Salary for Senior-level / Expert Incident Response Lead during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Incident Response Lead salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 162,000 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 Incident Response Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Incident Response Lead job listings are Incident response, Computer Science and Forensics. 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:

Incident response | 64 jobs Computer Science | 36 jobs Forensics | 35 jobs Cloud | 35 jobs GCIH | 33 jobs Monitoring | 32 jobs Threat intelligence | 31 jobs CISSP | 31 jobs Compliance | 29 jobs SIEM | 27 jobs EDR | 26 jobs SOC | 26 jobs AWS | 25 jobs Firewalls | 24 jobs Azure | 23 jobs Linux | 23 jobs Malware | 22 jobs CEH | 22 jobs Windows | 22 jobs CISM | 20 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Incident Response Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Incident Response Lead job listings are Health care, Career development and Team events. 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:

Health care | 30 jobs Career development | 30 jobs Team events | 27 jobs Insurance | 26 jobs 401(k) matching | 19 jobs Salary bonus | 18 jobs Flex hours | 17 jobs Equity / stock options | 14 jobs Competitive pay | 14 jobs Flex vacation | 11 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs Parental leave | 8 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Startup environment | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Flexible spending account | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Incident Response Lead in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically comprises 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, usually around 70-80%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 10-20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, potentially making up 5-10% of the total package. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in major tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. In contrast, smaller companies or those in less competitive regions might offer lower base salaries but compensate with higher bonuses or equity options.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 150,000, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Cyber Security. These positions typically offer higher compensation packages. Additionally, specializing in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as threat intelligence or cloud security, can make you more valuable and justify a higher salary. Networking within the industry and building a strong professional reputation can also lead to opportunities with higher pay. Finally, consider relocating to regions or industries known for higher compensation, such as finance or technology sectors in major metropolitan areas.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Incident Response 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 assurance can be advantageous and sometimes preferred by employers. Advanced degrees demonstrate a deeper understanding of the field and can set you apart from other candidates. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized and helpful certifications for an Incident Response Lead include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

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 Incident Response Lead is expected to have at least 7-10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a significant portion of that time spent in incident response or a related area. Experience in managing teams, developing incident response plans, and handling complex security incidents is crucial. Employers also look for a proven track record of successfully mitigating security threats and implementing effective security measures.

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