Security Consultant Salary in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average Security Consultant salary lies between USD 100,000 and USD 175,000 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. 24, 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 CISSP. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 125 jobs Compliance | 97 jobs CISSP | 82 jobs NIST | 80 jobs Risk management | 72 jobs AWS | 68 jobs Strategy | 64 jobs ISO 27001 | 64 jobs Privacy | 59 jobs CISM | 55 jobs Python | 55 jobs Automation | 54 jobs CISA | 54 jobs Pentesting | 52 jobs C | 48 jobs Scripting | 47 jobs SIEM | 45 jobs HIPAA | 45 jobs Computer Science | 44 jobs Security assessment | 43 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 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 157 jobs Flex hours | 74 jobs Team events | 68 jobs Startup environment | 57 jobs Flex vacation | 56 jobs Health care | 53 jobs Conferences | 49 jobs Competitive pay | 42 jobs Salary bonus | 29 jobs Equity / stock options | 26 jobs 401(k) matching | 21 jobs Signing bonus | 16 jobs Insurance | 14 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs Flat hierarchy | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Medical leave | 5 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Consultant in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-focused industries and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Security Consultant position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven threat detection. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, gaining experience in leadership or project management can position you for roles with greater responsibility and higher pay, such as a Security Manager or Director of Security. Exploring opportunities in high-demand sectors, such as finance or healthcare, where cybersecurity is critical, can also lead to higher compensation.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Consultant positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and risk management is often essential. Additionally, staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies through continuous education is highly valued.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. 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 provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Consultant role requires 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, threat analysis, and incident response. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present. Additionally, experience in consulting or client-facing roles is often beneficial, as it demonstrates the ability to communicate complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

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