Cyber Security Consultant Salary in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average Cyber Security Consultant salary lies between USD 102,000 and USD 113,000 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: Nov. 10, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Cyber Security Consultant roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Cyber Security Consultant job listings are Compliance, Privacy and CISSP. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 13 jobs Privacy | 12 jobs CISSP | 11 jobs ISO 27001 | 10 jobs Strategy | 9 jobs NIST | 9 jobs CISM | 9 jobs CISA | 9 jobs Cloud | 9 jobs Risk assessment | 7 jobs GDPR | 7 jobs GIAC | 7 jobs Vulnerabilities | 6 jobs AWS | 6 jobs Automation | 6 jobs HIPAA | 6 jobs Pentesting | 6 jobs CCSP | 6 jobs Analytics | 5 jobs Risk analysis | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Cyber Security Consultant roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Cyber Security Consultant job listings are Career development, Flex vacation and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 13 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Flex hours | 8 jobs Startup environment | 7 jobs Team events | 7 jobs Health care | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Equity / stock options | 1 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Travel | 1 jobs Competitive pay | 1 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Cyber Security Consultant typically includes 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. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policies and the individual's performance. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes stock options, especially in larger tech companies or startups.

The composition can vary based on several factors:

• Region: Salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, or Washington D.C. tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.
• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and government often offer higher salaries due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle.
• Company Size: Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits and bonuses, while smaller companies or startups might offer equity or stock options as part of the compensation package.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Cyber Security Consultant position, consider the following steps:

• Specialize: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, penetration testing, or incident response. Specialization can make you more valuable to employers.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
• Advanced Education: Pursue a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field to enhance your qualifications.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to increase your visibility and learn about higher-paying opportunities.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial positions, which typically come with higher salaries and additional responsibilities.

Educational Requirements

Most Cyber Security Consultant positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and information assurance can be beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary potential. Some common and helpful certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

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

Required Experience

Typically, a Cyber Security Consultant role requires several years of experience in IT or cybersecurity. Employers often look for candidates with 3-5 years of relevant experience, including hands-on experience with security tools, risk assessment, and incident response. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be advantageous.

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