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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Cyber Security Specialist salary lies between USD 73,000 and USD 98,650 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 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 in the United States typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses might be more substantial compared to other areas. Additional remuneration can include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages in larger corporations. The industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and healthcare might offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of data security in these sectors. Company size can influence salary composition as well, with larger companies often providing more structured bonus schemes and benefits.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Mid-level Cyber Security Specialist position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas like cloud security or AI-driven security solutions. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also be beneficial. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Additionally, considering a move to a region or industry with higher demand for cybersecurity expertise can lead to better compensation. Seeking roles in sectors with stringent security requirements, such as finance or government, might also offer higher salaries.

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 might accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a formal degree, especially if accompanied by relevant certifications. A master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline can be advantageous and may be preferred by some employers, particularly for roles with a focus on research or advanced technical skills.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications 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 a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level cybersecurity specialist is expected to have 3-5 years of relevant experience. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, incident response, and risk assessment. Experience in specific areas such as network security, application security, or security operations centers (SOCs) can be particularly valuable. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to handle complex security challenges and have a track record of successful project execution.

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