Network Security Engineer Salary South Africa: Salary Trends, Insights and More!

In the digital era, network security engineers are essential to any significant or medium-sized organisation. These experts are in charge of installing, setting up, configuring, and managing various hardware and software connected to networks and security. Network Security engineers are usually involved in the security aspect of the networking system. Their primary responsibility is safeguarding the organisation’s network to ensure it aligns with business goals or objectives.

According to the Indeed salary estimate, a Network Security Engineer salary South Africa averages R40,230 monthly. As cyber security becomes a top priority for businesses, the demand for Network Security Engineers in South Africa is rising.

In this article, we will learn more about the skills and qualifications needed for these positions, the average salary for Network Security engineers in South Africa, and salary trends in different locations and industries.

Network Security EngineerSalary South Africa

Network security engineers are accountable for focusing on the networking system’s security component. They protect the organisation’s network following business goals or objectives.

Network Security Engineer Salary South Africa starts at ZAR 300,000, but these figures may vary depending on many factors. Several elements contribute to the variance in salaries among Network Security Engineers. Some of the factors that can impact the salary of Network Security Engineers include:

• Experience Level: More experienced engineers typically command higher salaries.
• Company Size: Larger companies often have bigger budgets for security positions.
• Education and Certifications: Advanced degrees and certifications (such as CISSP and CISM) can lead to higher pay.
• Geographical Location: Salaries vary by city, with major urban centres like Johannesburg and Cape Town offering higher pay.
• Type of Industry: Some industries, such as finance and technology, offer higher salaries for network security roles.

This was a detailed analysis of Network Security Engineers’ salaries based on experience level, geographical location, industry type, and more.

Average Network Security Engineer Salary South Africa

According to Glassdoor, here is an overview of what Network Security Engineers can expect in terms of compensation for this job profile based on experience level :

Per Month Network Security Engineer Salary South Africa

The monthly salary for a Network Security Engineer in South Africa varies based on experience, industry, and location. According to Glassdoor, here is an overview of the average salaries for different levels of Network Security Engineer in South Africa on a monthly basis:

Highest-paying cities in South Africa for Network Security Engineers

In South Africa, the cities with the highest salaries for network security engineers generally coincide with major urban centres and hubs of economic activity. These cities typically offer higher salaries due to increased demand and the cost of living.

According to Indeed, here are some of the highest-paying cities for Network Security Engineers in South Africa:

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Top Companies’ Salary for the Network Security Engineers

In South Africa, several top organisations across various industries are known for offering competitive salaries for Network Security Engineers. Some companies are recognised for their robust cybersecurity practices and could offer attractive compensation packages.

These salary figures vary based on the specific role, skills, candidate experience, and qualifications. According to Glassdoor, here are some of these leading organisations and the compensation they provide for Network Security Engineers:

Top Countries Paying High Salary for Network Security Engineers

Network Security Engineers are in demand globally, and salaries vary significantly depending on the country, industry, and the engineer’s specific skills and experience.

According to Glassdoor, here are some top countries where Network Security Engineers can expect to earn the highest salaries.

How to Become a Network Security Engineer?

The demand for network security professionals is growing by the minute. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, network security engineering careers will grow by 32% by 2028. Those interested in becoming network security engineers should develop skills in securing data, such as installing firewalls and data encryption programmes that protect sensitive information.

Becoming a Network Security Engineer requires education, practical experience, and obtaining relevant certifications. Following these steps, aspiring professionals can pursue a career as a network security engineer.

Earn Relevant Certification 

• Earning a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field is essential to gaining a solid foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles.
• Along with a Bachelor’s Degree, pursuing certifications courses such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can boost your credentials.

Gain Technical Skills and Experience

Develop hands-on experience in network administration and troubleshooting. It is crucial to understand network protocols, firewall configurations, and VPN technologies.

Tools and Technologies:

Gain proficiency in security tools such as:

• Intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS),
• Security information and event management (SIEM),
• Endpoint security solutions and penetration testing tools.

Build Practical Experience:

Start your career with internships or entry-level positions in IT support, network administration, or cybersecurity roles. This hands-on experience will help you understand real-world security challenges.

Specialise and Advance:

As you gain experience, consider specialising in cloud security, network forensics, incident response, or ethical hacking. Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies through professional development, attending conferences, and participating in industry forums.

Network and Seek Opportunities

Build a professional network within the cybersecurity community by attending industry events, joining professional organisations (e.g., ISC², ISACA), and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.

Job Search:

Search for Network Security Engineer positions in finance, healthcare, technology, and government industries. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience in cybersecurity.

Overall, continuous learning, industry certifications, and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and threats are crucial for individuals to effectively build their careers in network security engineering and protecting organisational networks and data.

The Cyber Security course at Digital Regenesys is a practical and effective choice for a career as a network security engineer. It is designed to provide hands-on experience and real-world skills, empowering individuals to thrive in the digital age.

Skills Required to Become a Network Security Engineer

Becoming a Network Security Engineer requires technical skills, knowledge, and often specific certifications.

Here are some of the top skills typically required for this role:

• CIA triad,
• Web security,
• Cyber Forensic,
• Ethical Hacking,
• Cookies and tracking,
• Data and database security,
• Information security controls,
• Cyber security fundamentals,
• OS fundamentals and security,
• Security policies and procedures,
• Cyber security mitigation methods.

To gain these skills, enrol in the Digital Regenesys Cyber Security course and get on the right track in this fast-paced, challenging, and highly rewarding career.

Cyber Security Vs Network Security Salary

Cybersecurity specialists and network security engineers have different career profiles, responsibilities, and duties. A network security engineer usually requires 1-2 years of experience to gain a career position, while a Cybersecurity analyst requires 4-6 years of experience.

Similarly, the salaries for Cyber Security and Network Security engineers differ and can also differ based on location, industry, experience level, and specific job responsibilities.

Here’s a general comparison:

Cyber Security Vs Network Security Salary

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