Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Specialist during 2022

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Specialist salary lies between USD 131,300 and USD 177,600 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. 10, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Security Specialist roles

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

Compliance | 56 jobs Cloud | 56 jobs Vulnerabilities | 35 jobs AWS | 33 jobs Privacy | 33 jobs Automation | 29 jobs Audits | 27 jobs Strategy | 26 jobs NIST | 26 jobs Application security | 26 jobs Computer Science | 26 jobs Python | 25 jobs CISSP | 22 jobs Incident response | 21 jobs Risk assessment | 21 jobs GCP | 21 jobs Clearance | 20 jobs Pentesting | 20 jobs Monitoring | 20 jobs Network security | 19 jobs

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

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

Career development | 68 jobs Team events | 40 jobs Startup environment | 32 jobs Flex hours | 31 jobs Health care | 30 jobs Flex vacation | 20 jobs Salary bonus | 18 jobs Equity / stock options | 15 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Competitive pay | 12 jobs Conferences | 12 jobs Insurance | 10 jobs 401(k) matching | 8 jobs Signing bonus | 7 jobs Medical leave | 6 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Fertility benefits | 3 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Travel | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Specialist typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the largest component, often accounting for 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 package. 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 demand for skilled professionals. Industry-specific factors can also influence salary composition, with financial services and healthcare often offering higher bonuses due to the critical nature of security in these sectors.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Senior-level/Expert Security Specialist position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Manager or Director of Information Security. These positions not only offer higher salaries but also provide opportunities to influence strategic decisions. Specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can also make you more valuable. Additionally, obtaining advanced certifications or a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field can enhance your qualifications and bargaining power. Networking within industry groups and attending conferences can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Security Specialist roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or a similar discipline. Advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to stay updated with the latest security trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field, as they validate your skills and knowledge. Some of the most recognized certifications for a Senior-level/Expert Security Specialist include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications not only enhance your resume but also provide practical skills that are directly applicable to your role.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Security Specialist is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, risk management, and incident response. Experience in leading security projects or teams is also highly valued, as it demonstrates your ability to manage complex security challenges and mentor junior staff.

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