Salary for Senior-level / Expert Threat Hunter during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Threat Hunter salary lies between USD 118,000 and USD 190,000 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: Nov. 17, 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 Threat intelligence, Incident response and Malware. 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:

Threat intelligence | 81 jobs Incident response | 68 jobs Malware | 68 jobs Python | 64 jobs Scripting | 54 jobs EDR | 53 jobs Cloud | 51 jobs SIEM | 47 jobs SOC | 46 jobs MITRE ATT&CK | 41 jobs TTPs | 40 jobs Forensics | 40 jobs Windows | 40 jobs Linux | 38 jobs Computer Science | 37 jobs APT | 35 jobs Splunk | 33 jobs Automation | 32 jobs Pentesting | 31 jobs Vulnerabilities | 30 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 Career development, Team events and Equity / stock options. 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 | 69 jobs Team events | 51 jobs Equity / stock options | 32 jobs Health care | 29 jobs Medical leave | 29 jobs Parental leave | 24 jobs Flex hours | 22 jobs Competitive pay | 19 jobs Transparency | 17 jobs Insurance | 17 jobs Wellness | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 14 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Fitness / gym | 10 jobs 401(k) matching | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Cell phone stipend | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Threat Hunter in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field 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 or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-heavy industries 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 demand for skilled professionals.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 151,500, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Cyber Security Manager or Director of Threat Intelligence. These positions often come with higher compensation packages. Additionally, specializing in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven threat detection, or zero-trust architecture can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and publishing research can also enhance your reputation and open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, negotiating your salary based on market research and your unique skill set can lead to better compensation.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Threat Hunter positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity or a similar discipline can be advantageous and sometimes preferred by employers. Advanced degrees demonstrate a deeper understanding of complex security issues and can set you apart from other candidates.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field, as they validate your skills and knowledge. 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)
• GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
• Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA)

These certifications not only enhance your resume but also provide you with the latest tools and techniques in threat hunting.

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 roles such as security analyst, incident responder, or penetration tester can be particularly relevant. Employers look for candidates who have a proven track record of identifying and mitigating threats, as well as experience with various security tools and platforms.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?