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

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Information Security Analyst salary lies between USD 80,000 and USD 100,000 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 Compliance, Monitoring and Computer Science. 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:

Compliance | 205 jobs Monitoring | 161 jobs Computer Science | 154 jobs Cloud | 128 jobs Incident response | 113 jobs Vulnerabilities | 112 jobs NIST | 107 jobs Audits | 105 jobs Risk management | 101 jobs Risk assessment | 96 jobs SIEM | 93 jobs ISO 27001 | 91 jobs Governance | 84 jobs CISSP | 79 jobs Privacy | 79 jobs SOC | 73 jobs Windows | 71 jobs Strategy | 70 jobs Firewalls | 70 jobs Clearance | 70 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, Health care and Team events. 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 | 210 jobs Health care | 166 jobs Team events | 110 jobs Insurance | 90 jobs Flex hours | 85 jobs Competitive pay | 72 jobs Salary bonus | 60 jobs Equity / stock options | 56 jobs Startup environment | 50 jobs Parental leave | 49 jobs Flex vacation | 46 jobs Medical leave | 40 jobs Wellness | 32 jobs 401(k) matching | 24 jobs Fitness / gym | 16 jobs Home office stipend | 12 jobs Relocation support | 10 jobs Transparency | 7 jobs Travel | 5 jobs Gear | 5 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior Information Security Analyst in the United States typically consists of a base salary, which is the fixed amount, and may include additional components such as bonuses and other forms of remuneration. The base salary is often the largest portion of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and the specific industry. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to non-profit organizations. Additionally, larger companies may provide more comprehensive benefits packages, including stock options, health insurance, and retirement plans, which can add significant value to the overall compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for example, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City might be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider gaining additional experience and skills that are in high demand. Pursuing advanced certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), can make you more competitive for higher-paying roles. Additionally, specializing in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as penetration testing or cloud security, can lead to higher compensation. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also provide opportunities for career advancement. Finally, consider pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field, which can open doors to more senior positions.

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 disciplines if they have relevant experience or certifications. In some cases, an associate degree combined with significant hands-on experience or certifications may suffice. As the field becomes more competitive, having a strong educational background can be a key differentiator.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary potential. Some common and beneficial certifications for entry-level positions include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and practices.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP): Covers a broad range of security topics and is ideal for those with some experience.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Focuses on security operations and monitoring.

These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to apply security principles in real-world scenarios.

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. While direct work experience in cybersecurity is ideal, experience in related IT roles, such as network administration or technical support, can also be valuable. Demonstrating hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability scanners, can make you a more attractive candidate.

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