Salary for Entry-level / Junior Vulnerability Researcher during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Vulnerability Researcher salary lies between USD 37,000 and USD 82,000 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Entry-level / Junior Vulnerability Researcher roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Vulnerability Researcher job listings are Vulnerabilities, C and Reverse engineering. 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:

Vulnerabilities | 11 jobs C | 10 jobs Reverse engineering | 10 jobs Clearance | 8 jobs Exploit | 8 jobs Ghidra | 8 jobs Binary Ninja | 8 jobs Python | 7 jobs Computer Science | 7 jobs IDA Pro | 7 jobs Security Clearance | 6 jobs Privacy | 6 jobs TCP/IP | 5 jobs OllyDbg | 5 jobs Mathematics | 5 jobs STEM | 5 jobs WinDbg | 5 jobs Cyber defense | 4 jobs Surveillance | 4 jobs Linux | 3 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Vulnerability Researcher roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Vulnerability Researcher job listings are Medical leave, 401(k) matching and Flex vacation. 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:

Medical leave | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 6 jobs Health care | 6 jobs Career development | 6 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Flex hours | 1 jobs Startup environment | 1 jobs Team events | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior vulnerability researcher 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 composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In larger tech hubs or regions with a high cost of living, the base salary might be higher to accommodate living expenses. Bonuses are often performance-based and can be influenced by the company's financial health and individual achievements. In some industries, particularly those with high security demands like finance or healthcare, additional remuneration might include stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives to attract and retain talent.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, particularly in emerging areas of cybersecurity.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network to learn about new opportunities and industry trends.
• Specialization: Consider specializing in a niche area of vulnerability research that is in high demand.
• Advanced Education: Pursue further education, such as a master's degree, which can open doors to higher-level positions.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level vulnerability researcher positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept candidates with equivalent experience or a strong portfolio of relevant work. A solid understanding of computer systems, networks, and security principles is essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a vulnerability researcher include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• CompTIA Security+

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge in cybersecurity and are often recognized by employers as a mark of expertise.

Required Experience

For an entry-level position, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or personal projects. Experience with penetration testing, network security, and familiarity with common security tools and frameworks is often expected. Demonstrating a strong understanding of security vulnerabilities and how to exploit them is crucial.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?