Salary for Senior-level / Expert Cyber Security Lead in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Cyber Security Lead salary lies between USD 85,000 and USD 177,392 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

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Cyber Security Lead job listings are Compliance, Risk management 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 | 33 jobs Risk management | 22 jobs CISSP | 20 jobs ISO 27001 | 18 jobs NIST | 18 jobs Cloud | 18 jobs Strategy | 16 jobs Incident response | 15 jobs Computer Science | 15 jobs Audits | 14 jobs CISM | 14 jobs Governance | 14 jobs Monitoring | 14 jobs Vulnerability management | 13 jobs Firewalls | 13 jobs SIEM | 12 jobs Vulnerabilities | 12 jobs CISA | 10 jobs Clearance | 10 jobs Privacy | 9 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Cyber Security Lead job listings are Career development, Health care and Startup environment. 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 | 24 jobs Health care | 17 jobs Startup environment | 14 jobs Flex hours | 12 jobs Competitive pay | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 9 jobs Medical leave | 8 jobs Wellness | 6 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs Equity / stock options | 5 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Signing bonus | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs Pet friendly | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Cyber Security Lead in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses are often tied to individual or company performance metrics and can vary significantly. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes equity in the company, especially in tech startups or larger tech firms.

The composition can vary depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and more lucrative stock options due to the high cost of living and competitive job market. In contrast, companies in the Midwest might offer a lower base salary but compensate with a more comprehensive benefits package. Industries such as finance or healthcare might offer higher bonuses due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in those sectors.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Senior-level/Expert Cyber Security Lead position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response. Specialized skills are often in high demand and can command higher salaries.

• Leadership Roles: Transition into higher leadership roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Cybersecurity. These positions typically offer higher compensation packages.

• Consulting: Consider moving into a consulting role, where you can leverage your expertise across multiple projects and potentially earn more through consulting fees.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies. Pursuing advanced certifications or a master's degree in cybersecurity can also enhance your qualifications and salary prospects.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Cyber Security Lead positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles with significant leadership responsibilities. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex cybersecurity issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most recognized certifications for a Senior-level/Expert Cyber Security Lead include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Cyber Security Lead position requires at least 7-10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on technical work, as well as strategic planning and leadership roles. Experience in managing teams, developing security policies, and implementing security measures across an organization is often essential.

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