SOC Analyst Jobs

The eyes and ears of an organisation's cyber defences. SOC Analysts monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents in real-time.

Open roles
6
Salary range
£30k – £70k
Hiring companies
6

SOC Analysts are the front-line defenders in the world of cyber security. Working in Security Operations Centres (SOCs), they monitor and analyse security events to identify and respond to potential threats. These roles are critical for organisations of all sizes, from scaleups to large enterprises, ensuring that security incidents are detected and mitigated quickly. SOC Analysts often work in shifts, providing 24/7 coverage to maintain a constant watch over the organisation's digital assets.

What the role does

Inside the role of an SOC Analyst

A typical week for a SOC Analyst is a mix of monitoring, incident response, and reporting. They spend a significant amount of time analysing security alerts and collaborating with other teams.

  1. 01
    Monitor security dashboards and alerts for suspicious activity.
  2. 02
    Analyse and triage security incidents to determine their severity.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with incident response teams to mitigate threats.
  4. 04
    Document and report findings to management and other stakeholders.
  5. 05
    Stay updated on the latest security threats and best practices.
  6. 06
    Participate in regular team meetings and training sessions.
Salary on the board

£30k – £70k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 40 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
45% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Junior
27
38
5 jobs
Mid
40
60
11 jobs
Senior
47
90
17 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 36 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

SIEM
69%
Incident Response
61%
Microsoft Sentinel
42%
Threat Hunting
36%
Splunk
28%
MITRE ATT&CK
28%
TCP/IP
22%
EDR
22%
Vulnerability Management
22%
PowerShell
22%
Firewalls
19%
Microsoft Defender XDR
19%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for soc analysts. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior SOC Analyst

    0–2 yrs

    Assists in monitoring security events and performs basic triage under supervision.

  2. Level 2

    SOC Analyst

    2–5 yrs

    Takes primary responsibility for incident detection and response, and contributes to the development of security policies.

  3. Level 3

    Senior SOC Analyst

    5–8 yrs

    Leads incident response efforts, mentors junior analysts, and advises on security strategy.

  4. Level 4

    Principal SOC Analyst

    8+ yrs

    Oversees the SOC's operations, drives strategic initiatives, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

Pathway

How to become a SOC Analyst

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Entry-Level Analyst

    Start with foundational roles, learning the basics of security monitoring and incident response.

  2. 2

    Specialisation

    Develop expertise in specific areas such as threat hunting, malware analysis, or forensic investigation.

  3. 3

    Advanced Incident Response

    Take on more complex incidents and lead response efforts, often working closely with other security teams.

  4. 4

    Leadership Role

    Move into a leadership position, managing a team of analysts and driving the SOC's strategic direction.

  5. 5

    Strategic Advisor

    Advise senior management on security policies and contribute to the organisation's overall security posture.

Live jobs

6 live roles

SOC Analyst (Tier 1)

Monitor and triage security alerts using Microsoft Defender and Sentinel in a 24/7 Security Operations Centre. Conduct incident investigation and support response activities within a collaborative team environment. Contribute to improving detection capabilities and SOC processes in a hybrid-working setup with rotating 12-hour shifts.

VIQU IT New Edlington, South Yorkshire, DN12 1DZ, United Kingdom £25,000 – £30,000 pa

SOC Analyst - Active SC required

Monitor and respond to security incidents using IBM QRadar SIEM, conducting threat detection, log analysis, and incident investigation across enterprise systems. Support a defence/aerospace client with robust security controls and detailed post-incident reporting. Engage in proactive threat hunting and handle diverse cyber threats including phishing and malware.

Matchtech Harlow, Essex, United Kingdom
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Junior SOC Analyst

This role involves joining a Security Operations Centre team to monitor, investigate, and respond to security alerts under guidance from experienced analysts. The candidate will learn to use SIEM tools, analyse logs, and distinguish real threats from false positives while supporting incident response and security reporting across diverse customer environments. It is a structured entry-level position focused on training and long-term career development in cyber security.

Constant Recruitment Ltd Weavering, Kent, United Kingdom £25,000 – £28,000 pa

Senior SOC Analyst

Senior SOC AnalystFarnborough UK | Fully On-Site24/7 Shift PatternCompetitive Salary + Shift AllowanceDV Clearance Eligible – British Citizens OnlyThis SOC role is on the frontline of cyber defence.I'm looking for a Senior SOC Analyst to join a high-performing Security Operations...

Fynity Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7JT, United Kingdom £48,000 – £58,000 pa

Cyber Security Engineer / SOC Analyst

This role involves maintaining and optimising cybersecurity toolsets within a Defence organisation's Security Operations Centre. The engineer will lead on SIEM, threat detection, and network visibility, performing playbook scripting, tool integration, and backend refresh activities. The position requires deep technical expertise in security infrastructure, automation, and incident investigation across hybrid environments.

Tatton Recruitment Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom £92 ph
On-site Contract Clearance Required

Tier 2 SOC Analyst

This role involves investigating and analysing escalated security alerts and complex incidents within a fast-paced Security Operations Centre. The analyst will conduct in-depth incident investigations, perform threat hunting, tune detection rules, and support incident response across diverse client environments. Collaboration with Tier 1 and Tier 3 teams is key, along with maintaining awareness of evolving threats and improving SOC processes.

Oscar Technology London, United Kingdom £40,000 – £50,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in a relevant field such as computer science or information security is beneficial. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, or CISSP can also enhance your credentials.

  • SOC Analysts often work in shifts to provide 24/7 coverage, which can include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

  • Gaining experience, specialising in areas like threat hunting or incident response, and obtaining relevant certifications can help you advance to senior and leadership roles.

  • Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the organisation. For more detailed salary information, refer to the salary section on this page.

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