Salary for Senior-level / Expert Information Security Specialist during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 96,923 and USD 151,000 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. 17, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Information Security Specialist job listings are Compliance, CISSP and Risk management. 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 | 59 jobs CISSP | 54 jobs Risk management | 43 jobs Cloud | 43 jobs NIST | 37 jobs CISM | 37 jobs CISA | 33 jobs Governance | 30 jobs Audits | 29 jobs Risk assessment | 28 jobs ISO 27001 | 28 jobs Strategy | 27 jobs Computer Science | 27 jobs AWS | 26 jobs Monitoring | 24 jobs Vulnerabilities | 23 jobs Azure | 20 jobs Firewalls | 18 jobs GDPR | 18 jobs Clearance | 16 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Information Security Specialist job listings are Career development, Health care and Competitive pay. 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 | 46 jobs Health care | 36 jobs Competitive pay | 28 jobs Team events | 27 jobs Equity / stock options | 21 jobs Insurance | 17 jobs Salary bonus | 16 jobs Flex hours | 14 jobs Medical leave | 14 jobs 401(k) matching | 12 jobs Flex vacation | 11 jobs Wellness | 9 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs Startup environment | 7 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs Signing bonus | 2 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Information Security Specialist typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the largest component and varies significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Bonuses are usually tied to individual performance, team achievements, or company profitability and can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, AI security, or blockchain technology. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, gaining experience in leadership or management positions can lead to roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher compensation. Negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities can also be effective strategies.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Information Security Specialist roles 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 is sometimes preferred by employers. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to keep up with the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Information Security Specialist is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on technical work, such as penetration testing, security analysis, and incident response, as well as strategic roles involving risk management and policy development. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be beneficial due to the unique security challenges they present.

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