Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Security Researcher during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Researcher salary lies between USD 98,300 and USD 208,800 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 Security Researcher roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Researcher job listings are Python, Computer Science and C. 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:

Python | 69 jobs Computer Science | 62 jobs C | 61 jobs Cloud | 44 jobs Linux | 43 jobs Reverse engineering | 43 jobs Vulnerabilities | 42 jobs Windows | 35 jobs iOS | 31 jobs Android | 31 jobs Agile | 29 jobs Malware | 21 jobs Automation | 21 jobs Java | 21 jobs Exploit | 20 jobs Scripting | 18 jobs Machine Learning | 16 jobs SaaS | 15 jobs Mathematics | 15 jobs Threat intelligence | 13 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Researcher job listings are Career development, Parental leave and Medical leave. 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 | 61 jobs Parental leave | 47 jobs Medical leave | 40 jobs Health care | 35 jobs Team events | 30 jobs Insurance | 28 jobs Flex hours | 26 jobs 401(k) matching | 23 jobs Equity / stock options | 22 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 20 jobs Conferences | 19 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Startup environment | 16 jobs Competitive pay | 12 jobs Relocation support | 10 jobs Salary bonus | 9 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Flexible spending account | 3 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level Security Researcher

The salary for a mid-level security researcher typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. In contrast, companies in regions with a lower cost of living might offer a lower base salary but compensate with more substantial bonuses or stock options.

In the tech industry, particularly within large corporations, bonuses and stock options can form a significant part of the total compensation package. Smaller companies or startups might offer lower base salaries but provide equity or stock options as an incentive. In industries like finance or healthcare, where cybersecurity is critical, bonuses might be tied to the successful implementation of security measures or the prevention of breaches.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Mid-level Position

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

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as threat intelligence, penetration testing, or cloud security. Specialized skills are often in high demand and can command higher salaries.
• Advanced Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), which can enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive for higher-paying roles.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles within cybersecurity, such as a team lead or security manager, which typically offer higher salaries.
• Networking and Professional Development: Engage in networking opportunities, attend industry conferences, and participate in professional organizations to stay updated on industry trends and connect with potential employers.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level security researcher positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles that involve complex research or leadership responsibilities. A strong foundation in computer science principles, programming, and network security is essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some common and valuable certifications for a mid-level security researcher include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

These certifications cover a range of skills and knowledge areas, from ethical hacking and penetration testing to information security management and governance.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level security researcher position requires 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security tools, threat analysis, vulnerability assessments, and incident response. Experience in specific areas such as malware analysis, network security, or application security can be particularly valuable.

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