Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Researcher during 2022

💰 The median Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Researcher during 2022 is USD 142,790

✏️ This salary info is based on 9 individual salaries reported during 2022

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Researcher salary lies between USD 96,661 and USD 184,355 globally. 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.

Job title: Security Researcher

Experience: Senior-level / Expert

Region: global/worldwide

Salary year: 2022

Sample size: 9

Top 10%: $ 220,000

Top 25%: $ 184,355

Median: $ 142,790

Bottom 25%: $ 96,661

Bottom 10%: $ 58,061

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 Researcher roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Researcher job listings are Python, Cloud and Vulnerabilities. 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:

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Researcher job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Medical leave. 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:

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Researcher typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Bonuses are often tied to individual performance, team performance, or company profitability and can vary significantly. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The composition can vary based on region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley may offer higher base salaries and stock options, while financial institutions might provide substantial bonuses.

Increasing Salary

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

Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as threat intelligence, cryptography, or cloud security, which can make you more valuable.
Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as a Security Team Lead or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher salaries.
Consulting: Consider moving into a consulting role, where you can leverage your expertise across multiple projects 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/Expert Security Researcher positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some roles may prefer or require a master's degree, especially for positions in research-intensive environments or academia. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and enhance problem-solving skills.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly bolster your credentials and demonstrate your expertise. Some of the most recognized certifications in the field include:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
GIAC Security Expert (GSE)

These certifications can help validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Security Researcher is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on work in security analysis, threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. Experience in leading projects or teams, as well as a proven track record of solving complex security challenges, is often required.

Related salaries

Security Researcher @ $ 147,100 (global) Details

Security Researcher @ $ 160,000 (United States) Details

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