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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 83,850 and USD 138,960 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 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

The salary for a Mid-level Information Security Specialist in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes stock options, especially in tech companies or startups.

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

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a mid-level position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining specialized skills in emerging areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage teams or complex security challenges can position you for promotions or higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level Information Security Specialist 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 degree, but having formal education can be advantageous. A master's degree can be beneficial for career advancement and may be required for more senior roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial 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 your expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level Information Security Specialist is expected to have 3-5 years of relevant experience. This experience should include hands-on work in areas such as network security, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and security policy development. Experience with specific tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems, is often required.

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