Information Security Specialist Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 77,000 and USD 178,600 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. 15, 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 in the United States 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 bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options might be more substantial compared to other areas. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries such as finance or technology may offer more competitive packages, including higher bonuses and additional perks like health benefits, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

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 compensation. 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 roles might require a master's degree or specialized training in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often sought after by employers. Some of the most recognized certifications in the field 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.

Required Experience

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

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