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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Information Security Risk Specialist salary lies between USD 60,300 and USD 137,000 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 Information Security Risk Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Information Security Risk Specialist job listings are Risk management, NIST and Clearance. 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:

Risk management | 8 jobs NIST | 6 jobs Clearance | 6 jobs Compliance | 6 jobs DoD | 6 jobs RMF | 6 jobs Risk assessment | 5 jobs DoDD 8570 | 5 jobs eMASS | 4 jobs Vulnerabilities | 3 jobs CISSP | 3 jobs CISM | 3 jobs Top Secret | 3 jobs Top Secret Clearance | 3 jobs STIGs | 3 jobs Vulnerability management | 2 jobs Strategy | 2 jobs Analytics | 2 jobs ISO 27001 | 2 jobs GDPR | 2 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Information Security Risk Specialist job listings are Health care, Career development and Medical leave. 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 | 8 jobs Career development | 8 jobs Medical leave | 6 jobs Team events | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level Information Security Risk Specialist

The salary for a Mid-level Information Security Risk Specialist 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 constitutes 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 contributions, and paid time off.

• Region: Salaries can vary by region, with higher compensation often found in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, or Washington D.C. due to the higher cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.
• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology tend to offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of information security in these sectors.
• Company Size: Larger companies may offer more comprehensive compensation packages, including bonuses and stock options, compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary from a Mid-level Information Security Risk Specialist position, consider the following strategies:

• Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your qualifications and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.
• Specialization: Developing expertise in niche areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers.
• Leadership Roles: Pursuing leadership or managerial roles within your organization can lead to higher salaries. This might involve taking on more responsibilities or leading a team.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions in other companies.
• Continued Education: Pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field, can also lead to salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level Information Security Risk Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more advanced roles. Relevant coursework in network security, risk management, and information systems is often beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the field of information security and can significantly enhance your career prospects. Some common and helpful certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level Information Security Risk Specialist position requires 3-5 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present.

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