Salary for Entry-level / Junior Cyber Security during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Cyber Security salary lies between USD 37,273 and USD 104,200 globally. 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.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 24, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Entry-level / Junior Cyber Security roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Cyber Security job listings are Computer Science, Compliance and Monitoring. 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:

Computer Science | 328 jobs Compliance | 289 jobs Monitoring | 270 jobs Cloud | 238 jobs Incident response | 228 jobs Vulnerabilities | 221 jobs SIEM | 189 jobs NIST | 167 jobs SOC | 158 jobs Clearance | 155 jobs CISSP | 150 jobs Firewalls | 147 jobs Linux | 144 jobs Risk management | 139 jobs Windows | 138 jobs Governance | 127 jobs Risk assessment | 119 jobs Automation | 119 jobs Python | 114 jobs Threat intelligence | 113 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Cyber Security 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 | 376 jobs Team events | 219 jobs Flex hours | 209 jobs Health care | 198 jobs Competitive pay | 156 jobs Startup environment | 105 jobs Flex vacation | 86 jobs Insurance | 83 jobs Equity / stock options | 79 jobs Salary bonus | 74 jobs Parental leave | 60 jobs Wellness | 59 jobs 401(k) matching | 56 jobs Medical leave | 53 jobs Fitness / gym | 30 jobs Relocation support | 27 jobs Conferences | 14 jobs Home office stipend | 13 jobs Gear | 11 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 9 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary composition for an entry-level or junior cybersecurity role can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Generally, the salary is primarily composed of a fixed base amount, which is the guaranteed annual salary. In regions with a high cost of living or in industries like finance and technology, the base salary might be higher. Bonuses are less common at the entry level but may be offered in larger companies or high-demand industries as a performance incentive. Additional remuneration can include benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes stock options, especially in tech startups or large corporations.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider the following steps:

• Gain Experience: Accumulate hands-on experience through projects, internships, or volunteer work.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can significantly boost your earning potential.
• Specialize: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as penetration testing, cloud security, or incident response, which are in high demand.
• Network: Engage with professional communities, attend conferences, and participate in forums to learn about new opportunities and trends.
• Seek Higher Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field to open up higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level cybersecurity positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept candidates with an associate degree or relevant experience, especially if they have strong technical skills and certifications. Coursework in networking, programming, and information security is often essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can be a significant asset in the cybersecurity field. Some common and helpful certifications for entry-level positions include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential cybersecurity concepts.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for roles involving auditing and compliance.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Offers knowledge in security operations and monitoring.

Experience Requirements

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. Experience with basic security tools, understanding of network protocols, and familiarity with operating systems are often expected. Demonstrating problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to learning can also be advantageous.

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