Salary for Entry-level / Junior Security Specialist during 2023

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Specialist salary lies between USD 37,788 and USD 72,000 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 Specialist roles

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

Compliance | 23 jobs Vulnerabilities | 17 jobs Cloud | 16 jobs Computer Science | 16 jobs Audits | 13 jobs Monitoring | 12 jobs Incident response | 11 jobs SIEM | 9 jobs Security assessment | 9 jobs Risk management | 9 jobs Surveillance | 9 jobs SOC | 9 jobs Network security | 8 jobs Firewalls | 7 jobs Azure | 7 jobs NIST | 7 jobs C | 7 jobs Linux | 7 jobs Clearance | 7 jobs IDS | 6 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Security Specialist job listings are Career development, Team events and Startup environment. 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 | 28 jobs Team events | 21 jobs Startup environment | 13 jobs Flex hours | 11 jobs Health care | 11 jobs Competitive pay | 7 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 3 jobs Gear | 3 jobs Yoga | 3 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Entry-Level/Junior Security Specialist

The salary for an entry-level or junior security specialist typically consists of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary 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 smaller cities due to the higher cost of living and demand for talent. In addition to the base salary, some companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 5% to 15% of the annual salary. Larger companies or those in highly competitive industries may also provide additional remuneration such as stock options, profit-sharing, or other financial incentives. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are also common components of the overall compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary from Entry-Level Position

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider pursuing further education and certifications that are highly valued in the cybersecurity field. Gaining experience through hands-on projects, internships, or volunteer work can also enhance your skills and make you more attractive to employers. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and opportunities for advancement. Additionally, specializing in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as penetration testing or cloud security, can make you more marketable and potentially lead to higher-paying roles. Regularly reviewing job market trends and salary benchmarks can also help you negotiate better compensation when the opportunity arises.

Educational Requirements for Entry-Level/Junior Security Specialist

Most entry-level cybersecurity 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 an associate degree or relevant experience, especially if they have completed specialized training or certifications. Coursework in network security, cryptography, and information systems is often beneficial. As the field is constantly evolving, a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies and threats is crucial.

Helpful Certifications for Cybersecurity Professionals

Certifications can significantly enhance your credentials and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some common and valuable certifications for entry-level cybersecurity professionals 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 and can be pursued after gaining some experience.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Provides knowledge on security operations and monitoring.

These certifications not only validate your skills but also increase your competitiveness in the job market.

Experience Requirements for Entry-Level Positions

While entry-level positions are designed for those new to the field, having some practical experience can be advantageous. This experience can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or part-time jobs in IT or related fields. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated problem-solving skills, a strong understanding of networking and operating systems, and familiarity with security tools and practices. Participation in cybersecurity competitions or contributing to open-source projects can also provide valuable experience and showcase your skills to potential employers.

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