Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Consultant in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Consultant salary lies between USD 145,000 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: Nov. 17, 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, Compliance and Computer Science. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 96 jobs Compliance | 66 jobs Computer Science | 61 jobs Azure | 60 jobs Risk assessment | 54 jobs NIST | 52 jobs Python | 51 jobs Strategy | 50 jobs AWS | 50 jobs Monitoring | 50 jobs CISSP | 48 jobs Risk management | 48 jobs Governance | 48 jobs C | 45 jobs Pentesting | 44 jobs Linux | 42 jobs GCP | 41 jobs Audits | 40 jobs SaaS | 40 jobs Windows | 40 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 Team events. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 126 jobs Flex hours | 77 jobs Team events | 65 jobs Competitive pay | 58 jobs Health care | 49 jobs Equity / stock options | 45 jobs Startup environment | 41 jobs Flex vacation | 36 jobs Conferences | 17 jobs Salary bonus | 17 jobs Insurance | 10 jobs Medical leave | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Travel | 4 jobs Flat hierarchy | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs Lunch / meals | 2 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level/Expert Security Consultant in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes a mix of base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the largest portion, ranging from 70% to 85% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can make up 5% to 15% 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 current median of USD 190,000, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, AI security, or blockchain technology, which are in high demand.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial positions, such as 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 own rates and potentially earn more.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity to remain competitive and justify salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level positions in cybersecurity require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or business administration (MBA) with a focus on technology can be advantageous and sometimes preferred by employers. Advanced degrees can also provide a competitive edge and open up opportunities for higher-level positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most recognized and beneficial 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 your expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior-level security consultant is expected to have at least 7 to 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 beneficial, as it demonstrates versatility and adaptability to different security challenges.

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