Salary for Entry-level / Junior Information Security Analyst in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Information Security Analyst salary lies between USD 95,415 and USD 135,000 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

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Information Security Analyst job listings are Monitoring, Compliance and Cloud. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Monitoring | 22 jobs Compliance | 20 jobs Cloud | 14 jobs NIST | 12 jobs Incident response | 11 jobs Vulnerabilities | 11 jobs Risk management | 11 jobs Computer Science | 10 jobs SIEM | 9 jobs Audits | 9 jobs SOC | 9 jobs Automation | 8 jobs Python | 8 jobs ISO 27001 | 7 jobs CISSP | 7 jobs Business Intelligence | 7 jobs Industrial | 6 jobs Risk assessment | 6 jobs Pentesting | 6 jobs Privacy | 6 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Information Security Analyst job listings are Career development, Equity / stock options and Team events. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 27 jobs Equity / stock options | 13 jobs Team events | 12 jobs Flex hours | 11 jobs Health care | 11 jobs Startup environment | 9 jobs Parental leave | 8 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs Medical leave | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Insurance | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Wellness | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Travel | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior Information Security Analyst in the United States typically consists of a base salary, potential bonuses, and sometimes additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 5% to 15% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The composition can also vary by region, with higher salaries often found in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, or Washington D.C., where the cost of living is higher.

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 Information Security Manager (CISM) can significantly enhance your qualifications. 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. Consider transitioning to roles with more responsibility, such as a Security Engineer or Security Consultant, which typically offer higher salaries.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level Information Security Analyst positions 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 fields if they have relevant experience or certifications. A strong foundation in computer systems, networks, and security principles is essential. Some positions may also require coursework in areas like cryptography, ethical hacking, or risk management.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can play a crucial role in establishing your credibility and expertise in the field of cybersecurity. Some common and helpful certifications for entry-level positions include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and is often considered a stepping stone for more advanced certifications.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for roles that involve auditing, control, and assurance.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Provides knowledge in security operations and monitoring.

Experience Requirements

For entry-level positions, 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, network monitoring, and incident response can be particularly valuable. While some positions may require 1-2 years of experience, others may be open to recent graduates who have demonstrated their skills through hands-on projects or labs.

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