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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Lead salary lies between USD 105,000 and USD 210,000 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 Lead roles

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

Compliance | 237 jobs Cloud | 172 jobs CISSP | 167 jobs Risk management | 139 jobs Computer Science | 133 jobs NIST | 132 jobs Vulnerabilities | 130 jobs Strategy | 127 jobs Monitoring | 124 jobs Incident response | 120 jobs CISM | 108 jobs Audits | 103 jobs Risk assessment | 87 jobs ISO 27001 | 87 jobs Governance | 78 jobs Application security | 76 jobs Vulnerability management | 71 jobs Firewalls | 63 jobs Security assessment | 62 jobs Pentesting | 62 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Lead 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 | 203 jobs Health care | 154 jobs Flex hours | 104 jobs Competitive pay | 87 jobs Team events | 81 jobs Insurance | 80 jobs Medical leave | 70 jobs Flex vacation | 64 jobs Startup environment | 61 jobs Equity / stock options | 57 jobs Parental leave | 54 jobs 401(k) matching | 47 jobs Wellness | 47 jobs Salary bonus | 47 jobs Fitness / gym | 26 jobs Home office stipend | 13 jobs Relocation support | 11 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 9 jobs Fertility benefits | 9 jobs Gear | 8 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level/Expert Security Lead in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives, may make up the remaining 5% to 10%.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options due to the competitive market. In contrast, roles in smaller cities or regions with a lower cost of living might offer a higher percentage of the salary in bonuses to attract talent. Industry and company size also play a role; larger tech companies or financial institutions may offer more comprehensive compensation packages compared to smaller firms or non-tech industries.

Increasing Salary Further

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

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your credentials and make you more valuable to employers.

• Expand Your Skill Set: Develop expertise in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, artificial intelligence, or blockchain technology, to position yourself as a leader in cutting-edge fields.

• Seek Leadership Roles: Transitioning into higher-level management or executive roles, such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), can significantly increase your earning potential.

• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engage with professional organizations, attend conferences, and participate in industry forums to expand your network and uncover new opportunities.

• Consider Relocation: If feasible, relocating to a region with a higher demand for cybersecurity professionals, such as major tech hubs, can lead to higher salary offers.

Educational Requirements

For a Senior-level/Expert Security Lead position, most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, particularly in larger organizations or for roles with significant leadership responsibilities. Advanced degrees in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Information Security can also be advantageous, especially for roles that involve strategic decision-making and management.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field, and several are particularly beneficial for senior-level positions:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Widely recognized and often required for senior roles, this certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles.

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on management and governance, making it ideal for those in leadership positions.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Useful for understanding the mindset of potential attackers and enhancing defensive strategies.

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): Important for roles involving cloud security, reflecting expertise in securing cloud environments.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Beneficial for roles that involve auditing, control, and assurance.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Security Lead position requires a minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include a mix of technical and managerial roles, demonstrating a progression of responsibility and expertise. Experience in specific industries, such as finance, healthcare, or government, can be advantageous, especially if the role requires industry-specific knowledge or compliance expertise.

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