Information Security Specialist Salary in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 90,134 and USD 150,223 in Canada. 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: Nov. 17, 2024

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 | 86 jobs NIST | 83 jobs Monitoring | 75 jobs Risk assessment | 74 jobs Audits | 73 jobs CISA | 73 jobs ISO 27001 | 71 jobs Governance | 70 jobs CISM | 67 jobs Computer Science | 66 jobs Privacy | 60 jobs Vulnerabilities | 54 jobs Strategy | 46 jobs Incident response | 45 jobs GDPR | 44 jobs Security assessment | 40 jobs Automation | 35 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 | 105 jobs Health care | 76 jobs Flex hours | 57 jobs Team events | 54 jobs Competitive pay | 47 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

In Canada, the salary composition for an Information Security Specialist can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base amount, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can be supplemented by performance-based bonuses, which are often tied to individual or company performance metrics. Additionally, some companies offer stock options or equity, particularly in the tech industry or startups, as a form of long-term incentive. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances are also common. In larger metropolitan areas like Toronto or Vancouver, salaries might be higher due to the increased cost of living, while smaller companies might offer more competitive bonuses or equity to attract talent.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from the position of an Information Security Specialist, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or artificial intelligence security. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also be beneficial, as it positions you for roles with greater responsibility and higher pay, such as Information Security Manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, considering roles in industries that are known for higher compensation, such as finance or healthcare, can be a strategic move.

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 require a master's degree, especially for more senior roles or in highly specialized areas. Relevant coursework in cybersecurity, network security, and information systems is highly beneficial. Employers often look for candidates with a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of information security.

Helpful Certifications

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

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• 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

The typical experience required for an Information Security Specialist role ranges from 3 to 5 years in a related field. This experience often includes roles in IT support, network administration, or systems analysis, where foundational skills in security practices are developed. Experience with specific security technologies, risk assessment, and incident response is also highly valued. For more senior positions, 5 to 10 years of experience may be required, with a proven track record of managing security projects or teams.

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