Application Security Lead Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Application Security Lead salary lies between USD 96,100 and USD 182,780 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Application Security Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Application Security Lead job listings are Application security, Vulnerabilities and SDLC. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Application security | 32 jobs Vulnerabilities | 23 jobs SDLC | 15 jobs SAST | 15 jobs Security assessment | 14 jobs Pentesting | 14 jobs Compliance | 14 jobs DAST | 14 jobs OWASP | 14 jobs Cloud | 13 jobs Computer Science | 13 jobs Java | 12 jobs Python | 11 jobs Azure | 10 jobs CISSP | 10 jobs CI/CD | 10 jobs Strategy | 9 jobs DevOps | 9 jobs Vulnerability management | 8 jobs AWS | 8 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Application Security Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Application Security Lead job listings are Career development, Team events and Competitive pay. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 20 jobs Team events | 11 jobs Competitive pay | 10 jobs Equity / stock options | 9 jobs Health care | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 8 jobs Flex hours | 7 jobs Insurance | 7 jobs Medical leave | 6 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Flex vacation | 4 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for an Application Security Lead

The salary for an Application Security Lead typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. In North America, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might constitute 70-80% of the total compensation, with bonuses and stock options making up the rest. In contrast, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be a larger percentage of the total compensation. Industries such as finance or healthcare, which place a high premium on security, may offer higher bonuses or additional benefits. Larger companies often provide more comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Application Security Lead Position

To increase your salary from an Application Security Lead position, consider pursuing advanced leadership roles such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Security. These roles typically offer higher compensation and require a strategic understanding of security at an organizational level. Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, AI security, or blockchain can make you more valuable. Networking within industry groups and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Finally, consider negotiating your salary based on your contributions and the value you bring to your current organization.

Educational Requirements for an Application Security Lead

Most Application Security Lead positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree in cybersecurity or business administration, especially for roles that involve significant leadership responsibilities. A strong educational background provides the technical foundation necessary for understanding complex security challenges and developing effective solutions.

Helpful Certifications for an Application Security Lead

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for an Application Security Lead role. Commonly recognized certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). For those focusing specifically on application security, the Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE) or the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) can be particularly beneficial. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise.

Experience Required for an Application Security Lead

Typically, an Application Security Lead is expected to have 5-10 years of experience in information security, with a focus on application security. This experience should include hands-on work with security tools, vulnerability assessments, and secure coding practices. Leadership experience is also crucial, as the role involves managing teams and projects. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?