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

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Incident Response Analyst salary lies between USD 75,000 and USD 123,000 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 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 SIEM. 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 | 98 jobs Monitoring | 58 jobs SIEM | 48 jobs Malware | 47 jobs Forensics | 44 jobs Linux | 43 jobs Cloud | 42 jobs Splunk | 36 jobs Computer Science | 36 jobs Windows | 34 jobs Scripting | 33 jobs PowerShell | 32 jobs SOC | 31 jobs Python | 30 jobs Clearance | 29 jobs Compliance | 28 jobs EDR | 28 jobs IDS | 24 jobs Automation | 24 jobs Threat intelligence | 23 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 | 48 jobs Career development | 43 jobs Flex hours | 39 jobs Health care | 32 jobs Flex vacation | 28 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs Equity / stock options | 17 jobs Insurance | 17 jobs Competitive pay | 16 jobs Medical leave | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 10 jobs Parental leave | 9 jobs Travel | 9 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Gear | 7 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Fertility benefits | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for Entry-Level Incident Response Analyst

The salary for an entry-level or junior Incident Response Analyst in the United States typically comprises a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk 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 competitive job markets.

In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses. These bonuses can be tied to individual performance, team performance, or company-wide success metrics. The bonus percentage can vary, but it often ranges from 5% to 15% of the base salary.

Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits packages compared to smaller firms.

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 enhance your technical skills, particularly in areas like threat analysis, digital forensics, and malware analysis. Mastery of tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems can be particularly valuable.

• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

• Networking: Build a professional network by attending industry conferences, joining cybersecurity forums, and participating in online communities. Networking can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.

• Experience: Gain experience by taking on more complex projects or responsibilities within your current role. Demonstrating leadership and problem-solving skills can position you for promotions.

• Education: Consider pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field, which can make you more competitive for higher-level positions.

Educational Requirements for an Entry-Level Incident Response Analyst

Most entry-level Incident Response Analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a similar discipline. Some employers may accept candidates with an associate degree if they have relevant experience or certifications.

In addition to formal education, practical experience through internships or co-op programs can be highly beneficial. These opportunities provide hands-on experience and can make candidates more attractive to potential employers.

Helpful Certifications for Incident Response Analysts

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to the 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 cover various aspects of cybersecurity and incident response, providing a solid foundation for your career.

Experience Requirements for Entry-Level Positions

While entry-level positions are designed for those new to the field, employers often look for candidates with some practical experience. This experience can be gained through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work in IT or cybersecurity roles.

Employers may also value experience with specific tools and technologies, such as SIEM systems, intrusion detection systems, and network security protocols. Demonstrating familiarity with these tools can give you an edge in the hiring process.

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