Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Incident Handler in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Incident Handler salary lies between USD 80,000 and USD 128,000 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 Mid-level / Intermediate Incident Handler roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Incident Handler job listings are SIEM, Incident response and SOC. 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:

SIEM | 7 jobs Incident response | 7 jobs SOC | 7 jobs Vulnerabilities | 6 jobs Monitoring | 6 jobs Cloud | 6 jobs Clearance | 5 jobs Cyber defense | 4 jobs Big Data | 4 jobs Splunk | 4 jobs TCP/IP | 4 jobs Privacy | 4 jobs Computer Science | 4 jobs Firewalls | 3 jobs Malware | 3 jobs Blue team | 3 jobs CEH | 3 jobs GCIH | 3 jobs EDR | 3 jobs SOAR | 3 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Mid-level / Intermediate Incident Handler roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Incident Handler job listings are Career development, Health care and Team events. 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 | 4 jobs Health care | 2 jobs Team events | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Flex hours | 1 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level Incident Handler

The salary for a mid-level incident handler in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policies and the individual’s performance. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Regional differences can affect salary composition, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries and bonuses due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and healthcare sectors might offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these fields. Larger companies often provide more comprehensive benefits and bonuses compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary from a mid-level incident handler position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, especially in emerging areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, and advanced incident response techniques.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or specialized roles such as Incident Response Team Lead or Cybersecurity Analyst, which often come with higher pay.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to learn about new opportunities and trends.
• Advanced Education: Consider pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field to enhance your qualifications and open up higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level incident handler positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a formal degree, especially if accompanied by relevant certifications and a proven track record in incident handling.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Some common and beneficial certifications for an incident handler include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge in cybersecurity principles, incident response, and ethical hacking, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level incident handler position requires 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work in incident response, threat analysis, and security operations. Employers look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to handle security incidents effectively and have a solid understanding of security technologies and protocols.

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