Security Administrator Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Security Administrator salary lies between USD 77,000 and USD 128,000 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Administrator job listings are Compliance, Clearance and Monitoring. 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 | 134 jobs Clearance | 88 jobs Monitoring | 85 jobs Cloud | 71 jobs Computer Science | 69 jobs DoD | 57 jobs Firewalls | 56 jobs SAP | 52 jobs Audits | 50 jobs Network security | 49 jobs Vulnerabilities | 49 jobs Windows | 47 jobs Governance | 42 jobs Security Clearance | 41 jobs Active Directory | 38 jobs Linux | 38 jobs TS/SCI | 36 jobs NIST | 35 jobs CISSP | 35 jobs Incident response | 32 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Administrator roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Administrator 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 | 131 jobs Health care | 96 jobs Flex hours | 71 jobs Competitive pay | 56 jobs Team events | 44 jobs Medical leave | 43 jobs Insurance | 43 jobs Flex vacation | 40 jobs 401(k) matching | 37 jobs Wellness | 33 jobs Equity / stock options | 32 jobs Parental leave | 30 jobs Startup environment | 30 jobs Salary bonus | 23 jobs Gear | 14 jobs Conferences | 8 jobs Transparency | 7 jobs Flexible spending account | 7 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs

Salary Composition for a Security Administrator

The salary composition for a Security Administrator 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. In the United States, for instance, the base salary might account for 70-85% of the total compensation. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profitability, often make up 10-20% of the total package. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. In larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology, bonuses and additional perks might be more substantial.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Security Administrator Position

To increase your salary from a Security Administrator position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills and knowledge in cybersecurity trends and technologies. Specializing in areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) to demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to learn about new opportunities and trends.
• Advanced Education: Pursue further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or information technology, to qualify for higher-level positions.
• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to take on leadership roles or manage projects, which can lead to promotions and salary increases.

Educational Requirements for a Security Administrator

Most Security Administrator positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may accept equivalent experience in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can provide a competitive edge. Advanced positions might require a master's degree or specialized training in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications for a Security Administrator

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some common and beneficial certifications for a Security Administrator include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification that demonstrates a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking skills.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Emphasizes management and governance of information security programs.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Offers skills in security operations and monitoring.

Experience Required for a Security Administrator

Typically, employers look for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience in network administration, system administration, or a related field is often required. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and risk assessment is highly beneficial. For more senior roles, 5-10 years of experience may be necessary, along with proven leadership capabilities.

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