Security Lead Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Lead salary lies between USD 101,400 and USD 203,520 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 Lead roles

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

Compliance | 274 jobs Cloud | 199 jobs CISSP | 189 jobs Risk management | 163 jobs Vulnerabilities | 149 jobs NIST | 147 jobs Strategy | 146 jobs Computer Science | 146 jobs Monitoring | 142 jobs Incident response | 129 jobs CISM | 122 jobs Audits | 112 jobs Risk assessment | 101 jobs ISO 27001 | 100 jobs Governance | 92 jobs Application security | 89 jobs Privacy | 81 jobs Vulnerability management | 79 jobs Firewalls | 72 jobs Security assessment | 69 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 Flex hours. 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 | 242 jobs Health care | 171 jobs Flex hours | 123 jobs Competitive pay | 96 jobs Team events | 96 jobs Insurance | 90 jobs Medical leave | 76 jobs Equity / stock options | 71 jobs Startup environment | 70 jobs Flex vacation | 69 jobs Parental leave | 62 jobs Wellness | 53 jobs Salary bonus | 53 jobs 401(k) matching | 51 jobs Fitness / gym | 31 jobs Home office stipend | 17 jobs Gear | 12 jobs Relocation support | 12 jobs Fertility benefits | 12 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 10 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Lead 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 the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses are often tied to individual or company performance metrics and can vary significantly. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or profit-sharing plans, which are more common in larger corporations.

The composition can vary based on several factors:

• Region: 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.
• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of security in these sectors.
• Company Size: Larger companies may offer more comprehensive compensation packages, including better bonuses and stock options, compared to smaller firms.

Increasing Salary

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

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM can enhance your credentials and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.
• Gain Specialized Skills: Specializing in areas such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable.
• Seek Leadership Roles: Transitioning into higher leadership roles such as Security Director or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Network and Build Reputation: Engage in industry events, contribute to publications, and build a strong professional network to increase your visibility and opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Lead 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 in cybersecurity or business administration, especially for roles with a strategic focus. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized certifications 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 demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-level positions.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Lead position requires several years of experience in information security or a related field. This often includes:

• Experience in managing security teams and projects.
• Hands-on experience with security technologies and tools.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing security policies and procedures.
• Experience in risk management and compliance.

Leadership experience and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders are also highly valued.

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