Cyber Security Specialist Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Cyber Security Specialist salary lies between USD 72,779 and USD 115,000 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 Compliance, Monitoring and Cloud. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 31 jobs Monitoring | 31 jobs Cloud | 31 jobs Incident response | 25 jobs Computer Science | 25 jobs CISSP | 23 jobs Automation | 22 jobs Azure | 21 jobs Forensics | 20 jobs Vulnerabilities | 20 jobs NIST | 20 jobs Risk management | 19 jobs Risk assessment | 18 jobs AWS | 18 jobs SOC | 18 jobs SIEM | 17 jobs Threat intelligence | 17 jobs SANS | 16 jobs Clearance | 16 jobs Agile | 15 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, Startup environment and Team events. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 41 jobs Startup environment | 37 jobs Team events | 31 jobs Flex hours | 30 jobs Competitive pay | 13 jobs Health care | 11 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Flex vacation | 6 jobs Equity / stock options | 5 jobs Parental leave | 3 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Medical leave | 3 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Cyber Security Specialist typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the most substantial component, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-heavy industries and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Cyber Security Specialist, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas like cloud security or AI-driven security solutions. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also make you eligible for higher-paying positions such as Cyber Security Manager or Director of Information Security. Networking within industry groups and attending conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, consider relocating to regions or industries that offer higher compensation for cybersecurity roles, such as finance or healthcare.

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 candidates with an associate degree if they have significant experience or relevant certifications. A master's degree in cybersecurity or information assurance can be advantageous and may be required for more senior roles. Continuous education through workshops, online courses, and seminars is also beneficial to keep up with the rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and validate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.

Required Experience

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 analyst, or IT support can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and vulnerability assessment is often required. For more advanced positions, employers may seek candidates with 5-10 years of experience, including leadership or project management roles.

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