Salary for Senior-level / Expert Threat Hunter in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Threat Hunter salary lies between USD 95,000 and USD 145,000 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. 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 the United States 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 plans, which are more common in larger organizations. The composition can also vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries but potentially lower relative bonuses due to the high cost of living. In contrast, companies in smaller markets might offer more competitive bonuses to attract talent. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and healthcare sectors might offer higher bonuses due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these fields.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level/Expert Threat Hunter position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Cybersecurity Manager or Director of Threat Intelligence. These roles 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 industry groups and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Another strategy is to seek positions in high-demand regions or industries, where companies are willing to pay a premium for top talent. Lastly, continuous learning and obtaining advanced certifications can justify a salary increase or make you a more attractive candidate for higher-paying roles.

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. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree in cybersecurity or information assurance. A strong foundation in computer science principles, networking, and operating systems is essential. Additionally, coursework or experience in areas like digital forensics, malware analysis, and incident response can be beneficial. While formal education is important, practical experience and a proven track record in threat hunting or cybersecurity roles often weigh heavily in hiring decisions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a Senior-level/Expert Threat Hunter role. Some of the most recognized certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH). The Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA) and GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI) are also highly relevant to threat hunting. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a validated level of expertise, which can be attractive to employers. Additionally, vendor-specific certifications from companies like Cisco, Microsoft, or AWS can be valuable, especially if the role involves working with specific technologies.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Threat Hunter position requires at least 5-7 years of experience in cybersecurity roles, with a focus on threat hunting, incident response, or security operations. Experience in analyzing and responding to advanced persistent threats (APTs), conducting threat intelligence analysis, and using threat detection tools is crucial. Employers often look for candidates with a proven ability to identify and mitigate security threats in complex environments. Experience in leading or mentoring junior team members can also be advantageous, as it demonstrates leadership potential and the ability to manage complex security challenges.

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