Incident Handler Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Incident Handler salary lies between USD 77,000 and USD 128,000 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: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Incident Handler roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Incident Handler job listings are Incident response, Monitoring and SOC. 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:

Incident response | 21 jobs Monitoring | 14 jobs SOC | 14 jobs Malware | 13 jobs SIEM | 11 jobs Clearance | 11 jobs Cloud | 10 jobs Vulnerabilities | 8 jobs Big Data | 8 jobs Forensics | 7 jobs Splunk | 7 jobs Linux | 7 jobs Windows | 7 jobs Security Clearance | 7 jobs Privacy | 7 jobs Threat intelligence | 6 jobs CSIRT | 6 jobs CERT | 6 jobs TCP/IP | 5 jobs EDR | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Incident Handler roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Incident Handler job listings are Team events, Career development 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:

Team events | 9 jobs Career development | 6 jobs Flex hours | 3 jobs Health care | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs Competitive pay | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for an Incident Handler

The salary composition for an Incident Handler 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 regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas in the United States, the base salary tends to be higher. Bonuses are often performance-based and can vary from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive packages compared to smaller firms or those in less lucrative sectors.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Incident Handler Position

To increase your salary from an Incident Handler position, consider pursuing advanced certifications and further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining experience in specialized areas like threat intelligence or digital forensics can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage teams or complex incidents can position you for promotions to roles such as Incident Response Manager or Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager, which typically offer higher salaries.

Educational Requirements for an Incident Handler

Most Incident Handler 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 degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can be beneficial for career advancement and may be required for higher-level positions.

Helpful Certifications for an Incident Handler

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications as an Incident Handler. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Experience Required for an Incident Handler Role

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience in network security, system administration, or a related area is often required. Hands-on experience with incident response, threat analysis, and security tools is crucial. Employers may also value experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, where regulatory compliance is a significant concern.

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