Salary for Entry-level / Junior Vulnerability Researcher in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Vulnerability Researcher salary lies between USD 37,000 and USD 82,000 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: Dec. 22, 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 for Entry-Level Vulnerability Researchers

The salary for an entry-level or junior vulnerability researcher in the United States 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, tech hubs like San Francisco or New York may offer higher base salaries due to the higher cost of living and competitive job markets. Bonuses can be performance-based or tied to company profits and are more common in larger companies or those in the private sector. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Entry-Level Position

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

• Skill Development: Continuously improve your technical skills, particularly in areas like penetration testing, network security, and coding. Mastery of tools like Metasploit, Wireshark, and Burp Suite can be advantageous.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) to demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field.
• Networking: Engage with professional communities, attend conferences, and participate in workshops to expand your network and learn about new opportunities.
• Experience: Seek out challenging projects or roles that allow you to take on more responsibility, which can lead to promotions and salary increases.
• Education: Consider pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity, which can open doors to higher-level positions.

Educational Requirements for Entry-Level Vulnerability Researchers

Most entry-level vulnerability researcher 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 technical fields if they have relevant experience or certifications. Coursework in network security, cryptography, and software development is particularly beneficial. Additionally, practical experience gained through internships, co-op programs, or personal projects can be highly valuable.

Helpful Certifications for Vulnerability Researchers

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often sought after by employers. Some of the most beneficial certifications for vulnerability researchers include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on understanding and using hacking tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Known for its rigorous hands-on exam, it demonstrates practical penetration testing skills.
• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and practices.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Validates knowledge of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts.

Experience Requirements for Entry-Level Positions

While entry-level positions are designed for those new to the field, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience. This can be gained through internships, volunteer work, or personal projects that demonstrate your ability to identify and analyze vulnerabilities. Familiarity with security tools and a basic understanding of network protocols and operating systems are often expected. Additionally, any experience in related IT roles, such as system administration or network engineering, can be advantageous.

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