Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Information Security Specialist during 2022

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 69,309 and USD 120,000 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: Oct. 28, 2024

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Information Security Specialist job listings are Compliance, Monitoring and Incident response. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 20 jobs Monitoring | 16 jobs Incident response | 13 jobs Vulnerability management | 13 jobs Risk assessment | 12 jobs Agile | 12 jobs TTPs | 10 jobs Cloud | 9 jobs NIST | 7 jobs Privacy | 7 jobs ISO 27001 | 6 jobs Risk management | 6 jobs CISSP | 5 jobs Governance | 5 jobs Audits | 4 jobs Network security | 4 jobs Strategy | 4 jobs Azure | 4 jobs DevOps | 4 jobs PCI DSS | 4 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Information Security Specialist job listings are Team events, Health care and Career development. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Team events | 15 jobs Health care | 9 jobs Career development | 9 jobs Flex hours | 6 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Startup environment | 2 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level Information Security Specialist typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In larger tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Bonuses are often tied to individual performance, team performance, or company profitability and can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary. In industries like finance or healthcare, where data security is critical, bonuses might be more substantial. Smaller companies or startups might offer equity or stock options as part of the compensation package to attract talent.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills with the latest cybersecurity technologies and practices. Specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CEH, which are recognized globally and can justify a higher salary.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to increase your visibility and learn about new opportunities.
• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to lead projects or teams, which can demonstrate your capability for higher responsibility roles.
• Industry Transition: Consider moving to industries that pay higher for cybersecurity roles, such as finance or tech.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level Information Security Specialist roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions might accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree. A master's degree in cybersecurity or information assurance can be advantageous and may lead to higher-paying opportunities.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most beneficial certifications include:

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

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

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level Information Security Specialist is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, incident response, risk assessment, and familiarity with security frameworks and compliance standards. Experience in specific industries or with certain technologies can also be beneficial.

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