Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Security Researcher in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Researcher salary lies between USD 80,000 and USD 225,000 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

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 Vulnerabilities, Reverse engineering and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Vulnerabilities | 11 jobs Reverse engineering | 6 jobs Python | 5 jobs Cloud | 5 jobs Malware | 4 jobs Automation | 4 jobs C | 4 jobs Linux | 4 jobs Exploit | 4 jobs Application security | 4 jobs Scripting | 4 jobs Computer Science | 4 jobs IDS | 3 jobs Audits | 3 jobs Threat intelligence | 3 jobs Red team | 3 jobs TCP/IP | 3 jobs Windows | 3 jobs Exploits | 3 jobs Privacy | 3 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, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 8 jobs Health care | 5 jobs Flex hours | 4 jobs Competitive pay | 4 jobs Team events | 3 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Startup environment | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a mid-level/intermediate security researcher in the United States typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options might be more substantial compared to other areas. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries such as finance or technology may offer more competitive packages, including comprehensive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, artificial intelligence, or blockchain can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or specializing in niche areas of security research can lead to salary increases. Negotiating your salary based on market research and your contributions to the company can also be effective.

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 more specialized roles. A strong foundation in computer science principles, programming, and network security is essential. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies are also crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some common and valuable certifications for security researchers 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 validate your skills and knowledge in various aspects of cybersecurity and can be instrumental in advancing your career.

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, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and incident response. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present. Demonstrating a track record of successful security projects and contributions to open-source security tools or research can also be beneficial.

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