Cyber Security Specialist Salary in 2022

Salary details

The average Cyber Security Specialist salary lies between USD 68,293 and USD 94,560 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Cyber Security Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Cyber Security Specialist job listings are Vulnerabilities, Cloud and Vulnerability management. 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:

Vulnerabilities | 13 jobs Cloud | 13 jobs Vulnerability management | 8 jobs Automation | 8 jobs NIST | 8 jobs Compliance | 8 jobs Monitoring | 8 jobs Network security | 7 jobs Firewalls | 7 jobs Linux | 7 jobs Risk management | 7 jobs SIEM | 6 jobs Audits | 6 jobs Azure | 6 jobs Computer Science | 6 jobs Security assessment | 5 jobs Windows | 5 jobs Pentesting | 5 jobs Application security | 5 jobs Scripting | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Cyber Security Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Cyber Security Specialist job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Health care. 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 | 16 jobs Flex hours | 7 jobs Health care | 7 jobs Team events | 7 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Yoga | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Medical leave | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Cyber Security Specialist typically consists of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas in the United States, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. In contrast, companies in smaller towns or regions with a lower cost of living might offer a lower base salary but compensate with bonuses or other benefits.

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

Increasing Salary

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

• Specialize in a Niche Area: Developing expertise in a specific area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence, can make you more valuable to employers.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate your commitment to the field and enhance your qualifications.
• Gain Leadership Experience: Taking on leadership roles or managing projects can position you for higher-paying roles such as a Cyber Security Manager or Director.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engaging with professional organizations and attending industry conferences can open up new opportunities and provide insights into higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most Cyber Security Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, especially if you have a strong portfolio or relevant certifications. Advanced positions might require a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications demonstrate your knowledge and skills in various aspects of cybersecurity and are often required or preferred by employers.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a Cyber Security Specialist role requires 2-5 years of experience in IT or a related field, with a focus on security. Experience in roles such as network administrator, systems administrator, or security analyst can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and risk assessment is often crucial.

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