Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Specialist in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Specialist salary lies between USD 86,000 and USD 160,000 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 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

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level/Expert Security Specialist can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing.

• Fixed Base Salary: This is the guaranteed annual salary and usually forms the largest portion of the total compensation package. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

• Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses are common and can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary. These are often tied to individual performance metrics or company-wide goals.

• Additional Remuneration: This can include stock options, especially in tech companies, or profit-sharing plans. Larger companies might offer more comprehensive packages, while smaller firms might focus on base salary and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as cloud security, AI security, or blockchain technology, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM can enhance your credentials and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.

• Seek Leadership Roles: Transitioning into managerial or director-level positions can significantly increase your earning potential.

• Negotiate Effectively: Always negotiate your salary and benefits package when accepting a new position or during performance reviews.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level cybersecurity positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree in cybersecurity or an MBA with a focus on information security. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior-level security specialist role requires at least 5-10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on technical work, as well as strategic planning and implementation of security measures. Experience in leading projects or teams is often preferred, as it demonstrates your ability to manage complex security initiatives.

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