Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Consultant in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Consultant salary lies between USD 149,000 and USD 228,518 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. 24, 2024

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Consultant job listings are Cloud, NIST and Compliance. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 67 jobs NIST | 46 jobs Compliance | 46 jobs AWS | 43 jobs CISSP | 42 jobs Risk management | 42 jobs Strategy | 38 jobs Python | 35 jobs Scripting | 33 jobs Automation | 32 jobs Privacy | 32 jobs ISO 27001 | 31 jobs CISM | 31 jobs C | 30 jobs CISA | 29 jobs SIEM | 28 jobs HIPAA | 27 jobs Pentesting | 27 jobs JavaScript | 26 jobs Security assessment | 24 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Consultant job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Flex vacation. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 89 jobs Flex hours | 54 jobs Flex vacation | 42 jobs Startup environment | 41 jobs Conferences | 34 jobs Team events | 32 jobs Health care | 25 jobs Salary bonus | 17 jobs Competitive pay | 16 jobs Signing bonus | 13 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Insurance | 10 jobs 401(k) matching | 8 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Medical leave | 3 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 3 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Consultant in the United States typically comprises several components. The fixed base salary is the largest portion, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profits, usually make up 10-20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives, which can vary significantly depending on the company size, industry, and region. For instance, tech companies in Silicon Valley might offer substantial stock options, while financial firms in New York may provide higher cash bonuses. Smaller companies might offer less in bonuses but compensate with more flexible work arrangements or other perks.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Senior-level/Expert Security Consultant position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response, which can command higher salaries.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or executive roles, such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher compensation.
• Consulting: Establish yourself as an independent consultant or start your own cybersecurity firm, allowing you to set your rates and potentially earn more.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and threats in cybersecurity, and pursue advanced certifications or degrees to enhance your qualifications.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Security Consultant positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in cybersecurity or information assurance. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field, as they validate your skills and knowledge. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a Senior-level/Expert Security Consultant 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 are widely recognized and can significantly enhance your credibility and marketability.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Security Consultant is expected to have at least 7-10 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 various industries, such as finance, healthcare, or government, can be advantageous, as it demonstrates versatility and adaptability.

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