Cyber Security Lead Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Cyber Security Lead salary lies between USD 85,600 and USD 177,392 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. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Cyber Security Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Cyber Security Lead job listings are Compliance, Risk management and CISSP. 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:

Compliance | 34 jobs Risk management | 23 jobs CISSP | 20 jobs NIST | 19 jobs ISO 27001 | 18 jobs Cloud | 18 jobs Incident response | 16 jobs Strategy | 16 jobs Computer Science | 16 jobs Monitoring | 15 jobs Audits | 14 jobs CISM | 14 jobs Governance | 14 jobs SIEM | 13 jobs Vulnerability management | 13 jobs Firewalls | 13 jobs Vulnerabilities | 12 jobs Clearance | 11 jobs CISA | 10 jobs Privacy | 9 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Cyber Security Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Cyber Security Lead job listings are Career development, Health care and Startup environment. 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 | 25 jobs Health care | 18 jobs Startup environment | 14 jobs Flex hours | 13 jobs Competitive pay | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Medical leave | 8 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Wellness | 6 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Signing bonus | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs Pet friendly | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Cyber Security Lead can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range widely depending on the cost of living in the region and the demand for cybersecurity professionals. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can be a percentage of the base salary or a fixed amount. These bonuses are often tied to individual performance, team performance, or company-wide success metrics.

Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, which can be a significant part of the compensation package. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off are also standard. In some cases, companies may offer relocation assistance or sign-on bonuses to attract top talent.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from the position of a Cyber Security Lead, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your credentials and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.
• Seek Leadership Roles: Transitioning into higher-level management positions, such as a Director of Cybersecurity or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Negotiate Effectively: Develop strong negotiation skills to advocate for higher compensation during performance reviews or when considering new job offers.

Educational Requirements

Most Cyber Security Lead positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, particularly in cybersecurity or information assurance, as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of the field. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications play a crucial role in establishing credibility and expertise in cybersecurity. Some of the most common and helpful certifications for a Cyber Security Lead include:

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

These certifications not only validate your skills but also demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

Required Experience

Typically, a Cyber Security Lead is expected to have several years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This usually includes hands-on experience in roles such as a security analyst, security engineer, or similar positions. Experience in managing security teams, developing security policies, and implementing security measures is often required. Employers look for candidates who have a proven track record of successfully handling security incidents and mitigating risks.

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