Information Security Specialist Salary in 2022

Salary details

The average Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 63,040 and USD 112,000 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. 24, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Information Security Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Information Security Specialist job listings are Compliance, Risk assessment and Monitoring. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 34 jobs Risk assessment | 19 jobs Monitoring | 19 jobs Incident response | 16 jobs NIST | 16 jobs Privacy | 15 jobs Audits | 13 jobs Vulnerability management | 13 jobs Governance | 13 jobs Agile | 13 jobs ISO 27001 | 12 jobs Cloud | 12 jobs Risk management | 11 jobs TTPs | 10 jobs CISSP | 10 jobs Strategy | 9 jobs Vendor management | 6 jobs CISM | 6 jobs Vulnerabilities | 5 jobs DevOps | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Information Security Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Information Security Specialist job listings are Team events, Career development and Flex vacation. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Team events | 19 jobs Career development | 16 jobs Flex vacation | 12 jobs Health care | 12 jobs Flex hours | 10 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs Parental leave | 6 jobs Competitive pay | 6 jobs Equity / stock options | 5 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Startup environment | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for an Information Security Specialist

The salary for an Information Security Specialist typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In regions with a high cost of living or in industries like finance and technology, bonuses might be more substantial. Additional remuneration can include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Larger companies often offer more comprehensive benefits packages compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills and knowledge in emerging technologies and security threats. Specializing in niche areas like cloud security or ethical hacking can make you more valuable.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, which can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
• 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, to qualify for 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 Specialist 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 be advantageous. Advanced positions might require a master’s degree or specialized training in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying current with industry standards and practices.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience in network security, risk management, and incident response is particularly valuable. For more senior positions, 5-10 years of experience may be required, along with proven leadership skills and a track record of successful security implementations.

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