Salary for Senior-level / Expert Red Team Operator in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Red Team Operator salary lies between USD 145,000 and USD 234,000 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Red Team Operator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Red Team Operator job listings are Red team, Vulnerabilities and OSCP. 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:

Red team | 39 jobs Vulnerabilities | 25 jobs OSCP | 24 jobs Pentesting | 24 jobs Offensive security | 23 jobs OSCE | 20 jobs Scripting | 20 jobs Cloud | 20 jobs Python | 17 jobs Cobalt Strike | 16 jobs GPEN | 16 jobs GXPN | 15 jobs Linux | 15 jobs Windows | 13 jobs OSWE | 13 jobs Strategy | 12 jobs Firewalls | 12 jobs C | 12 jobs Risk management | 12 jobs Exploits | 12 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Red Team Operator roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Red Team Operator job listings are Health care, Career development 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:

Health care | 22 jobs Career development | 22 jobs Competitive pay | 13 jobs Team events | 12 jobs Insurance | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Parental leave | 10 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs 401(k) matching | 9 jobs Flex hours | 9 jobs Startup environment | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Transparency | 5 jobs Flexible spending account | 5 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs Fertility benefits | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Red Team Operator 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 constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can significantly enhance total compensation, especially in high-growth industries. 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 beyond the median of USD 149,950, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Red Team Lead or Director of Offensive Security. These positions not only offer higher salaries but also provide opportunities to influence strategic decisions. Additionally, specializing in niche areas like cloud security, IoT security, or AI-driven threat detection can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your reputation and open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, negotiating your salary based on market research and your unique skills can lead to better compensation packages.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Red Team Operator 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 expert-level roles. A strong foundation in computer science principles, networking, and security protocols is essential. Additionally, continuous learning through workshops, online courses, and seminars is crucial to stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications for a Red Team Operator include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Red Team Operator is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a focus on penetration testing and offensive security. Experience in conducting red team exercises, vulnerability assessments, and threat modeling is crucial. Familiarity with various security tools and frameworks, such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, is also expected. Additionally, experience in scripting and programming languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell is often required.

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