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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Security Specialist salary lies between USD 80,000 and USD 143,500 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 Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Security Specialist job listings are Compliance, Vulnerabilities and CISSP. 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 | 309 jobs Vulnerabilities | 216 jobs CISSP | 193 jobs Monitoring | 191 jobs Cloud | 177 jobs Computer Science | 169 jobs NIST | 165 jobs Risk management | 155 jobs Clearance | 153 jobs Risk assessment | 145 jobs Incident response | 143 jobs Audits | 134 jobs Firewalls | 107 jobs Governance | 105 jobs Network security | 102 jobs SIEM | 101 jobs Privacy | 97 jobs Security assessment | 94 jobs Vulnerability management | 91 jobs Strategy | 89 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 | 246 jobs Health care | 207 jobs Flex hours | 124 jobs Team events | 102 jobs Competitive pay | 98 jobs Insurance | 98 jobs Equity / stock options | 92 jobs Startup environment | 78 jobs 401(k) matching | 73 jobs Flex vacation | 67 jobs Medical leave | 64 jobs Parental leave | 55 jobs Wellness | 54 jobs Salary bonus | 48 jobs Relocation support | 19 jobs Gear | 12 jobs Flexible spending account | 12 jobs Conferences | 11 jobs Fitness / gym | 10 jobs Travel | 8 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level/Intermediate Security Specialist in the United States 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. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 5-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-risk industries such as finance or healthcare may offer more competitive compensation packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Mid-level Security Specialist 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, AI security, or blockchain can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can provide insights into higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage teams or complex security challenges can position you for promotions to senior roles, which typically come with higher salaries.

Educational Requirements

Most Mid-level Security Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can be advantageous. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and security protocols is essential. As the field evolves, continuous learning through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to stay updated with the latest security trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications for a Mid-level Security Specialist include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, often making you more attractive to employers and potentially leading to higher salaries.

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, risk assessment, and vulnerability management. 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 successfully managing security projects or initiatives can also be beneficial.

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