Salary for Senior-level / Expert Cyber Security during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Cyber Security salary lies between USD 104,199 and USD 180,000 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: Dec. 22, 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 | 1008 jobs Cloud | 952 jobs CISSP | 802 jobs Computer Science | 747 jobs NIST | 634 jobs Monitoring | 603 jobs Incident response | 583 jobs Vulnerabilities | 551 jobs Risk management | 534 jobs Clearance | 486 jobs SIEM | 485 jobs Strategy | 478 jobs Firewalls | 445 jobs Azure | 434 jobs AWS | 431 jobs CISM | 412 jobs Risk assessment | 406 jobs Linux | 401 jobs Network security | 384 jobs Governance | 382 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 | 1114 jobs Health care | 682 jobs Flex hours | 540 jobs Team events | 461 jobs Competitive pay | 430 jobs Insurance | 310 jobs Startup environment | 306 jobs Equity / stock options | 274 jobs Flex vacation | 264 jobs Salary bonus | 224 jobs Medical leave | 220 jobs Parental leave | 196 jobs 401(k) matching | 186 jobs Wellness | 169 jobs Relocation support | 63 jobs Transparency | 45 jobs Fitness / gym | 42 jobs Flexible spending account | 41 jobs Conferences | 38 jobs Home office stipend | 27 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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