Security Administrator Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Administrator salary lies between USD 79,600 and USD 129,300 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Administrator job listings are Compliance, Monitoring and Clearance. 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 | 153 jobs Monitoring | 95 jobs Clearance | 93 jobs Cloud | 79 jobs Computer Science | 76 jobs DoD | 65 jobs Firewalls | 63 jobs Audits | 56 jobs SAP | 52 jobs Vulnerabilities | 52 jobs Windows | 51 jobs Network security | 50 jobs Governance | 49 jobs Security Clearance | 43 jobs Active Directory | 42 jobs Linux | 42 jobs CISSP | 41 jobs Risk assessment | 39 jobs NIST | 39 jobs TS/SCI | 37 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 | 146 jobs Health care | 109 jobs Flex hours | 76 jobs Competitive pay | 58 jobs Team events | 55 jobs Insurance | 50 jobs Medical leave | 46 jobs Flex vacation | 45 jobs 401(k) matching | 39 jobs Wellness | 35 jobs Equity / stock options | 33 jobs Parental leave | 32 jobs Startup environment | 32 jobs Salary bonus | 25 jobs Gear | 15 jobs Flexible spending account | 9 jobs Conferences | 8 jobs Transparency | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs

Salary Composition for a Security Administrator

The salary for a Security Administrator in the United States typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses might be more substantial compared to other areas. Additional remuneration can include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages in larger corporations. The industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services or healthcare might offer higher compensation due to the sensitive nature of the data handled. Company size can influence salary composition as well, with larger companies often providing more robust benefits and bonus structures.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Security Administrator Position

To increase your salary from a Security Administrator position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining experience in specialized areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or incident response can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can provide insights into higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage teams or complex security challenges can position you for promotions or higher-paying roles. Staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies is crucial, as it shows your commitment to the field and can lead to more lucrative positions.

Educational Requirements for a Security Administrator

Most Security Administrator positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work 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. Continuous learning is essential in this field, so engaging in workshops, seminars, and online courses can also be beneficial.

Helpful Certifications for a Security Administrator

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often sought after by employers. Common and valuable certifications for a Security Administrator include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, and they can be pivotal in advancing your career and increasing your salary.

Experience Required for a Security Administrator Role

Typically, a Security Administrator role requires 2-5 years of experience in IT or a related field, with a focus on security. Experience in network administration, systems administration, or a similar role can be beneficial. Employers look for candidates who have hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, as well as a solid understanding of security protocols and best practices. Experience in managing security incidents and implementing security measures is also highly valued.

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