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

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Information Security Officer salary lies between USD 74,437 and USD 134,550 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. 15, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Information Security Officer job listings are ISO 27001, Audits and Compliance. 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:

ISO 27001 | 28 jobs Audits | 20 jobs Compliance | 18 jobs Computer Science | 17 jobs CISM | 13 jobs ISMS | 12 jobs CISSP | 11 jobs Cloud | 9 jobs Risk management | 8 jobs CISO | 8 jobs NIST | 6 jobs CISA | 6 jobs CRISC | 6 jobs Governance | 5 jobs Privacy | 5 jobs BISO | 5 jobs Vulnerabilities | 4 jobs Strategy | 4 jobs Risk assessment | 4 jobs KPIs | 4 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Information Security Officer job listings are Flex hours, Career development and Health care. 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:

Flex hours | 11 jobs Career development | 6 jobs Health care | 5 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Flex vacation | 4 jobs Startup environment | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs Equity / stock options | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs Paid sabbatical | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior Information Security Officer in the United States typically consists of a base salary, potential bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed amount and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options might be more prevalent, whereas in other regions, the focus might be more on the base salary. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries such as finance or technology may offer more competitive compensation packages, including higher bonuses and additional perks.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider gaining more experience and expertise in specialized areas of cybersecurity. Pursuing advanced certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking roles with more responsibility, such as a Security Analyst or Security Consultant, can lead to higher pay. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for advancement.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level Information Security Officer 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 knowledge of specific programming languages or security tools.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for an entry-level cybersecurity role. Some of the most recognized and helpful certifications include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and practices.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Although more advanced, it is highly regarded in the industry.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Useful for those looking to move into management roles.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Focuses on security operations and monitoring.

Required Experience

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, understanding of network protocols, and familiarity with operating systems are often required. Some roles may also require experience with specific security technologies or frameworks.

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