Information Security Risk Specialist Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Information Security Risk Specialist salary lies between USD 60,400 and USD 137,000 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Information Security Risk Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Information Security Risk Specialist job listings are Risk management, Compliance and Clearance. 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:

Risk management | 22 jobs Compliance | 20 jobs Clearance | 16 jobs RMF | 16 jobs CISSP | 14 jobs DoD | 14 jobs eMASS | 14 jobs CISM | 13 jobs STIGs | 12 jobs NIST | 11 jobs ACAS | 10 jobs Risk assessment | 9 jobs Automation | 8 jobs DoDD 8570 | 8 jobs SCAP | 8 jobs Computer Science | 7 jobs Audits | 6 jobs ISO 27001 | 6 jobs GDPR | 6 jobs Linux | 6 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Information Security Risk Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Information Security Risk Specialist job listings are Health care, Medical leave and Career development. 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 | 22 jobs Medical leave | 21 jobs Career development | 20 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Parental leave | 11 jobs Flex hours | 11 jobs Wellness | 10 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Team events | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Startup environment | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Insurance | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Travel | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for an Information Security Risk Specialist

The salary composition for an Information Security Risk Specialist typically includes a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The exact composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size.

• Region: In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas in the United States or Western Europe, the base salary tends to be higher. However, bonuses might be more competitive in regions where the tech industry is booming, like Silicon Valley.

• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of information security in these sectors. Bonuses in these industries can also be substantial, reflecting the high stakes involved in protecting sensitive data.

• Company Size: Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits packages, including stock options, retirement plans, and health insurance, in addition to a competitive base salary and bonuses. Smaller companies or startups might offer lower base salaries but compensate with equity or performance bonuses.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary from the position of an Information Security Risk Specialist, consider the following strategies:

• Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your qualifications and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence, can make you more valuable to employers and open up opportunities for higher salaries.

• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into management or leadership roles, such as Information Security Manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), can significantly increase your earning potential.

• Networking and Professional Development: Engaging in professional networks, attending industry conferences, and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can lead to new opportunities and salary negotiations.

Educational Requirements

Most Information Security Risk Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and risk management is often beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the field of information security and can significantly enhance your career prospects. Some of the most helpful certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

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

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in information security or a related field. Experience in risk assessment, vulnerability management, and incident response is particularly valuable. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, as well as familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry standards, is often required.

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