Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Researcher during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Researcher salary lies between USD 139,400 and USD 210,550 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.

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 Researcher roles

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

Python | 146 jobs Cloud | 133 jobs Malware | 104 jobs Computer Science | 89 jobs Vulnerabilities | 85 jobs Reverse engineering | 71 jobs Scripting | 70 jobs C | 65 jobs Windows | 65 jobs Linux | 63 jobs Application security | 63 jobs Agile | 53 jobs Exploits | 52 jobs Automation | 48 jobs Exploit | 48 jobs TTPs | 46 jobs Machine Learning | 46 jobs Zero Trust | 45 jobs IPS | 38 jobs IDS | 37 jobs

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, Medical leave and Salary bonus. 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 | 107 jobs Medical leave | 69 jobs Salary bonus | 50 jobs Startup environment | 38 jobs Team events | 33 jobs Health care | 32 jobs Equity / stock options | 31 jobs Competitive pay | 26 jobs Flex hours | 22 jobs Flex vacation | 19 jobs Conferences | 11 jobs Wellness | 10 jobs Relocation support | 10 jobs Insurance | 10 jobs Transparency | 8 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs Gear | 5 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Flat hierarchy | 3 jobs Yoga | 3 jobs

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 often the largest component, providing a stable income. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, like stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. In larger corporations, particularly in finance or healthcare, bonuses might be more substantial, reflecting the critical nature of cybersecurity in these industries. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York are typically higher than in smaller cities.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Senior-level/Expert Security Researcher position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Security Team Lead or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions not only offer higher salaries but also provide opportunities to influence organizational security strategies. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your reputation and open doors to higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Security Researcher positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree or even a Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles focused on advanced research and development. These advanced degrees can provide deeper knowledge and research skills that are highly valued in the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly bolster your credentials. Common and respected certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). These certifications demonstrate a strong understanding of security principles and practical skills in ethical hacking and penetration testing. For those interested in management roles, the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is also beneficial.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Security Researcher is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity. This experience should include hands-on roles in security analysis, penetration testing, and incident response. Experience in leading projects or teams, as well as a track record of published research or contributions to the cybersecurity community, can also be crucial.

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