Salary for Senior-level / Expert Application Security Lead during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Application Security Lead salary lies between USD 96,100 and USD 182,780 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Application Security Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Application Security Lead job listings are Application security, Vulnerabilities and SDLC. 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:

Application security | 32 jobs Vulnerabilities | 23 jobs SDLC | 15 jobs SAST | 15 jobs Security assessment | 14 jobs Pentesting | 14 jobs Compliance | 14 jobs DAST | 14 jobs OWASP | 14 jobs Cloud | 13 jobs Computer Science | 13 jobs Java | 12 jobs Python | 11 jobs Azure | 10 jobs CISSP | 10 jobs CI/CD | 10 jobs Strategy | 9 jobs DevOps | 9 jobs Vulnerability management | 8 jobs AWS | 8 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Application Security Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Application Security Lead job listings are Career development, Team events and Competitive pay. 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 | 20 jobs Team events | 11 jobs Competitive pay | 10 jobs Equity / stock options | 9 jobs Health care | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 8 jobs Flex hours | 7 jobs Insurance | 7 jobs Medical leave | 6 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Flex vacation | 4 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Application Security Lead typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can make up 5% to 10% of the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Industry-specific factors can also influence salary composition, with financial services and healthcare often offering higher bonuses due to the critical nature of security in these sectors.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the current position, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility, such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or a Director of Security. These positions typically offer higher compensation due to their strategic importance and leadership requirements. Additionally, specializing in emerging areas like cloud security, AI security, or blockchain security can make you more valuable to employers. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source security projects can also enhance your reputation and open up higher-paying opportunities. Negotiating your salary based on market research and demonstrating your impact on the company's security posture can also lead to salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Application Security Lead positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity or information security can be advantageous and is often preferred by employers. Advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of security principles and can set you apart from other candidates. Continuous education 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. Some of the most recognized certifications for an Application Security Lead include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Application Security Lead is expected to have at least 7 to 10 years of experience in information security, with a focus on application security. This experience should include hands-on work with security tools, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing. Leadership experience, such as managing a security team or leading security projects, is also crucial. Experience in specific industries, like finance or healthcare, can be beneficial due to the unique security challenges they present.

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