Cyber Defense Analyst Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Cyber Defense Analyst salary lies between USD 75,600 and USD 172,000 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Cyber Defense Analyst roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Cyber Defense Analyst job listings are Cyber defense, Cloud and Vulnerabilities. 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:

Cyber defense | 64 jobs Cloud | 42 jobs Vulnerabilities | 37 jobs Incident response | 35 jobs IDS | 31 jobs Linux | 31 jobs Firewalls | 29 jobs Windows | 29 jobs Monitoring | 28 jobs UNIX | 25 jobs Clearance | 25 jobs SIEM | 24 jobs TCP/IP | 24 jobs Scripting | 24 jobs CISSP | 22 jobs CEH | 22 jobs Network security | 19 jobs Malware | 19 jobs Compliance | 19 jobs DoD | 19 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Cyber Defense Analyst roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Cyber Defense Analyst job listings are Team events, Career development and Health care. 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:

Team events | 37 jobs Career development | 19 jobs Health care | 12 jobs Flex hours | 8 jobs Medical leave | 6 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Startup environment | 4 jobs Equity / stock options | 3 jobs Flex vacation | 3 jobs Competitive pay | 3 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs Travel | 1 jobs Fertility benefits | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Cyber Defense Analyst in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes stock options, especially in larger tech companies.

Regional differences can affect salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and stock options due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Industry also plays a role; financial services and tech companies often offer more lucrative packages compared to non-profit or government sectors. Company size can influence the compensation structure as well, with larger companies typically providing more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Cyber Defense Analyst position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable to employers. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also open up higher-paying opportunities, such as moving into a managerial or director-level position.

Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies can also provide opportunities for career advancement. Attending conferences, participating in workshops, and joining professional organizations can help you build connections and learn about new job openings or advancements in the field.

Educational Requirements

Most Cyber Defense Analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept candidates with equivalent work experience or an associate degree combined with relevant certifications. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and security protocols is essential.

For those looking to stand out, pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline can be beneficial. Advanced degrees can provide deeper knowledge and open doors to higher-level positions within the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized certifications for a Cyber Defense Analyst include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related IT field. Experience in roles such as network administrator, systems analyst, or security consultant can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with security tools, threat analysis, and incident response is often required.

Internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions in IT or cybersecurity can provide valuable experience and help you build the necessary skills to advance to a Cyber Defense Analyst role.

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