Salary for Entry-level / Junior Incident Response Analyst during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Incident Response Analyst salary lies between USD 74,375 and USD 123,000 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: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Entry-level / Junior Incident Response Analyst roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Incident Response Analyst job listings are Incident response, Monitoring and Malware. 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:

Incident response | 109 jobs Monitoring | 66 jobs Malware | 54 jobs SIEM | 53 jobs Forensics | 48 jobs Linux | 47 jobs Cloud | 47 jobs Computer Science | 39 jobs Splunk | 38 jobs Windows | 38 jobs Scripting | 36 jobs PowerShell | 35 jobs SOC | 34 jobs Python | 32 jobs Compliance | 32 jobs Clearance | 31 jobs EDR | 31 jobs Threat intelligence | 28 jobs IDS | 26 jobs Firewalls | 26 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Incident Response Analyst roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Incident Response Analyst job listings are Team events, Career development 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:

Team events | 56 jobs Career development | 49 jobs Flex hours | 43 jobs Health care | 37 jobs Flex vacation | 32 jobs Startup environment | 19 jobs Equity / stock options | 18 jobs Competitive pay | 18 jobs Insurance | 18 jobs Medical leave | 17 jobs Parental leave | 11 jobs Salary bonus | 11 jobs Travel | 9 jobs 401(k) matching | 8 jobs Gear | 8 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Fertility benefits | 5 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for an Entry-Level/Junior Incident Response Analyst

The salary for an Entry-Level/Junior Incident Response Analyst typically comprises a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. In the U.S., 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. Additionally, industries such as finance or healthcare, which have a high demand for cybersecurity, might offer more competitive salaries.

Bonuses are another component of the salary package, though they are less common at the entry-level. When offered, they are usually performance-based and can range from 5% to 10% of the base salary. Larger companies or those in high-stakes industries might offer more substantial bonuses.

Additional remuneration can include stock options, especially in tech startups, or other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development funds. These benefits can significantly enhance the overall compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Entry-Level Position

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

• Skill Development: Continuously upgrade your technical skills, especially in areas like threat analysis, digital forensics, and malware analysis. Mastery of tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) can be particularly valuable.

• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.

• Networking: Engage with professional communities, attend conferences, and participate in online forums to build a network that can open up new opportunities.

• Experience: Gain diverse experience by working on different types of incidents and in various industries. This breadth of experience can make you more attractive to potential employers.

• Advanced Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field to enhance your qualifications and open doors to higher-level positions.

Educational Requirements for an Entry-Level/Junior Incident Response Analyst

Most entry-level positions in incident response 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, computer forensics, and information systems is particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications for Incident Response Analysts

Certifications can significantly bolster your credentials in the cybersecurity field. Some of the most beneficial certifications for an Incident Response Analyst include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

These certifications demonstrate a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, making you a more competitive candidate.

Experience Requirements for Entry-Level Positions

While entry-level positions are designed for those with limited professional experience, having some practical experience can be advantageous. Internships, co-op programs, or part-time roles in IT support or network administration can provide valuable hands-on experience. Familiarity with cybersecurity tools and technologies, even through self-directed projects or labs, can also be beneficial.

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