Security Lead Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Security Lead salary lies between USD 108,400 and USD 165,000 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 Lead roles

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

Compliance | 52 jobs Cloud | 36 jobs Strategy | 29 jobs Monitoring | 26 jobs Incident response | 24 jobs Computer Science | 24 jobs Vulnerabilities | 22 jobs Risk assessment | 22 jobs Network security | 21 jobs CISSP | 21 jobs Governance | 21 jobs Agile | 21 jobs Python | 20 jobs Audits | 19 jobs ISO 27001 | 19 jobs Privacy | 18 jobs Risk management | 16 jobs Firewalls | 15 jobs AWS | 15 jobs Automation | 15 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Lead job listings are Career development, Health care 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 | 51 jobs Health care | 43 jobs Team events | 32 jobs Flex hours | 29 jobs Competitive pay | 28 jobs Insurance | 26 jobs Startup environment | 24 jobs Equity / stock options | 23 jobs Flex vacation | 18 jobs Medical leave | 14 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs 401(k) matching | 10 jobs Salary bonus | 10 jobs Wellness | 9 jobs Fitness / gym | 7 jobs Home office stipend | 7 jobs Travel | 5 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 jobs Gear | 3 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Security Lead

The salary composition for a Security Lead can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Generally, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits.

• Fixed Base Salary: This is the guaranteed annual salary and typically forms the largest portion of the total compensation package. In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas in the United States, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses.

• Performance Bonuses: These are often tied to individual, team, or company performance metrics. In industries like finance or technology, where cybersecurity is critical, bonuses can be substantial.

• Additional Remuneration: This can include stock options, especially in tech companies, as well as benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. Larger companies might offer more comprehensive benefits packages compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Security Lead Position

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

• Pursue 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.

• Expand Your Skill Set: Develop expertise in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, AI security, or threat intelligence, to increase your value to employers.

• Seek Leadership Roles: Transitioning into higher-level management positions, such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), can significantly boost your earning potential.

• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engaging with professional networks and attending industry conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.

Educational Requirements for a Security Lead

Most Security Lead 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, particularly in larger organizations or more competitive industries. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications for a Security Lead

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field as they validate your skills and knowledge. Some of the most helpful certifications for a Security Lead include:

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

These certifications not only enhance your resume but also demonstrate your commitment to the field and your expertise in specific areas of cybersecurity.

Experience Required for a Security Lead

Typically, a Security Lead position requires several years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This often includes:

• 5-10 years of experience in information security roles, with a proven track record of managing security teams or projects.
• Experience in developing and implementing security policies and procedures.
• Hands-on experience with security technologies and tools, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols.

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