Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Security Specialist during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Specialist salary lies between USD 80,000 and USD 138,000 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Mid-level / Intermediate Security Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Specialist job listings are Compliance, Vulnerabilities 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 | 261 jobs Vulnerabilities | 182 jobs Monitoring | 162 jobs CISSP | 157 jobs Cloud | 149 jobs Computer Science | 141 jobs NIST | 138 jobs Clearance | 132 jobs Risk management | 129 jobs Risk assessment | 120 jobs Incident response | 117 jobs Audits | 110 jobs Governance | 92 jobs SIEM | 88 jobs Network security | 88 jobs Firewalls | 88 jobs Privacy | 82 jobs Security assessment | 79 jobs Strategy | 79 jobs Vulnerability management | 77 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Specialist 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 | 209 jobs Health care | 177 jobs Flex hours | 102 jobs Team events | 94 jobs Insurance | 88 jobs Equity / stock options | 82 jobs Competitive pay | 82 jobs Startup environment | 65 jobs 401(k) matching | 59 jobs Flex vacation | 56 jobs Medical leave | 52 jobs Wellness | 46 jobs Parental leave | 45 jobs Salary bonus | 42 jobs Relocation support | 19 jobs Gear | 12 jobs Flexible spending account | 10 jobs Conferences | 9 jobs Travel | 8 jobs Fitness / gym | 8 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level/Intermediate Security Specialist 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 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in major tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-stakes industries like finance or defense may offer more competitive compensation packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Mid-level Security Specialist position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven threat detection. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also be beneficial, as it demonstrates your ability to handle more responsibility. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Additionally, consider transitioning to a company or industry that offers higher compensation for cybersecurity roles, such as finance, healthcare, or technology.

Educational Requirements

Most Mid-level Security Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles that involve more complex security challenges or leadership responsibilities. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and programming is essential, as is an understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often highly regarded by employers. Some of the most valuable certifications for a Mid-level Security Specialist include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a comprehensive understanding of security concepts and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, a Mid-level Security Specialist is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, incident response, and risk assessment. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present. Demonstrated experience in managing security projects or leading small teams can also be beneficial.

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