Information Security Specialist Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 87,000 and USD 148,550 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

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, CISSP and Risk management. 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:

Compliance | 148 jobs CISSP | 104 jobs Risk management | 90 jobs Cloud | 85 jobs NIST | 83 jobs Risk assessment | 74 jobs Monitoring | 74 jobs Audits | 73 jobs CISA | 73 jobs ISO 27001 | 71 jobs Governance | 69 jobs CISM | 67 jobs Computer Science | 66 jobs Privacy | 60 jobs Vulnerabilities | 54 jobs Incident response | 45 jobs Strategy | 45 jobs GDPR | 44 jobs Security assessment | 40 jobs Automation | 34 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, Health care and Flex hours. 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:

Career development | 104 jobs Health care | 75 jobs Flex hours | 56 jobs Team events | 53 jobs Competitive pay | 46 jobs Equity / stock options | 44 jobs Insurance | 41 jobs Salary bonus | 31 jobs Medical leave | 28 jobs Flex vacation | 25 jobs Parental leave | 21 jobs 401(k) matching | 20 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs Wellness | 16 jobs Fitness / gym | 9 jobs Relocation support | 8 jobs Transparency | 6 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 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 form a substantial part of the total compensation, reflecting the critical nature of cybersecurity in these sectors. Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits packages, including stock options or retirement contributions, which can enhance the overall remuneration.

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, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education, but a degree is often preferred. 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 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, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, an Information Security Specialist position requires 3-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience with network security, incident response, and risk management is often essential. Employers may also look for experience with specific security tools and technologies, as well as a proven track record of handling security incidents and implementing security measures.

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