Security Consultant Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Security Consultant salary lies between USD 79,976 and USD 200,000 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

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Consultant roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Consultant job listings are Cloud, Compliance and Computer Science. 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:

Cloud | 198 jobs Compliance | 165 jobs Computer Science | 128 jobs NIST | 114 jobs Risk management | 111 jobs Azure | 110 jobs Risk assessment | 103 jobs Strategy | 101 jobs AWS | 98 jobs Monitoring | 98 jobs CISSP | 95 jobs Governance | 93 jobs Pentesting | 90 jobs Python | 87 jobs C | 86 jobs Linux | 85 jobs Windows | 83 jobs GCP | 82 jobs Vulnerabilities | 75 jobs Privacy | 73 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Consultant roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Consultant job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Team events. 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 | 230 jobs Flex hours | 145 jobs Team events | 121 jobs Competitive pay | 119 jobs Health care | 93 jobs Equity / stock options | 89 jobs Startup environment | 69 jobs Flex vacation | 46 jobs Salary bonus | 37 jobs Conferences | 30 jobs Home office stipend | 26 jobs Insurance | 19 jobs Medical leave | 16 jobs Wellness | 12 jobs Parental leave | 10 jobs Travel | 10 jobs 401(k) matching | 9 jobs Relocation support | 5 jobs Flat hierarchy | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Consultant in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. In contrast, companies in smaller markets might offer lower base salaries but compensate with higher bonuses or stock options. Industry-wise, tech companies and financial institutions often offer more competitive packages compared to non-tech sectors. Larger companies might provide more comprehensive benefits and bonuses, while smaller firms might offer equity or profit-sharing to attract talent.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Security Consultant, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven security solutions. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can position you for promotions to senior consultant or managerial roles, which typically come with higher compensation. Exploring opportunities in high-demand sectors, such as finance or healthcare, where cybersecurity is critical, can also lead to salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Consultant 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, especially for senior roles. A strong foundation in computer networks, systems architecture, and cybersecurity principles is essential. Additionally, coursework in risk management, cryptography, and ethical hacking can be beneficial. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most recognized certifications for Security Consultants include:

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

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

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Consultant role requires several years of experience in IT or cybersecurity. Employers often look for candidates with 3-5 years of relevant experience, including hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, incident response, and vulnerability assessments. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present. Demonstrated experience in managing security projects or leading a team can also be beneficial for advancing to higher-level positions.

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