Salary for Senior-level / Expert Threat Hunter during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Threat Hunter salary lies between USD 95,000 and USD 145,000 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. 15, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Threat Hunter roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Threat Hunter job listings are Incident response, Python and Threat intelligence. 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:

Incident response | 40 jobs Python | 33 jobs Threat intelligence | 32 jobs Windows | 26 jobs SOC | 25 jobs Linux | 24 jobs Scripting | 24 jobs Malware | 23 jobs Monitoring | 23 jobs Vulnerabilities | 22 jobs MITRE ATT&CK | 21 jobs EDR | 20 jobs Cloud | 20 jobs SIEM | 17 jobs TTPs | 17 jobs Forensics | 17 jobs PowerShell | 17 jobs APT | 17 jobs Splunk | 15 jobs Cyber Kill Chain | 14 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Threat Hunter roles

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

Team events | 23 jobs Career development | 22 jobs Startup environment | 19 jobs Flex hours | 17 jobs Medical leave | 16 jobs Salary bonus | 16 jobs Health care | 15 jobs Flex vacation | 9 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Fertility benefits | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Competitive pay | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Threat Hunter in InfoSec/Cyber Security 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 financial health and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or profit-sharing in larger corporations.

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 but also come with a higher cost of living. Industry-specific factors also play a role; financial services and healthcare sectors often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of data security in these fields. Company size can influence salary as well, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive compensation packages, including better benefits and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Senior-level/Expert Threat Hunter position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas such as cloud security, AI-driven threat detection, or IoT security, which are in high demand.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or leadership roles, such as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
• Consulting: Explore opportunities in consulting, where you can leverage your expertise to advise multiple organizations and potentially earn higher fees.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity to maintain your competitive edge and justify salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Threat Hunter positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles that involve strategic decision-making or leadership responsibilities. Advanced degrees can also provide a competitive edge and may lead to higher salary offers.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a Threat Hunter include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• SANS Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI)

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/Expert Threat Hunter is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a focus on threat detection and response. Experience in related roles such as security analyst, incident responder, or penetration tester can be beneficial. Employers often look for candidates with a proven track record of identifying and mitigating threats, as well as experience with various security tools and technologies.

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