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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Cyber Security Specialist salary lies between USD 101,400 and USD 172,400 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. 15, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Cyber Security Specialist job listings are CISSP, Compliance and Cloud. 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:

CISSP | 42 jobs Compliance | 39 jobs Cloud | 39 jobs SIEM | 31 jobs Incident response | 31 jobs Monitoring | 31 jobs Computer Science | 30 jobs Firewalls | 25 jobs Azure | 25 jobs Vulnerabilities | 24 jobs Automation | 24 jobs Threat intelligence | 23 jobs NIST | 23 jobs AWS | 21 jobs Clearance | 21 jobs Risk management | 21 jobs EDR | 21 jobs SOC | 21 jobs CISM | 19 jobs Forensics | 18 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Cyber Security Specialist job listings are Career development, Flex hours 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 | 36 jobs Flex hours | 33 jobs Startup environment | 26 jobs Team events | 24 jobs Health care | 21 jobs Competitive pay | 15 jobs Equity / stock options | 10 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Insurance | 10 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Flexible spending account | 3 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs Medical leave | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Cyber Security Specialist typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance 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%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, might make up the remaining 5% to 10%.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options due to the competitive job market. Industry-wise, financial services and technology companies often provide more lucrative bonus structures compared to other sectors. Company size can also play a role; larger corporations may offer more comprehensive benefits and bonuses, while smaller companies might provide more equity-based compensation.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level Cyber Security Specialist 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 managerial or leadership roles, such as a Cyber Security Manager or Director of Information Security. These positions typically offer higher compensation due to increased responsibilities.

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

• Networking: Engage with professional networks and industry groups. Building a strong professional network can lead to new opportunities and salary negotiations.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Cyber Security Specialist 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 concepts and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some common and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized globally, this certification demonstrates expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a best-in-class cybersecurity program.

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on management and governance aspects of cybersecurity, ideal for those looking to move into leadership roles.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Validates skills in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in systems, a crucial aspect of cybersecurity.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for those involved in auditing, control, and assurance roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Cyber Security Specialist is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on technical work, such as network security, penetration testing, and incident response, as well as strategic roles involving risk management and policy development. Experience in leading projects or teams can also be advantageous.

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