Security Consultant Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Consultant salary lies between USD 105,000 and USD 155,000 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: Dec. 22, 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 588 jobs Compliance | 457 jobs CISSP | 382 jobs Computer Science | 357 jobs NIST | 350 jobs Risk management | 303 jobs Incident response | 281 jobs Strategy | 274 jobs Risk assessment | 274 jobs ISO 27001 | 274 jobs Vulnerabilities | 273 jobs CISM | 261 jobs Azure | 254 jobs Monitoring | 244 jobs Governance | 241 jobs Pentesting | 218 jobs Audits | 215 jobs AWS | 213 jobs Firewalls | 207 jobs Privacy | 200 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 608 jobs Flex hours | 295 jobs Team events | 244 jobs Health care | 237 jobs Competitive pay | 203 jobs Equity / stock options | 153 jobs Startup environment | 138 jobs Salary bonus | 116 jobs Flex vacation | 65 jobs Insurance | 61 jobs Conferences | 54 jobs Medical leave | 50 jobs Parental leave | 45 jobs Home office stipend | 39 jobs 401(k) matching | 20 jobs Wellness | 20 jobs Travel | 16 jobs Flat hierarchy | 14 jobs Fitness / gym | 12 jobs Relocation support | 11 jobs

Salary Composition for a Security Consultant

The salary composition for a Security Consultant in the United States typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, usually ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-focused industries and can make up the remaining 5% to 10%.

Regional differences also play a role in salary composition. For instance, consultants in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might receive higher base salaries and stock options, while those in smaller markets might see a larger proportion of their compensation in bonuses. Industry-specific factors also influence salary composition; for example, consultants in the financial sector might receive higher bonuses compared to those in healthcare.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

• Specialize in a Niche Area: Developing expertise in a high-demand niche, such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence, can make you more valuable and justify a higher salary.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can enhance your credentials and increase your earning potential.
• Seek Leadership Roles: Transitioning into a leadership or managerial role, such as a Security Manager or Director of Security, can significantly boost your salary.
• Expand Your Network: Building a strong professional network can lead to opportunities for higher-paying positions or consulting gigs.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate for higher pay by highlighting your achievements and market value.

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 senior roles. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and risk management can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some common and helpful certifications for a Security Consultant include:

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

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

Required Experience

The typical experience required for a Security Consultant role ranges from 3 to 5 years in a related cybersecurity position. Experience in roles such as Security Analyst, Network Administrator, or IT Auditor can provide a solid foundation. Employers often look for candidates with hands-on experience in security assessments, vulnerability management, and incident response.

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