Salary for Entry-level / Junior Security Specialist during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Specialist salary lies between USD 65,000 and USD 123,400 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, Monitoring and Cloud. 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 | 43 jobs Monitoring | 29 jobs Cloud | 29 jobs Vulnerabilities | 27 jobs ISMS | 22 jobs Audits | 21 jobs Computer Science | 21 jobs NIST | 20 jobs CISSP | 20 jobs ISO 27001 | 19 jobs Risk management | 19 jobs Incident response | 18 jobs Security assessment | 17 jobs Scripting | 17 jobs SIEM | 15 jobs Risk assessment | 15 jobs CISA | 15 jobs Clearance | 15 jobs Industrial | 13 jobs Firewalls | 13 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, Flex hours 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:

Career development | 43 jobs Flex hours | 28 jobs Health care | 28 jobs Team events | 23 jobs Competitive pay | 19 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Startup environment | 10 jobs Flex vacation | 8 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Medical leave | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Insurance | 5 jobs Flexible spending account | 5 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Parental leave | 3 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs Yoga | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior security specialist 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 is influenced by factors such as region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like San Francisco or New York may offer higher base salaries due to the cost of living and demand for talent. Bonuses can be performance-based or tied to company profits and are more common in larger companies or those in the financial sector. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

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. Finally, consider pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity, which can open doors to higher-level positions.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level security specialist 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, but a bachelor's degree is often preferred. Coursework in network security, cryptography, and information assurance can be particularly beneficial. Additionally, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies through online courses or workshops can enhance your qualifications.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly boost your employability and credibility in the cybersecurity field. Some common and helpful certifications for entry-level positions include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and practices.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for those interested in auditing, control, and assurance.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Provides skills in security operations and monitoring.

These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to apply security principles effectively.

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. Experience with security tools, network administration, or IT support can be advantageous. While direct work experience in cybersecurity may not be mandatory, familiarity with security concepts and a strong technical foundation are essential. Demonstrating problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to learning can also make you a strong candidate.

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