Incident Handler Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Incident Handler salary lies between USD 80,000 and USD 128,000 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. 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

The salary for an Incident Handler in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and individual performance, often ranging from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or profit-sharing plans, which are more common in larger organizations. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries and stock options, while regions with a lower cost of living might offer more balanced packages. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and healthcare may offer higher bonuses due to the critical nature of security in these sectors.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of an Incident Handler, consider pursuing advanced certifications and specialized training in cybersecurity. Gaining expertise in emerging areas such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response automation can make you more valuable. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or transitioning into positions like Security Architect or Cybersecurity Manager can lead to higher salaries. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider relocating to regions with higher demand for cybersecurity professionals, as this can significantly impact salary potential.

Educational Requirements

Most Incident Handler positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may accept equivalent experience in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can be advantageous. Advanced degrees, such as a Master's in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance, can further enhance your qualifications and open up opportunities for advancement.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials as an Incident Handler. Some of the most beneficial 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.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field for an Incident Handler role. Experience in roles such as Security Analyst, Network Administrator, or Systems Administrator can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with incident response, threat analysis, and security monitoring tools is often required. Additionally, familiarity with security frameworks and standards, such as NIST or ISO 27001, is advantageous.

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