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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Administrator salary lies between USD 88,800 and USD 142,230 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 Security Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Administrator job listings are Compliance, Monitoring 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:

Compliance | 61 jobs Monitoring | 37 jobs Cloud | 32 jobs Clearance | 30 jobs Computer Science | 25 jobs SAP | 24 jobs Firewalls | 23 jobs CISSP | 23 jobs DoD | 23 jobs Audits | 21 jobs Governance | 21 jobs Vulnerabilities | 19 jobs Windows | 18 jobs NIST | 17 jobs Risk assessment | 16 jobs Network security | 15 jobs Incident response | 15 jobs Linux | 15 jobs Intrusion detection | 15 jobs Encryption | 14 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Administrator job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. 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 | 56 jobs Health care | 40 jobs Flex hours | 31 jobs Competitive pay | 27 jobs Insurance | 24 jobs Flex vacation | 19 jobs Medical leave | 19 jobs 401(k) matching | 17 jobs Team events | 15 jobs Startup environment | 14 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs Gear | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Flexible spending account | 5 jobs Flat hierarchy | 2 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Administrator in the United States typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options might be more prevalent, while in other regions, the base salary might be more competitive. Larger companies often offer more comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes profit-sharing options, which can add significant value to the overall compensation.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level/Expert Security Administrator position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven security solutions. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, gaining experience in leadership or management positions can pave the way for roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher salaries. Exploring opportunities in high-demand industries, such as finance or healthcare, where cybersecurity is critical, can also lead to higher compensation.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Security Administrator 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, especially in larger organizations or more competitive markets. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in the technical and theoretical aspects of cybersecurity, which is crucial for advanced roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications for a Senior-level/Expert Security Administrator include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• 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/Expert Security Administrator is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on technical work, as well as strategic planning and implementation of security measures. Experience in managing teams or projects can also be beneficial, as it demonstrates leadership capabilities and the ability to oversee complex security initiatives.

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