Cyber Security Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Cyber Security salary lies between USD 95,500 and USD 172,400 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. 3, 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 | 1865 jobs Cloud | 1638 jobs Computer Science | 1447 jobs CISSP | 1324 jobs Monitoring | 1239 jobs NIST | 1124 jobs Vulnerabilities | 1098 jobs Incident response | 1067 jobs Risk management | 966 jobs Clearance | 914 jobs SIEM | 908 jobs Strategy | 891 jobs Firewalls | 839 jobs Governance | 755 jobs Linux | 717 jobs Risk assessment | 716 jobs CISM | 701 jobs Windows | 685 jobs Azure | 661 jobs Audits | 657 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 | 2154 jobs Health care | 1223 jobs Flex hours | 1035 jobs Team events | 997 jobs Competitive pay | 834 jobs Startup environment | 582 jobs Insurance | 522 jobs Equity / stock options | 469 jobs Flex vacation | 447 jobs Salary bonus | 419 jobs Medical leave | 380 jobs Parental leave | 371 jobs 401(k) matching | 337 jobs Wellness | 304 jobs Relocation support | 117 jobs Fitness / gym | 105 jobs Conferences | 85 jobs Transparency | 83 jobs Home office stipend | 59 jobs Gear | 51 jobs

Salary Composition in Cyber Security Roles

In the United States, 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 composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can vary widely depending on the cost of living in a particular region, with higher salaries often found in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, and Washington D.C.

In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses. These bonuses can be tied to individual performance, team performance, or the overall success of the company. The bonus percentage can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company’s compensation structure and the employee's role.

Additional remuneration may include stock options or equity, especially in tech startups or larger tech companies. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are also standard components of the total compensation package. Larger companies or those in highly competitive industries may offer more comprehensive benefits and higher bonuses to attract top talent.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your skill set. Specializing in high-demand areas such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers.

• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry. Certifications like CISSP, CISM, or CEH can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.

• Networking: Build a strong professional network. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and participate in online forums to connect with other professionals and learn about new opportunities.

• Advanced Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in Cyber Security or a related field. Advanced education can open doors to higher-level positions and increase your earning potential.

• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial positions. These roles typically come with higher salaries and additional responsibilities.

Educational Requirements

Most Cyber Security positions require at least a bachelor's degree in Cyber Security, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can provide a solid foundation in the principles of information security.

For more advanced positions, a master's degree in Cyber Security or a related discipline can be beneficial. This advanced education can provide deeper knowledge and understanding of complex security issues and prepare you for leadership roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the Cyber Security field and can significantly enhance your career prospects. Some of the most common and respected certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying current with industry standards and practices.

Required Experience

The experience required for a Cyber Security role can vary 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 positions typically require 3-5 years of experience specifically in Cyber Security.

Senior-level roles or specialized positions may require 5-10 years of experience, along with a proven track record of managing security projects or leading a security team. Practical experience with security tools, incident response, and risk management is often essential.

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