Cyber Security Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Cyber Security salary lies between USD 81,250 and USD 163,637 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: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Cyber Security roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Cyber Security job listings are Compliance, Cloud and Computer Science. 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 | 2199 jobs Cloud | 1932 jobs Computer Science | 1720 jobs CISSP | 1588 jobs Monitoring | 1462 jobs NIST | 1339 jobs Vulnerabilities | 1304 jobs Incident response | 1276 jobs Risk management | 1173 jobs Clearance | 1084 jobs SIEM | 1067 jobs Strategy | 1063 jobs Firewalls | 998 jobs Governance | 889 jobs Risk assessment | 868 jobs CISM | 839 jobs Linux | 836 jobs Audits | 793 jobs Windows | 792 jobs Azure | 784 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Cyber Security roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Cyber Security job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. 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 | 2558 jobs Health care | 1436 jobs Flex hours | 1224 jobs Team events | 1177 jobs Competitive pay | 989 jobs Startup environment | 682 jobs Insurance | 632 jobs Equity / stock options | 568 jobs Flex vacation | 532 jobs Salary bonus | 488 jobs Medical leave | 466 jobs Parental leave | 453 jobs 401(k) matching | 403 jobs Wellness | 340 jobs Relocation support | 141 jobs Fitness / gym | 128 jobs Conferences | 107 jobs Transparency | 93 jobs Home office stipend | 70 jobs Flexible spending account | 65 jobs

Salary Composition in Cyber Security Roles

The salary composition for a Cyber Security role can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. In regions with a high cost of living, like the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living might offer a lower base salary but could compensate with more substantial bonuses or stock options.

Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive data. Larger companies might provide more comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities, which can add significant value to the overall compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from a Cyber Security position, consider pursuing advanced certifications, gaining specialized skills, or transitioning into a leadership role. Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you more attractive to employers. Additionally, developing skills in emerging areas like cloud security, artificial intelligence, or blockchain can set you apart from other candidates.

Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can also provide insights into career advancement opportunities. Consider taking on more responsibilities or leading projects within your current role to demonstrate your capability for higher-level positions.

Educational Requirements

Most Cyber Security roles require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and risk management can provide a strong foundation for a career in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most common and beneficial certifications include:

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

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate for higher-paying positions.

Required Experience

The typical experience required for a Cyber Security role varies depending on the level of the position. Entry-level positions may require 1-3 years of experience in IT or a related field, while mid-level roles might require 3-5 years of direct cybersecurity experience. Senior positions often require 5-10 years of experience, including leadership or management responsibilities.

Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and threat analysis is crucial. Employers also value experience in specific industries, as different sectors have unique security challenges and regulatory requirements.

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