Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Researcher during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Researcher salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 233,200 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: Nov. 17, 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, Vulnerabilities and Cloud. 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:

Python | 247 jobs Vulnerabilities | 172 jobs Cloud | 163 jobs Malware | 143 jobs C | 141 jobs Computer Science | 140 jobs Reverse engineering | 118 jobs Exploits | 101 jobs Linux | 98 jobs Windows | 88 jobs Exploit | 88 jobs Scripting | 83 jobs TTPs | 77 jobs Automation | 77 jobs SQL | 74 jobs EDR | 70 jobs XDR | 68 jobs Machine Learning | 59 jobs Application security | 59 jobs Privacy | 58 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 Equity / stock options. 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 | 261 jobs Medical leave | 193 jobs Equity / stock options | 135 jobs Salary bonus | 108 jobs Health care | 105 jobs Flex hours | 70 jobs Parental leave | 62 jobs Flex vacation | 62 jobs Team events | 59 jobs Insurance | 55 jobs Startup environment | 51 jobs Competitive pay | 48 jobs Wellness | 33 jobs Conferences | 29 jobs Transparency | 25 jobs Home office stipend | 20 jobs Relocation support | 18 jobs Gear | 12 jobs 401(k) matching | 11 jobs Flexible spending account | 6 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 the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, providing long-term incentives aligned with company growth.

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 higher cost of living and competitive job market. In contrast, roles in smaller cities or regions might offer a lower base salary but compensate with other benefits like flexible working conditions or additional vacation days. Industry and company size also play a role; larger corporations might offer more structured bonus programs, while smaller companies might provide more equity-based compensation.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 170,000, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Security Team Lead or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions often come with higher compensation due to increased responsibilities. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or AI-driven security solutions can make you more valuable to employers.

Networking within the industry and building a strong professional brand can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Attending conferences, contributing to open-source projects, and publishing research can enhance your reputation and lead to lucrative job offers. Finally, consider negotiating your salary by leveraging offers from other companies or demonstrating your impact on the organization's security posture.

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 Ph.D. in cybersecurity or a specialized area of computer science can be advantageous and may be preferred by some employers. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security concepts and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate expertise to potential employers. Some of the most recognized certifications in the field include:

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

These certifications cover a range of skills from ethical hacking to management and are often considered valuable by employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Security Researcher role requires at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work in security analysis, threat detection, and vulnerability assessment. Experience in leading security projects or teams can also be beneficial, as it demonstrates leadership capabilities and the ability to manage complex security challenges.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?