Security Lead Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Security Lead salary lies between USD 125,000 and USD 165,000 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. 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 in the United States typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can make up the remaining 5% to 10%.

Regional differences can affect these percentages, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries and more lucrative stock options. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and technology companies might offer higher bonuses compared to other sectors. Company size can influence the compensation structure as well, with larger companies often providing more comprehensive bonus and stock option plans.

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 credentials and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.

• Expand Your Skill Set: Develop expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, artificial intelligence, or blockchain technology, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.

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

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

• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate for higher compensation by highlighting your achievements and market value.

Educational Requirements for a Security Lead

Most Security Lead positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree in cybersecurity or business administration with a focus on information security. Advanced degrees can provide a competitive edge and may be necessary for higher-level positions.

Helpful Certifications for a Security Lead

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field, and several are particularly beneficial for a Security Lead role:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized globally, this certification demonstrates a deep understanding of cybersecurity practices and principles.

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on managing and governing information security programs, making it ideal for leadership roles.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Provides skills in identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities, which is valuable for proactive security management.

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): Essential for those working with cloud technologies, this certification covers cloud security architecture and operations.

Experience Required for a Security Lead

Typically, a Security Lead position requires 5 to 10 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include hands-on technical work, as well as strategic planning and leadership responsibilities. Experience in managing security teams, developing security policies, and implementing security measures is often necessary. Additionally, familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry standards is crucial.

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