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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Information Security Specialist salary lies between USD 102,000 and USD 151,000 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 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 | 70 jobs CISSP | 60 jobs Risk management | 50 jobs Cloud | 49 jobs NIST | 43 jobs CISM | 41 jobs Governance | 39 jobs Strategy | 38 jobs CISA | 35 jobs Audits | 32 jobs Risk assessment | 31 jobs Computer Science | 31 jobs Vulnerabilities | 30 jobs ISO 27001 | 30 jobs Monitoring | 30 jobs AWS | 29 jobs Firewalls | 23 jobs Azure | 21 jobs Banking | 19 jobs Clearance | 19 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 | 61 jobs Health care | 49 jobs Competitive pay | 40 jobs Team events | 30 jobs Equity / stock options | 25 jobs Flex hours | 24 jobs Insurance | 20 jobs Medical leave | 17 jobs Salary bonus | 16 jobs 401(k) matching | 15 jobs Flex vacation | 13 jobs Parental leave | 11 jobs Wellness | 9 jobs Startup environment | 8 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 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 often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-heavy industries and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

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 Information Security. These positions not only offer higher salaries but also provide strategic influence within an organization. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable. Networking within industry groups and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities.

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. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, particularly in cybersecurity or information assurance. Advanced degrees can provide a competitive edge and may be necessary for roles in highly regulated industries such as finance or healthcare.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and highly regarded certifications 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 expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Information Security Specialist is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the 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 specific industries, such as finance, healthcare, or government, can also be beneficial due to the unique security challenges they present.

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