Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Specialist during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Specialist salary lies between USD 86,000 and USD 154,000 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 Specialist roles

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

Compliance | 379 jobs Cloud | 298 jobs CISSP | 257 jobs Risk management | 223 jobs Monitoring | 200 jobs Vulnerabilities | 199 jobs Computer Science | 194 jobs Clearance | 188 jobs NIST | 179 jobs Audits | 163 jobs Risk assessment | 155 jobs Governance | 148 jobs Firewalls | 147 jobs CISM | 137 jobs Network security | 136 jobs Azure | 131 jobs Strategy | 130 jobs Incident response | 127 jobs AWS | 124 jobs DoD | 114 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, Health care and Flex hours. 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 | 391 jobs Health care | 233 jobs Flex hours | 179 jobs Team events | 143 jobs Competitive pay | 140 jobs Insurance | 117 jobs Equity / stock options | 112 jobs Startup environment | 109 jobs 401(k) matching | 86 jobs Flex vacation | 77 jobs Medical leave | 75 jobs Parental leave | 74 jobs Salary bonus | 70 jobs Wellness | 61 jobs Relocation support | 24 jobs Fitness / gym | 18 jobs Flexible spending account | 16 jobs Gear | 15 jobs Conferences | 13 jobs Transparency | 11 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary composition for a Senior-level/Expert Security Specialist can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range from 70% to 85% of the total compensation. In addition to the base salary, bonuses are a common component, often tied to performance metrics or company profitability. These bonuses can account for 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive compensation packages.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level/Expert Security Specialist position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Manager or Director of Information Security. These positions often come with higher compensation due to increased responsibilities. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and maintaining a strong professional presence can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies can position you as an expert, potentially leading to consulting opportunities or speaking engagements that supplement your income.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Security Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, particularly in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field. Additionally, coursework in areas like network security, cryptography, and risk management can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and respected certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Security Specialist is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on work in areas such as network security, incident response, and vulnerability assessment. Experience in leadership roles or managing security projects can also be beneficial. Employers look for candidates who have a proven track record of successfully implementing security measures and responding to security incidents.

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