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

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Analyst salary lies between USD 86,000 and USD 124,000 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: Dec. 15, 2024

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Security Analyst job listings are Monitoring, Vulnerabilities and Compliance. 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 | 129 jobs Vulnerabilities | 89 jobs Compliance | 81 jobs Windows | 76 jobs Incident response | 74 jobs SIEM | 71 jobs Linux | 70 jobs SOC | 70 jobs Computer Science | 65 jobs Cloud | 63 jobs Firewalls | 61 jobs Python | 45 jobs IDS | 41 jobs CISSP | 35 jobs Malware | 34 jobs EDR | 34 jobs NIST | 32 jobs Network security | 30 jobs Vulnerability management | 30 jobs Azure | 30 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Security Analyst job listings are Career development, Team events and Flex hours. 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 | 98 jobs Team events | 94 jobs Flex hours | 58 jobs Health care | 56 jobs Startup environment | 43 jobs Equity / stock options | 42 jobs Flex vacation | 36 jobs Insurance | 32 jobs Competitive pay | 30 jobs Salary bonus | 28 jobs Parental leave | 21 jobs 401(k) matching | 20 jobs Wellness | 19 jobs Medical leave | 19 jobs Home office stipend | 15 jobs Gear | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Relocation support | 5 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 jobs Travel | 4 jobs

Salary Composition for Entry-Level/Junior Security Analyst

The salary for an entry-level or junior security analyst 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 component and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often ranging from 5% to 15% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development funds.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York may offer higher base salaries to account for the higher cost of living. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-demand industries such as finance or technology might offer more competitive compensation packages compared to smaller firms or those in less competitive markets.

Steps to Increase Salary from Entry-Level Position

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

• Skill Development: Continuously improve your technical skills, especially in areas like threat analysis, incident response, and security architecture. Mastering tools and technologies such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems can make you more 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 strong professional network by attending industry conferences, joining cybersecurity forums, and participating in local InfoSec meetups.

• Experience: Gain diverse experience by working on different projects or in various sectors within cybersecurity. This can make you more versatile and open up higher-paying opportunities.

• Advanced Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field, which can lead to higher-level positions and salaries.

Educational Requirements for Entry-Level/Junior Security Analyst

Most entry-level 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. Coursework in network security, cryptography, and information assurance is particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications for Entry-Level/Junior Security Analyst

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often sought after by employers. Some common and helpful certifications for entry-level security analysts include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential principles for network security and risk management.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for those interested in auditing, control, and assurance.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on understanding and using hacking tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Provides skills in security monitoring and analysis.

Experience Requirements for Entry-Level/Junior Security Analyst

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 or cybersecurity can provide valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, participating in cybersecurity competitions or contributing to open-source security projects can demonstrate your skills and commitment to the field.

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