Information Security Specialist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 87,000 and USD 151,000 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: 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 | 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

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. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to non-profit organizations. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The region also plays a crucial role; for example, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City are generally higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

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 and demonstrating your ability to implement them effectively can position you for salary negotiations or promotions.

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 might accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can provide a competitive edge. Advanced positions may 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 your expertise and commitment to the field, 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 in network security, incident response, and risk management is often preferred. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, as well as a proven track record of managing security incidents, can be crucial for securing a position.

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