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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 90,134 and USD 150,223 in Canada. 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 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

In Canada, the salary composition for a Mid-level Information Security Specialist can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base amount, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range widely depending on the cost of living in different regions, with urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver generally offering higher salaries compared to smaller cities.

In addition to the base salary, bonuses are a common component of the compensation package. These bonuses can be performance-based, tied to individual or company performance metrics, or they may be discretionary, awarded at the employer's discretion. The bonus percentage can vary, but it often ranges from 5% to 15% of the base salary.

Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. Larger companies or those in highly competitive industries like finance or technology may offer more comprehensive benefits packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a mid-level position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training that can set you apart from your peers. Gaining expertise in emerging areas such as cloud security, artificial intelligence security, or blockchain technology can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or responsibilities within your current organization can demonstrate your capability to handle more complex tasks, potentially leading to promotions and salary increases.

Networking within the industry and attending conferences or workshops can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Finally, consider exploring opportunities in industries known for higher compensation, such as finance or healthcare, where cybersecurity is a critical concern.

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 accept equivalent experience in lieu of a formal degree, but having a solid educational foundation is generally preferred.

Advanced degrees, such as a Master's in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance, can be advantageous and may be required for more senior roles. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized and helpful certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, which can be attractive to employers.

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, vulnerability assessment, and risk management. Experience with specific tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems, is often required.

Experience in a specific industry, such as finance, healthcare, or government, can also be beneficial, as it provides insight into the unique security challenges and regulatory requirements of that sector.

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