–25%.

• Industry Demand: Sectors such as finance, telco, and healthcare pay more due to high regulatory and security requirements.

• Company Size and Location: Companies in the CBD or those with global operations (like DBS, Grab, GovTech) tend to offer more competitive packages.

• Specialisation: Professionals skilled in cloud security, penetration testing, DevSecOps, or threat intelligence are in short supply, and can command higher pay.

Additionally, fluency in risk-based thinking, regulatory navigation, and cross-functional communication will give candidates an edge during interviews and salary negotiations.

Career Progression and Salary Growth for Cyber Security Engineers in Singapore

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-track field — engineers can pursue diverse and rewarding career paths based on their interests and strengths.

Advancement Opportunities:

• Security Architect: Security Architects are responsible for designing and implementing secure IT infrastructures across organisations. They develop security frameworks, oversee security policies, and evaluate the resilience of new systems before deployment. This role requires deep technical experience across networks, cloud environments, and application security. Most professionals reach this level after working as senior engineers or infrastructure leads. Salaries range from S$8,900–15,000/month.

• Penetration Tester / Red Teamer: Penetration testers simulate real-world cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities before malicious actors do. Red teamers go further, testing organisational detection and response capabilities. Professionals in this track usually start in incident response or SOC roles, and transition after gaining hands-on experience and certifications like OSCP. Salaries range from S$4,000–11,000/month.

• CISO: The CISO sets the organisation’s overall security strategy and reports to senior leadership or the board. This executive role requires a blend of technical understanding, business acumen, leadership, and risk management expertise. Most CISOs in Singapore have over a decade of experience across multiple cybersecurity domains and often hold CISSP or CISM certifications. Salaries range from S$12,300–22,200/month.

• Cybersecurity Consultant: Consultants provide advisory services on risk assessments, compliance, security architecture, or threat hunting. Some specialise in regulatory frameworks (e.g., MAS TRM, ISO 27001), while others offer penetration testing or cloud security design. Many engineers move into consulting after gaining broad exposure across projects or through roles at SIEM/SOC vendors and MSPs. Salaries range from S$3,800–11,000/month.

Each step up typically brings a significant pay jump, and leadership roles often come with profit-sharing, RSUs, or other performance incentives.

Investing in ongoing training, such as certifications from Heicoders Academy, not only sharpens skills but also positions engineers for promotions and higher-paying roles. Programmes focused on ethical hacking, network defence, and risk management ensure you stay ahead of emerging threats while remaining highly marketable in Singapore’s competitive cybersecurity landscape.

Why Train with Heicoders for a Cyber Security Engineering Career

For individuals looking to break into the cybersecurity field in Singapore, a structured and industry-relevant course can make a significant difference. Heicoders Academy’s CS100: Cybersecurity Essentials course is tailored for beginners and career switchers, offering practical exposure to the foundational pillars of cyber defence.

The curriculum covers core topics such as ethical hacking, where students learn to think like attackers to uncover vulnerabilities; network security, which focuses on protecting systems and data across interconnected environments; and risk management, equipping learners to assess threats and maintain regulatory compliance. Lessons are brought to life through hands-on labs and real-world case studies that reflect the challenges faced by security teams today.

To support career progression, Heicoders maintains partnerships with established tech firms, creating pathways for internship placements and job opportunities. Students also receive personalised guidance, including access to experienced mentors and career advisors who can help refine job search strategies and build industry-ready resumes.

Courses are structured with flexibility in mind, making it possible for working professionals to upskill without compromising on their current responsibilities. This practical, career-oriented approach makes Heicoders a strong choice for aspiring cyber security engineers in Singapore.

Industry Connections:

Heicoders collaborates with employers and hiring partners across Singapore’s tech ecosystem. This includes structured internships, portfolio reviews, and mock interviews designed to prepare students for roles in government tech agencies, financial institutions, and cloud-native startups.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cyber Security Engineer Job