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

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Analyst salary lies between USD 77,000 and USD 136,285 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. 3, 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 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 | 761 jobs Monitoring | 716 jobs Computer Science | 649 jobs Cloud | 612 jobs Incident response | 607 jobs Vulnerabilities | 572 jobs SIEM | 530 jobs SOC | 410 jobs CISSP | 401 jobs NIST | 387 jobs Firewalls | 386 jobs Windows | 378 jobs Linux | 348 jobs Audits | 338 jobs Risk management | 330 jobs Clearance | 313 jobs Risk assessment | 308 jobs Privacy | 292 jobs Scripting | 281 jobs Vulnerability management | 273 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, 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 | 894 jobs Health care | 620 jobs Team events | 587 jobs Flex hours | 382 jobs Insurance | 331 jobs Competitive pay | 329 jobs Equity / stock options | 268 jobs Startup environment | 244 jobs Salary bonus | 215 jobs Medical leave | 208 jobs Flex vacation | 204 jobs Parental leave | 186 jobs Wellness | 174 jobs 401(k) matching | 169 jobs Fitness / gym | 66 jobs Home office stipend | 52 jobs Transparency | 33 jobs Relocation support | 33 jobs Gear | 27 jobs Flexible spending account | 27 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior security analyst in the United States typically consists of a base salary, which is the fixed amount, and may include bonuses and additional remuneration. The base salary is often the largest component and 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 other regions due to the higher cost of living and demand for talent. Bonuses are usually performance-based and can be influenced by individual, team, or company performance metrics. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances.

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 Ethical Hacker (CEH) can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, gaining experience in niche areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can set you apart. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your visibility and lead to higher-paying opportunities. Seeking roles with more responsibility, such as a senior analyst or team lead, is another pathway to a higher salary.

Educational Requirements

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 fields if they have relevant experience or certifications. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and programming is often essential. Some positions may also require knowledge of specific security tools and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a security analyst role. Common 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.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Covers a broad range of security topics and is well-respected.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on management and strategy aspects of information security.

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, such as intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and vulnerability scanners, is often required. Familiarity with scripting languages like Python or Bash can also be beneficial. While some roles may require 1-2 years of experience, others may be open to recent graduates with strong academic backgrounds and relevant certifications.

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