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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Specialist salary lies between USD 60,000 and USD 107,000 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: 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, Monitoring and Cloud. 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:

Compliance | 42 jobs Monitoring | 27 jobs Cloud | 25 jobs Computer Science | 24 jobs Audits | 22 jobs Risk management | 22 jobs Vulnerabilities | 21 jobs NIST | 21 jobs Incident response | 17 jobs Risk assessment | 17 jobs CISSP | 17 jobs Linux | 17 jobs Firewalls | 16 jobs Privacy | 16 jobs Automation | 15 jobs Scripting | 15 jobs Windows | 14 jobs Clearance | 14 jobs ISO 27001 | 13 jobs Python | 13 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, Team events and Health care. 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 | 33 jobs Team events | 30 jobs Health care | 29 jobs Flex hours | 17 jobs Startup environment | 16 jobs Insurance | 16 jobs Competitive pay | 15 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 8 jobs Medical leave | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Conferences | 5 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Paid sabbatical | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level/Intermediate Security Specialist 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 bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and industry standards. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to non-profit organizations. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The composition can also vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher overall compensation packages compared to other regions.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Mid-level Security Specialist position, consider pursuing advanced certifications, gaining specialized skills, or transitioning to a more senior role. Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your qualifications. Gaining expertise in niche areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable. Additionally, seeking roles with greater responsibility, such as a Security Manager or Security Architect, can lead to higher salaries. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for advancement.

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 degree, but having formal education can be advantageous. Advanced degrees, such as a Master's in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance, can further bolster your qualifications and open doors to higher-level positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary potential. Common 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 your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

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, risk assessment, incident response, and possibly some project management. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be beneficial due to the unique regulatory requirements and security challenges in these sectors.

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