Security Architect Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Security Architect salary lies between USD 121,081 and USD 212,000 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: Jan. 12, 2025

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Architect roles

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

Cloud | 1367 jobs Compliance | 865 jobs CISSP | 804 jobs Computer Science | 729 jobs AWS | 724 jobs Azure | 715 jobs Strategy | 698 jobs NIST | 663 jobs Vulnerabilities | 525 jobs Network security | 461 jobs Application security | 460 jobs IAM | 447 jobs Risk assessment | 440 jobs Risk management | 432 jobs GCP | 421 jobs CISM | 418 jobs Governance | 395 jobs Firewalls | 377 jobs ISO 27001 | 377 jobs Monitoring | 377 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Architect roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Architect 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 | 1090 jobs Health care | 646 jobs Flex hours | 570 jobs Competitive pay | 384 jobs Equity / stock options | 316 jobs Team events | 316 jobs Salary bonus | 299 jobs Insurance | 252 jobs Flex vacation | 248 jobs Medical leave | 246 jobs Startup environment | 245 jobs Parental leave | 208 jobs Wellness | 177 jobs 401(k) matching | 147 jobs Conferences | 96 jobs Home office stipend | 45 jobs Fitness / gym | 42 jobs Relocation support | 42 jobs Transparency | 38 jobs Flexible spending account | 36 jobs

Salary Composition for a Security Architect

The salary composition for a Security Architect typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. 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 profitability, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options might form a larger portion of the total compensation compared to other regions. In larger companies, especially in the finance or tech sectors, additional remuneration might include comprehensive benefits packages, retirement plans, and health insurance, which can significantly enhance the overall compensation.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Security Architect Position

To increase your salary from a Security Architect position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Security. These roles typically offer higher compensation and require a strategic vision for the company's security posture. Additionally, specializing in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or cybersecurity for IoT can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles, attending conferences, and contributing to thought leadership through publications or speaking engagements can also enhance your profile and open up higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements for a Security Architect

Most Security Architect positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or business administration can be advantageous and sometimes preferred by employers. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and strategic management, which are crucial for higher-level roles.

Helpful Certifications for a Security Architect

Certifications can significantly bolster your qualifications for a Security Architect role. Common and highly regarded certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a comprehensive understanding of security principles and practices.

Experience Required for a Security Architect

Typically, a Security Architect role requires 5-10 years of experience in information security or related fields. This experience should include hands-on technical roles such as security analyst, network administrator, or systems engineer. Experience in designing and implementing security solutions, as well as a proven track record of managing security projects, is crucial. Leadership experience, even in smaller projects or teams, can also be beneficial.

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