Red Team Operator Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Red Team Operator salary lies between USD 110,000 and USD 193,000 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Red Team Operator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Red Team Operator job listings are Red team, Pentesting and Vulnerabilities. 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:

Red team | 73 jobs Pentesting | 46 jobs Vulnerabilities | 45 jobs OSCP | 43 jobs Cloud | 41 jobs Offensive security | 38 jobs Windows | 35 jobs Python | 34 jobs C | 31 jobs Linux | 31 jobs Cobalt Strike | 30 jobs Scripting | 30 jobs OSCE | 29 jobs GPEN | 25 jobs TTPs | 24 jobs Azure | 23 jobs Compliance | 23 jobs GXPN | 22 jobs Application security | 22 jobs Strategy | 21 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Red Team Operator roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Red Team Operator job listings are Health care, Career development and Competitive pay. 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:

Health care | 42 jobs Career development | 42 jobs Competitive pay | 22 jobs Flex vacation | 18 jobs Team events | 18 jobs Medical leave | 17 jobs Insurance | 17 jobs Parental leave | 16 jobs Flex hours | 15 jobs Equity / stock options | 14 jobs 401(k) matching | 11 jobs Salary bonus | 9 jobs Startup environment | 8 jobs Transparency | 8 jobs Wellness | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Flexible spending account | 5 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs Fertility benefits | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Red Team Operator

The salary for a Red Team Operator in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-heavy industries and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary beyond the median of $145,000, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training that can set you apart from your peers. Gaining expertise in emerging areas such as cloud security, AI-driven threat detection, or advanced penetration testing techniques can make you more valuable. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or responsibilities, such as managing a team or leading high-profile projects, can position you for promotions or salary negotiations. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most Red Team Operator positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. A strong foundation in computer systems, networking, and security principles is essential. Practical experience gained through internships, labs, or personal projects can also be highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a Red Team Operator role. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a validated skill set in penetration testing and security assessment.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity roles, with a focus on penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, or security analysis. Experience in a Red Team environment, where you simulate attacks to test an organization's defenses, is highly valued. Practical experience with security tools, scripting, and understanding of attack vectors is crucial.

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