Salary for Entry-level / Junior Consultant in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Consultant salary lies between USD 67,700 and USD 136,397 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 Entry-level / Junior Consultant roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Consultant job listings are Cloud, C and Compliance. 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:

Cloud | 431 jobs C | 220 jobs Compliance | 161 jobs Audits | 144 jobs PCI QSA | 139 jobs Computer Science | 134 jobs Strategy | 128 jobs ISO 27001 | 119 jobs AWS | 111 jobs Risk management | 110 jobs Privacy | 106 jobs NIST | 105 jobs PCI DSS | 103 jobs CISSP | 97 jobs Governance | 94 jobs Vulnerabilities | 88 jobs Agile | 87 jobs IAM | 82 jobs Azure | 81 jobs Monitoring | 80 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Consultant roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Consultant job listings are Career development, Team events 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 | 182 jobs Team events | 96 jobs Flex hours | 93 jobs Health care | 81 jobs Competitive pay | 64 jobs Equity / stock options | 42 jobs Startup environment | 41 jobs Insurance | 36 jobs Parental leave | 31 jobs Salary bonus | 29 jobs Flex vacation | 26 jobs Conferences | 24 jobs Medical leave | 22 jobs Home office stipend | 18 jobs Fitness / gym | 12 jobs Gear | 11 jobs Relocation support | 9 jobs Flexible spending account | 8 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs

Salary Composition

In the field of InfoSec/Cyber Security, the salary for an entry-level or junior consultant typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and sometimes additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the most significant component, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary widely depending on the company and industry, ranging from 5-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider gaining specialized skills or certifications that are in high demand. Pursuing advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can significantly enhance your marketability and salary potential. Additionally, gaining experience in niche areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also provide opportunities for advancement. Finally, consider pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity, which can open doors to higher-level positions and increased compensation.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may accept candidates with degrees in other disciplines if they have relevant experience or certifications. A strong foundation in computer systems, networks, and security principles is essential. Coursework in programming, network security, and risk management is particularly beneficial. As the field is rapidly evolving, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies through continuous learning is crucial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some common and beneficial certifications for entry-level positions include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and practices.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Focuses on auditing, control, and assurance.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Provides skills in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Offers knowledge in security operations and monitoring.

These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Required Experience

For entry-level roles, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or relevant projects during your studies. Experience with security tools, basic programming, and understanding of network protocols is often expected. While direct work experience in cybersecurity may not be mandatory, demonstrating hands-on experience through labs, simulations, or personal projects can be advantageous. Employers value candidates who show initiative and a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving.

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