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

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Cyber Security salary lies between USD 43,618 and USD 152,000 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: Dec. 22, 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 | 367 jobs Compliance | 309 jobs Monitoring | 302 jobs Cloud | 267 jobs Incident response | 261 jobs Vulnerabilities | 255 jobs SIEM | 219 jobs NIST | 178 jobs Clearance | 176 jobs SOC | 175 jobs CISSP | 172 jobs Firewalls | 169 jobs Linux | 167 jobs Windows | 164 jobs Risk management | 149 jobs Automation | 133 jobs Governance | 132 jobs Risk assessment | 131 jobs Python | 129 jobs Threat intelligence | 125 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 | 421 jobs Team events | 248 jobs Flex hours | 236 jobs Health care | 223 jobs Competitive pay | 172 jobs Startup environment | 115 jobs Insurance | 98 jobs Flex vacation | 96 jobs Equity / stock options | 89 jobs Salary bonus | 79 jobs Parental leave | 70 jobs Wellness | 66 jobs 401(k) matching | 65 jobs Medical leave | 62 jobs Fitness / gym | 32 jobs Relocation support | 32 jobs Conferences | 17 jobs Home office stipend | 15 jobs Gear | 11 jobs Flexible spending account | 11 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for an entry-level or junior cybersecurity role typically includes a fixed base salary, which forms the majority of the compensation package. This base salary can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like San Francisco or New York may offer higher base salaries compared to smaller cities due to the higher cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

In addition to the base salary, some companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 5% to 15% of the annual salary. These bonuses are often tied to individual performance metrics or company-wide goals. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances. Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits packages compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

• Skill Development: Continuously update and expand your technical skills. Specializing in high-demand areas such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers.

• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry. Certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can significantly enhance your credentials.

• Networking: Build a strong professional network by attending industry conferences, joining cybersecurity forums, and participating in local meetups. Networking can lead to new job opportunities and insights into higher-paying roles.

• Experience: Gain diverse experience by working on different projects or in various sectors. This breadth of experience can make you a more attractive candidate for higher-level positions.

• Advanced Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field, which can open doors to more advanced roles and higher salaries.

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, but a bachelor's degree is often preferred. Coursework in network security, cryptography, and information systems is particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can play a crucial role in advancing your cybersecurity career. Some common and helpful certifications for entry-level positions include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential cybersecurity concepts and is often considered a stepping stone for more advanced certifications.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques, providing practical skills that are highly valued in the industry.

• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Offers knowledge in security operations and monitoring, which is useful for roles in security operations centers (SOCs).

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): While more audit-focused, it provides a strong understanding of information systems and security controls.

Experience Requirements

For entry-level cybersecurity 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 basic security tools, understanding of network protocols, and familiarity with operating systems are often expected. Some roles may require 1-2 years of experience, but this can sometimes be offset by strong educational credentials or certifications.

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