Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Security Specialist in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Specialist salary lies between USD 65,000 and USD 116,000 in Canada. 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: Nov. 24, 2024

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 | 270 jobs Vulnerabilities | 186 jobs Monitoring | 170 jobs CISSP | 164 jobs Cloud | 156 jobs Computer Science | 147 jobs NIST | 144 jobs Clearance | 138 jobs Risk management | 135 jobs Incident response | 122 jobs Risk assessment | 122 jobs Audits | 115 jobs Governance | 95 jobs Firewalls | 93 jobs Network security | 91 jobs SIEM | 90 jobs Privacy | 86 jobs Security assessment | 80 jobs Strategy | 80 jobs Vulnerability management | 79 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 | 219 jobs Health care | 189 jobs Flex hours | 108 jobs Team events | 94 jobs Insurance | 91 jobs Competitive pay | 87 jobs Equity / stock options | 83 jobs Startup environment | 67 jobs 401(k) matching | 65 jobs Flex vacation | 59 jobs Medical leave | 56 jobs Parental leave | 49 jobs Wellness | 48 jobs Salary bonus | 42 jobs Relocation support | 19 jobs Gear | 12 jobs Flexible spending account | 11 jobs Conferences | 9 jobs Travel | 8 jobs Fitness / gym | 8 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level Security Specialist

In Canada, the salary composition for a Mid-level Security Specialist can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base amount, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range from CAD 70,000 to CAD 100,000 annually, depending on the aforementioned factors.

In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses. These bonuses can range from 5% to 15% of the base salary, depending on the company's performance and the individual's contribution. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer higher bonuses. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Mid-level Position

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, especially in emerging areas like cloud security, AI, and machine learning in cybersecurity.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities. Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops to connect with industry leaders and peers.
• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to lead projects or teams, which can demonstrate your capability for higher responsibility roles.
• Industry Transition: Consider moving to industries that pay higher salaries 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 a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may accept equivalent experience in lieu of a formal degree, but having a degree can provide a competitive edge. Advanced degrees, such as a Master's in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance, can further enhance your qualifications and salary potential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly impact your career progression. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a mid-level security specialist include:

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

These certifications validate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-paying roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level security specialist role requires 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in the field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, incident response, risk assessment, and security policy development. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present.

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