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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Researcher salary lies between USD 139,400 and USD 210,550 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: 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 in the United States 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, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. 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. Industry-wise, financial services and technology companies often offer higher compensation compared to other sectors.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further 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, malware analysis, or cloud security, which can make you more valuable to employers.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as a Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher salaries.
• Consulting: Consider moving into consulting, where you can leverage your expertise to advise multiple organizations and potentially earn a higher income.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity, and pursue advanced certifications or degrees that can enhance your qualifications and bargaining power.

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. However, a master's degree or even a Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles that involve complex research and development. Advanced degrees can also provide a competitive edge in the job market and may lead to higher salary offers.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most valuable certifications for a Senior-level/Expert Security Researcher include:

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

These certifications are recognized globally and can help validate your skills and knowledge in various aspects of cybersecurity.

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 areas such as penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and security analysis. Experience in leading projects or teams, as well as a proven track record of successful security research and innovation, is also highly valued.

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