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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Administrator salary lies between USD 73,000 and USD 123,000 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 Security Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Administrator job listings are Compliance, Clearance and Monitoring. 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 | 58 jobs Clearance | 45 jobs Monitoring | 39 jobs DoD | 31 jobs Cloud | 29 jobs Computer Science | 28 jobs Audits | 22 jobs Firewalls | 22 jobs TS/SCI | 22 jobs Vulnerabilities | 21 jobs Network security | 19 jobs SAP | 19 jobs Top Secret | 19 jobs Windows | 18 jobs Security Clearance | 18 jobs Governance | 18 jobs Active Directory | 17 jobs Malware | 14 jobs Azure | 14 jobs NIST | 14 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Administrator job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. 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 | 54 jobs Health care | 42 jobs Flex hours | 23 jobs Competitive pay | 18 jobs 401(k) matching | 16 jobs Team events | 16 jobs Medical leave | 16 jobs Insurance | 16 jobs Equity / stock options | 15 jobs Parental leave | 13 jobs Flex vacation | 13 jobs Wellness | 13 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Salary bonus | 9 jobs Gear | 5 jobs Conferences | 5 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs Travel | 1 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level Security Administrator

The salary for a Mid-level Security Administrator in the United States typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary is the largest component, often accounting for 70-85% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policy and individual performance, usually ranging from 5-15% of the total salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, and comprehensive benefits packages that cover health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes tuition reimbursement.

Regional differences can affect salary composition, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries and bonuses due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. 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 often provide more comprehensive benefits and stock options compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Mid-level Position

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your technical skills and knowledge in emerging security technologies and practices. Specializing in areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable.

• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.

• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to build relationships and learn about new opportunities.

• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to lead projects or teams, which can position you for promotions to senior roles.

• Advanced Education: Consider pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field to enhance your qualifications.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level Security Administrator 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 strong foundation in networking, systems administration, and security principles is essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your job prospects and salary potential. Some common and beneficial certifications for a Security Administrator include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a mid-level Security Administrator position requires 3-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience in network administration, systems administration, or a junior security role is often necessary. Employers look for candidates with hands-on experience in managing security tools, conducting risk assessments, and responding to security incidents.

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