Salary for Senior-level / Expert Cyber Security during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Cyber Security salary lies between USD 102,000 and USD 175,000 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. 10, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Cyber Security job listings are Compliance, Cloud 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 | 856 jobs Cloud | 816 jobs CISSP | 686 jobs Computer Science | 647 jobs NIST | 531 jobs Monitoring | 512 jobs Incident response | 499 jobs Vulnerabilities | 476 jobs Risk management | 446 jobs SIEM | 419 jobs Clearance | 417 jobs Strategy | 413 jobs Firewalls | 383 jobs AWS | 373 jobs Azure | 372 jobs Linux | 352 jobs CISM | 349 jobs Risk assessment | 333 jobs Automation | 324 jobs Governance | 324 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Cyber Security 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 | 939 jobs Health care | 591 jobs Flex hours | 461 jobs Team events | 400 jobs Competitive pay | 371 jobs Startup environment | 263 jobs Insurance | 263 jobs Equity / stock options | 222 jobs Flex vacation | 222 jobs Salary bonus | 195 jobs Medical leave | 184 jobs Parental leave | 157 jobs 401(k) matching | 155 jobs Wellness | 153 jobs Relocation support | 55 jobs Transparency | 42 jobs Fitness / gym | 37 jobs Flexible spending account | 36 jobs Conferences | 31 jobs Home office stipend | 23 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert Cyber Security professional typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In North America, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher, but bonuses and stock options can also form a substantial part of the total compensation package. In contrast, in regions like Europe or Asia, the base salary might be slightly lower, but companies often offer generous benefits and bonuses. Industries such as finance and healthcare, which prioritize security, may offer higher bonuses compared to other sectors. Larger companies might provide more comprehensive stock options and profit-sharing plans, while smaller companies might focus more on competitive base salaries and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Cyber Security. These roles not only offer higher salaries but also come with increased responsibilities and influence within an organization. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles, attending conferences, and publishing thought leadership articles can also enhance your visibility and open up higher-paying opportunities. Lastly, negotiating your salary based on market research and your unique skill set can lead to significant increases.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Cyber Security positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cyber security, information assurance, or business administration with a focus on technology can be highly beneficial and sometimes preferred. Advanced degrees not only provide deeper technical knowledge but also equip you with strategic and managerial skills necessary for senior roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cyber security field, as they validate your skills and knowledge. Common and highly regarded certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). For those focusing on specific areas, certifications like Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) can be advantageous. These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and can significantly enhance your credibility and marketability.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Cyber Security role requires at least 7-10 years of experience in the field. This experience should include a mix of technical roles, such as security analyst or engineer, and strategic roles, such as security consultant or architect. Experience in managing teams, projects, and budgets is also often required, as these roles involve significant leadership responsibilities. Exposure to various security technologies, frameworks, and compliance standards is essential to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the field.

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