Information Security Specialist Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 70,000 and USD 178,600 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

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 management and ISO 27001. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 53 jobs Risk management | 34 jobs ISO 27001 | 33 jobs NIST | 28 jobs Governance | 28 jobs Cloud | 28 jobs Audits | 27 jobs CISSP | 26 jobs Automation | 25 jobs Monitoring | 25 jobs CISM | 22 jobs CISA | 19 jobs SOC | 19 jobs Firewalls | 17 jobs Risk assessment | 16 jobs Privacy | 16 jobs ISMS | 15 jobs Computer Science | 15 jobs Security assessment | 14 jobs Vulnerabilities | 12 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 Career development, Team events and Competitive pay. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 38 jobs Team events | 28 jobs Competitive pay | 27 jobs Flex hours | 26 jobs Equity / stock options | 21 jobs Health care | 17 jobs Flex vacation | 13 jobs Home office stipend | 13 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs Parental leave | 9 jobs Insurance | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs Relocation support | 6 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Information Security Specialist typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas in the United States, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. In industries like finance or technology, bonuses can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of cybersecurity in these sectors. Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits packages, including stock options or profit-sharing, which can significantly enhance total compensation.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of an Information Security Specialist, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining experience in specialized areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and seeking roles with greater responsibility, such as a managerial position, can lead to higher pay. Additionally, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity can position you as an expert, potentially leading to consulting opportunities or higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most Information Security Specialist roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education. However, as the field becomes more competitive, having a master's degree in cybersecurity or information assurance can be advantageous and may be preferred by some employers.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. 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 a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, which can be crucial for career advancement.

Required Experience

Typically, an Information Security Specialist is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, risk assessment, and incident response. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be beneficial due to the unique regulatory and security challenges they present.

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