Security Analyst Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Security Analyst salary lies between USD 90,600 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Analyst roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Analyst job listings are Monitoring, Cloud and Compliance. 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:

Monitoring | 498 jobs Cloud | 475 jobs Compliance | 449 jobs Incident response | 413 jobs SIEM | 390 jobs Vulnerabilities | 384 jobs Computer Science | 364 jobs SOC | 312 jobs CISSP | 303 jobs Windows | 284 jobs Firewalls | 273 jobs NIST | 259 jobs Linux | 252 jobs Audits | 215 jobs Risk management | 214 jobs IDS | 204 jobs Malware | 203 jobs AWS | 198 jobs Python | 197 jobs Scripting | 196 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Analyst roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Analyst job listings are Career development, Team events and Health care. 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:

Career development | 477 jobs Team events | 395 jobs Health care | 363 jobs Flex hours | 259 jobs Equity / stock options | 204 jobs Startup environment | 200 jobs Competitive pay | 191 jobs Insurance | 174 jobs Flex vacation | 172 jobs Salary bonus | 167 jobs Parental leave | 115 jobs 401(k) matching | 100 jobs Wellness | 96 jobs Medical leave | 90 jobs Home office stipend | 53 jobs Gear | 41 jobs Fitness / gym | 37 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 27 jobs Relocation support | 23 jobs Conferences | 20 jobs

Salary Composition for a Security Analyst

The salary composition for a Security Analyst in the United States typically includes 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. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes stock options, especially in tech companies or startups.

The composition can vary based on several factors:

• Region: Salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.
• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these sectors.
• Company Size: Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits and higher bonuses, while smaller companies might offer stock options or other incentives to attract talent.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Security Analyst Position

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

• Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your qualifications and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.
• Specialization: Specializing in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as penetration testing, cloud security, or threat intelligence, can make you more valuable to employers.
• Pursue Higher Education: Earning a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field can open doors to higher-level positions and salary brackets.
• Gain Leadership Experience: Transitioning into roles with leadership responsibilities, such as a Security Manager or Director of Security, can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Network and Stay Updated: Engaging with professional networks and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity can lead to new opportunities and salary negotiations.

Educational Requirements for a Security Analyst

Most Security Analyst 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 be advantageous. Advanced positions might require a master's degree or specialized training in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications for Security Analysts

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Some common and beneficial certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Experience Required for a Security Analyst Role

Typically, entry-level Security Analyst positions require 1-3 years of experience in IT or a related field. Experience in roles such as IT support, network administration, or systems administration can be beneficial. For more advanced positions, 3-5 years of direct experience in cybersecurity roles may be required. Practical experience with security tools, incident response, and risk assessment is often emphasized.

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