Information Security Risk Specialist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Information Security Risk Specialist salary lies between USD 60,300 and USD 137,000 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 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 | 24 jobs Compliance | 21 jobs Clearance | 18 jobs RMF | 18 jobs DoD | 16 jobs eMASS | 16 jobs CISSP | 15 jobs CISM | 14 jobs STIGs | 14 jobs NIST | 11 jobs ACAS | 11 jobs Risk assessment | 9 jobs Automation | 9 jobs DoDD 8570 | 9 jobs SCAP | 9 jobs Audits | 7 jobs Linux | 7 jobs CCSP | 7 jobs Computer Science | 7 jobs ISSE | 7 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 | 24 jobs Medical leave | 23 jobs Career development | 22 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 for an Information Security Risk Specialist typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and the industry. For instance, financial services and tech companies often offer higher bonuses compared to other sectors. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. The region also plays a crucial role; for example, salaries in major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, especially in emerging areas like cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, and threat intelligence.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to increase your visibility and learn about new opportunities.
• Advanced Education: Pursue further education, such as a master’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field, which can open doors to higher-level positions.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial roles within your organization, which typically come with higher pay.

Educational Requirements

Most Information Security Risk Specialist 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 more senior roles. Coursework in areas such as network security, cryptography, and risk management is particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

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

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• CompTIA Security+

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in information security or a related field. Experience in risk assessment, security policy development, and incident response is particularly valuable. For more senior roles, 5-10 years of experience may be required, along with proven leadership capabilities.

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