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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 84,210 and USD 138,960 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 Information Security Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Information Security Specialist job listings are Compliance, CISSP and Risk assessment. 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 | 63 jobs CISSP | 36 jobs Risk assessment | 34 jobs Monitoring | 34 jobs Incident response | 32 jobs Privacy | 32 jobs Audits | 30 jobs ISO 27001 | 29 jobs Vulnerabilities | 28 jobs Risk management | 28 jobs NIST | 26 jobs Governance | 26 jobs CISA | 24 jobs Cloud | 24 jobs Computer Science | 23 jobs CISM | 20 jobs Vulnerability management | 16 jobs SIEM | 15 jobs Security assessment | 15 jobs Firewalls | 14 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 Career development, Flex hours and Health care. 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 | 31 jobs Flex hours | 20 jobs Health care | 20 jobs Team events | 16 jobs Insurance | 13 jobs Competitive pay | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Startup environment | 10 jobs Equity / stock options | 9 jobs Medical leave | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Relocation support | 5 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs Travel | 2 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Fertility benefits | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level Information Security Specialist

The salary for a mid-level Information Security Specialist typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, usually ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often making up 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, profit-sharing, or comprehensive benefits packages, can account for the remaining 5% to 10%.

Regional differences play a significant role in salary composition. For instance, specialists in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might receive higher base salaries and stock options due to the competitive market. In contrast, those in smaller cities or regions with a lower cost of living might see a larger proportion of their compensation in bonuses or benefits. Industry also affects salary composition; financial services and tech companies often offer more lucrative bonuses compared to public sector roles. Company size can influence the availability of stock options or profit-sharing, with larger companies more likely to offer these incentives.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Mid-level Position

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, especially in emerging areas like cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, and threat intelligence.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) to demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field.
• 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 position you for promotions to senior roles.
• Industry Transition: Consider moving to industries that offer higher compensation, such as finance or technology, if you are currently in a lower-paying sector.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level Information Security 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 roles that involve strategic planning or management responsibilities. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and risk management is often essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. 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 Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications demonstrate a solid understanding of security principles and practices and are often prerequisites for more advanced roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level Information Security 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, and vulnerability assessment. Experience with specific security tools and technologies, as well as familiarity with regulatory compliance standards like GDPR or HIPAA, is often required.

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