Cyber Security Specialist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Cyber Security Specialist salary lies between USD 75,000 and USD 118,000 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. 15, 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, CISSP and NIST. 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 | 131 jobs CISSP | 111 jobs NIST | 100 jobs Vulnerabilities | 86 jobs Risk management | 84 jobs Computer Science | 83 jobs Monitoring | 78 jobs Cloud | 78 jobs Clearance | 75 jobs SIEM | 70 jobs Firewalls | 64 jobs Incident response | 63 jobs Audits | 54 jobs ISO 27001 | 54 jobs Network security | 52 jobs Governance | 51 jobs Risk assessment | 50 jobs CISA | 49 jobs Strategy | 47 jobs CISM | 46 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, 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 | 124 jobs Health care | 99 jobs Flex hours | 86 jobs Competitive pay | 59 jobs Team events | 56 jobs Insurance | 49 jobs Startup environment | 48 jobs Equity / stock options | 46 jobs 401(k) matching | 33 jobs Flex vacation | 32 jobs Salary bonus | 31 jobs Parental leave | 25 jobs Wellness | 21 jobs Medical leave | 21 jobs Relocation support | 13 jobs Fitness / gym | 11 jobs Transparency | 6 jobs Flexible spending account | 6 jobs Conferences | 5 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary composition for a Cyber Security Specialist in the United States can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base amount, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company's profitability and the individual's performance. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, salaries tend to be higher to compensate for living expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive compensation packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Cyber Security Specialist, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining specialized skills in areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or positions with more responsibility, such as a Cyber Security Manager or Consultant, can lead to salary increases. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity will also enhance your marketability and potential for salary growth.

Educational Requirements

Most Cyber Security Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can provide a competitive edge. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or specialized training in cybersecurity. Continuous learning is crucial in this field, so staying updated with the latest security technologies and practices is essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. 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 your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

The typical experience required for a Cyber Security Specialist role ranges from 2 to 5 years in IT or cybersecurity-related positions. Experience in roles such as network administrator, systems administrator, or security analyst can provide a solid foundation for transitioning into a cybersecurity specialist role. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and risk assessment is often crucial. Employers look for candidates who have practical experience in identifying and mitigating security threats.

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