Incident Responder Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Incident Responder salary lies between USD 87,000 and USD 160,000 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. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Incident Responder roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Incident Responder job listings are Incident response, Cloud and Monitoring. 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 | 163 jobs Cloud | 87 jobs Monitoring | 74 jobs Forensics | 70 jobs GCIH | 68 jobs Malware | 65 jobs Vulnerabilities | 61 jobs Computer Science | 60 jobs SIEM | 58 jobs Scripting | 54 jobs SOC | 52 jobs Threat intelligence | 50 jobs Python | 50 jobs Automation | 49 jobs Windows | 49 jobs Linux | 48 jobs Intrusion detection | 44 jobs EDR | 43 jobs Clearance | 41 jobs Compliance | 41 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Incident Responder roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Incident Responder job listings are Career development, Team events and Health care. 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 | 84 jobs Team events | 61 jobs Health care | 50 jobs Flex hours | 35 jobs Competitive pay | 31 jobs Insurance | 26 jobs Equity / stock options | 24 jobs Startup environment | 20 jobs Salary bonus | 20 jobs Flex vacation | 16 jobs Wellness | 16 jobs Medical leave | 15 jobs 401(k) matching | 14 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Fitness / gym | 8 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Flat hierarchy | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Incident Responders

The salary composition for an Incident Responder can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas in the United States, the base salary tends to be higher to compensate for living expenses. Industries like finance and technology often offer more competitive 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 stock options, which can significantly enhance the overall compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from the position of an Incident Responder, 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 up opportunities for advancement. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or moving into management positions, such as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager, can lead to higher salaries.

Educational Requirements

Most Incident Responder 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 strong foundation in the necessary technical skills and knowledge. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can be advantageous and may be required for higher-level positions.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a validated level of expertise, which can be attractive 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 Responder role. Experience in roles such as a security analyst, network administrator, or systems administrator can provide the necessary skills and knowledge. Hands-on experience with incident response, threat analysis, and security tools is crucial.

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