Incident Response Lead Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Incident Response Lead salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 162,000 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 Response Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Incident Response Lead job listings are Incident response, Computer Science and Forensics. 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 | 66 jobs Computer Science | 36 jobs Forensics | 35 jobs Cloud | 35 jobs GCIH | 33 jobs Monitoring | 32 jobs Threat intelligence | 31 jobs CISSP | 31 jobs Compliance | 31 jobs SIEM | 27 jobs EDR | 26 jobs SOC | 26 jobs AWS | 25 jobs Firewalls | 24 jobs Azure | 23 jobs Linux | 23 jobs Malware | 22 jobs CEH | 22 jobs Windows | 22 jobs CISM | 20 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Incident Response Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Incident Response Lead job listings are Health care, Career development and Team events. 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:

Health care | 32 jobs Career development | 32 jobs Team events | 29 jobs Insurance | 28 jobs Salary bonus | 20 jobs 401(k) matching | 19 jobs Flex hours | 17 jobs Equity / stock options | 16 jobs Competitive pay | 14 jobs Flex vacation | 11 jobs Wellness | 10 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs Parental leave | 8 jobs Startup environment | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Flexible spending account | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for an Incident Response Lead

The salary for an Incident Response Lead typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, usually ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, often making up 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, profit-sharing, or comprehensive benefits packages, can account for the remaining 5% to 10%.

Regional differences play a significant role in salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer higher base salaries and stock options due to the high cost of living and competitive job market. Industry also influences salary composition; financial services and tech companies often provide more lucrative bonuses and stock options compared to other sectors. Company size can affect the salary structure as well, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and stock options.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary from the position of an Incident Response Lead, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your technical skills and knowledge in emerging cybersecurity threats and technologies. Specializing in niche areas like threat intelligence or malware analysis can make you more valuable.

• Leadership Development: Enhance your leadership and management skills. Pursuing leadership roles or taking on additional responsibilities can position you for promotions.

• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the cybersecurity community. Engaging with industry peers can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

• Advanced Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, which can justify a higher salary.

• Negotiation: When discussing salary, be prepared to negotiate based on your contributions, market research, and the value you bring to the organization.

Educational Requirements

Most Incident Response Lead positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for senior roles. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in understanding complex cybersecurity concepts and practices.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some common and beneficial certifications for an Incident Response Lead include:

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

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

Required Experience

Typically, an Incident Response Lead is expected to have 5 to 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a focus on incident response, threat analysis, and security operations. Experience in managing teams and projects is also crucial, as the role involves coordinating response efforts and leading a team of cybersecurity professionals.

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