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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Architect salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 220,000 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

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Architect job listings are Cloud, Compliance and CISSP. 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:

Cloud | 1401 jobs Compliance | 846 jobs CISSP | 793 jobs AWS | 731 jobs Strategy | 720 jobs Azure | 711 jobs Computer Science | 673 jobs NIST | 640 jobs Vulnerabilities | 533 jobs Network security | 465 jobs Application security | 461 jobs Risk management | 448 jobs IAM | 448 jobs GCP | 435 jobs Risk assessment | 430 jobs CISM | 407 jobs Governance | 384 jobs Firewalls | 363 jobs Automation | 362 jobs Monitoring | 361 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Architect 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 | 1092 jobs Health care | 692 jobs Flex hours | 540 jobs Competitive pay | 446 jobs Equity / stock options | 368 jobs Team events | 307 jobs Salary bonus | 288 jobs Wellness | 254 jobs Startup environment | 242 jobs Insurance | 236 jobs Flex vacation | 233 jobs Medical leave | 230 jobs Parental leave | 200 jobs 401(k) matching | 130 jobs Conferences | 90 jobs Home office stipend | 43 jobs Relocation support | 42 jobs Fitness / gym | 40 jobs Transparency | 37 jobs Gear | 33 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Architect in the United States typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, usually ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-focused industries and can account for 5% to 10% of the total package. 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 Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 175,000, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Security. These positions typically offer higher compensation packages. Additionally, specializing in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or blockchain, can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles, attending conferences, and publishing thought leadership articles can also enhance your visibility and reputation, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Security Architect positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or business administration can be advantageous and is often preferred by top-tier companies. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in demonstrating expertise and commitment to the field. Common and highly regarded certifications for a Security Architect include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (for cloud-focused roles)

These certifications not only validate your skills but also enhance your credibility with potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Architect is expected to have at least 8 to 10 years of experience in information security or related fields. This experience should include hands-on technical roles, such as security analyst or engineer, as well as strategic roles that involve designing and implementing security architectures. Experience in leading security projects and teams is also highly valued.

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