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

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Security Specialist salary lies between USD 60,400 and USD 125,000 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: Nov. 17, 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, Cloud and Monitoring. 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 | 37 jobs Cloud | 28 jobs Monitoring | 25 jobs Vulnerabilities | 21 jobs Audits | 18 jobs Risk management | 18 jobs Incident response | 16 jobs Security assessment | 16 jobs NIST | 16 jobs ISMS | 16 jobs Computer Science | 16 jobs CISSP | 15 jobs Scripting | 15 jobs CISA | 14 jobs ISO 27001 | 13 jobs Python | 13 jobs Clearance | 13 jobs Risk assessment | 12 jobs Automation | 12 jobs SIEM | 11 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 | 40 jobs Flex hours | 27 jobs Health care | 23 jobs Team events | 21 jobs Competitive pay | 18 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Startup environment | 9 jobs Flex vacation | 7 jobs Medical leave | 6 jobs Flexible spending account | 5 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Insurance | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs Yoga | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for an entry-level or junior security specialist can vary based on several factors, including region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base amount, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can be supplemented by bonuses, which are often performance-based and can vary significantly depending on the company's profitability and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration might include benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, stock options, and sometimes a signing bonus. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City, the base salary might be higher to account for the cost of living, while bonuses and stock options might be more prevalent in larger tech companies compared to smaller firms or those in less competitive regions.

Increasing Salary

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

• Skill Development: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, especially in areas like cloud security, penetration testing, and threat analysis.
• 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 professional network by attending industry conferences, joining cybersecurity forums, and connecting with peers on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Experience: Gain diverse experience by working on different projects or in various sectors, which can make you more valuable to employers.
• Advanced Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field to open up higher-level opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level positions in cybersecurity 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 systems is particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your employability and potential salary 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 knowledge on security operations and monitoring.

Required Experience

For entry-level roles, 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. Some positions may require 1-2 years of experience, but this can often be offset by relevant certifications or demonstrable skills.

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