The need for qualified cybersecurity specialists is only increasing as cyber threats become more complex and frequent. A specialist educated to identify, look into, and address risks using Microsoft security technologies, the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst is one of the most sought-after positions in this field. However, How much does a Microsoft security operations analyst make?

The typical wage, pay-influencing variables, work duties, and prospects for career advancement for those with the SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst Associate certification will all be covered in this article.

A Microsoft Security Operations Analyst: Who Is It?

Monitoring security solutions, detecting and reducing risks, and enhancing an organization’s overall security posture are the usual responsibilities of a Microsoft Security Operations Analyst. These experts make use of instruments like

• Sentinel from Microsoft (SIEM)

• Defender for Microsoft 365

• Cloud-based Microsoft Defender

• Microsoft Endpoint Defender

Incident response, threat hunting, alert management, and security data analysis are among their primary responsibilities. These people frequently cooperate with IT teams, cloud engineers, and threat intelligence analysts in Security Operations Centers (SOCs).

The typical compensation for a security operations analyst at Microsoft

In the United States, a Microsoft Security Operations Analyst makes, on average, between $85,000 and $110,000 annually as of 2025. However, depending on factors like experience, geography, company size, and certification level, this figure can vary greatly.

Entry-Level Jobs

Salary ranges for professionals with 0–2 years of experience and recent SC-200 exam passes typically range from $70,000 to $85,000 annually. Senior employees may receive assistance from entry-level analysts in handling alerts, carrying out regular investigations, and creating reports.

Intermediate-Level Analysts

A security analyst can make between $90,000 and $105,000 a year if they have three to five years of experience and practical knowledge of Microsoft security products. These positions could entail managing more complicated crises, creating automatic responses to threats, and directing small teams.

Professionals at the Senior Level

In high-demand locations like San Francisco, New York, or Washington, D.C., senior security operations analysts or team leads, particularly those with five or more years of expertise andadvanced qualifications, can make over $120,000 annually. They frequently handle important incident escalations, create security strategies, and have an impact on organizational security policy.

Location-Based Salary

Location has a significant impact on pay. The average salaries in various regions are as follows:

• $95,000 to $115,000 in the US

• CAD $80,000 to $100,000 in Canada

• £45,000 to £65,000 in the UK

• AUD $100,000 to $120,000 in Australia

• India: between ₹800,000 and ₹1,500,000 per year

Pay patterns have also been impacted by remote work choices. Nowadays, a lot of companies provide competitive packages to remote security experts, particularly those who know how to use Microsoft security technology.

Factors Influencing Pay

The following factors affect a Microsoft Security Operations Analyst’s pay:

1. Level of Certification

One major advantage is having the SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst Associate certification. Your earning potential can be further increased by combining this with other certifications like the CompTIA Security+, AZ-500, or SC-300.

2. Professional Background

Like other IT jobs, experience has a direct bearing on pay. Higher compensation can be obtained by those who have experience working with a variety ofMicrosoft security technologies in a variety of settings.

3. Technical Proficiency

Employers appreciate practical abilities in addition to qualifications in:

• KQL, or Kusto Query Language

• Scripting in PowerShell

• Rules for Microsoft Sentinel analytics

• Playbooks and automation

• Procedures for responding to incidents

4. Sector of Industry

Because of their stringent compliance and data protection regulations, sectors like government, healthcare, and finance frequently provide higher compensation.

5. Size of the Company

Due to the size and complexity of their security architecture, larger businesses typically spend more. Businesses that use Microsoft’s enterprise-grade products typically choose trained specialists and are prepared to pay them more.

Employment Prospects and Professional Development

For Microsoft Security Operations Analysts, there is a very bright future ahead. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in cybersecurity will expand by 32% between 2022 and 2032, which is significantly faster than the average.

Professionals can climb into more senior positions after a few years of experience, including:

• Engineer for Security

• Consultant for Cloud Security

• Manager of SOC

• An architect for cybersecurity

Obtaining certifications such as the SC-100 (Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect) or AZ-500 (Azure Security Engineer Associate) might open doors to leadership roles with even greater pay. You can explore a complete guide to Microsoft certifications for more clarity.

Why Get Certified in SC-200?

The SC-200 certification improves your chances of getting a well-paying job in addition to validating your proficiency in security operations. It is acknowledged throughout the world and demonstrates your proficiency with Microsoft products to defend business environments from dangers. Additionally, it provides access to positions at significant corporations and governmental organizations that depend on Microsoft security infrastructure.

Final Thoughts: How much does a Microsoft security operations analyst make?

How much does a Microsoft security operations analyst make? There are differing opinions, but one thing is certain: it’s a lucrative and quickly expanding field. The SC-200 certification is a wise investment whether you want to specialize in Microsoft security solutions or are just starting out in the cybersecurity field.

Professionals with Microsoft security experience are in high demand and earning good compensation due to the rise in cyber risks and the digital transformation occurring in every business.