Salary for Entry-level / Junior Security Consultant during 2023

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Consultant salary lies between USD 60,000 and USD 70,000 globally. 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.

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 Consultant roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Security Consultant job listings are Cloud, Compliance and Linux. 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:

Cloud | 48 jobs Compliance | 42 jobs Linux | 35 jobs Computer Science | 34 jobs Windows | 31 jobs AWS | 30 jobs Azure | 29 jobs Forensics | 28 jobs Monitoring | 28 jobs Pentesting | 27 jobs Incident response | 26 jobs GCP | 25 jobs NIST | 23 jobs Risk management | 23 jobs Strategy | 22 jobs Cryptography | 22 jobs Risk assessment | 21 jobs ICS | 20 jobs GDPR | 20 jobs Python | 20 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Security Consultant job listings are Career development, Competitive pay 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 | 42 jobs Competitive pay | 31 jobs Flex hours | 30 jobs Team events | 30 jobs Equity / stock options | 25 jobs Home office stipend | 17 jobs Health care | 15 jobs Startup environment | 8 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Travel | 3 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Medical leave | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior security consultant 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 and is influenced by factors such as geographic location, industry, and company size. For instance, positions in major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York may offer higher base salaries to account for the cost of living. Bonuses can be performance-based or tied to company profits and are more common in larger companies or those in competitive industries like finance or technology. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or benefits such as 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 and seeking mentorship can also provide opportunities for advancement. Consider transitioning to roles with more responsibility, such as a senior consultant or security analyst, which typically offer higher salaries.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level security consultant 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. Coursework in programming, network security, and risk management can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a security consultant role. Some of the most recognized and helpful certifications include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and is often a prerequisite for more advanced certifications.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A globally recognized certification for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on the skills needed to understand and counteract hacking techniques.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Ideal for those looking to move into management roles within cybersecurity.

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, basic programming, and understanding of network protocols can be advantageous. 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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