Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Cyber Security Specialist during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Cyber Security Specialist salary lies between USD 73,000 and USD 116,213 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. 22, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Mid-level / Intermediate Cyber Security Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Cyber Security Specialist job listings are Compliance, NIST and CISSP. 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 | 54 jobs NIST | 49 jobs CISSP | 44 jobs Clearance | 41 jobs Vulnerabilities | 40 jobs Risk management | 40 jobs Computer Science | 32 jobs SIEM | 27 jobs RMF | 27 jobs DoD | 26 jobs Governance | 25 jobs Network security | 24 jobs CISA | 24 jobs Monitoring | 23 jobs Audits | 22 jobs Strategy | 21 jobs Windows | 21 jobs Firewalls | 20 jobs Linux | 20 jobs Vulnerability management | 19 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Mid-level / Intermediate Cyber Security Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Cyber Security Specialist job listings are Health care, Career development and Competitive pay. 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:

Health care | 46 jobs Career development | 43 jobs Competitive pay | 27 jobs 401(k) matching | 23 jobs Equity / stock options | 22 jobs Insurance | 22 jobs Flex hours | 21 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs Flex vacation | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 13 jobs Medical leave | 12 jobs Team events | 11 jobs Parental leave | 10 jobs Relocation support | 9 jobs Wellness | 6 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Fertility benefits | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level/Intermediate Cyber Security Specialist typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary is the largest component and can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer higher base salaries compared to smaller cities. Performance bonuses are often tied to individual or company performance metrics and can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or comprehensive benefits packages that cover health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining specialized skills in high-demand areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can provide insights into higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage teams or complex security challenges can position you for promotions or salary negotiations.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level cybersecurity positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent experience or an associate degree combined with relevant certifications. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and security principles is essential. As the field evolves, continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies are crucial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often sought after by employers. Common and valuable certifications for this role include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level cybersecurity specialist is expected to have 3 to 5 years of relevant experience. This experience should include hands-on work in areas such as network security, incident response, vulnerability assessment, and security policy development. Experience with specific tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems, is also valuable.

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