Security Researcher Salary in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average Security Researcher salary lies between USD 140,000 and USD 220,000 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 Researcher roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Researcher job listings are Python, C and Cloud. 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:

Python | 92 jobs C | 64 jobs Cloud | 63 jobs Computer Science | 61 jobs Vulnerabilities | 59 jobs Reverse engineering | 58 jobs Malware | 53 jobs Automation | 39 jobs Application security | 39 jobs Scripting | 39 jobs Open Source | 38 jobs Machine Learning | 37 jobs Exploits | 35 jobs Windows | 34 jobs C++ | 32 jobs Linux | 32 jobs JavaScript | 27 jobs APIs | 27 jobs Threat intelligence | 25 jobs Compliance | 25 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Researcher roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Researcher job listings are Career development, Medical leave 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 | 83 jobs Medical leave | 32 jobs Team events | 29 jobs Startup environment | 27 jobs Flex hours | 21 jobs Health care | 18 jobs Conferences | 18 jobs Equity / stock options | 17 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Salary bonus | 15 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Competitive pay | 12 jobs Insurance | 9 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Transparency | 7 jobs Gear | 5 jobs Home office stipend | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Flat hierarchy | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the field of Information Security, particularly for a Security Researcher role in the United States, the salary composition can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary package is composed of:

• Base Salary: This is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation. In high-cost living areas like San Francisco or New York, the base salary might be higher to account for living expenses.

• Bonus: Many companies offer performance-based bonuses. These can be annual or quarterly and are often tied to individual performance, team success, or company profitability. Bonuses can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company and industry.

• Stock Options/Equity: Particularly in tech companies and startups, stock options or equity can be a significant part of the compensation package. This component can vary widely and is often used to attract talent to companies with high growth potential.

• Other Benefits: Additional remuneration might include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other perks like gym memberships or tuition reimbursement.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Security Researcher position, consider the following steps:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity that are in high demand, such as cloud security, AI security, or blockchain security. Specialization can make you more valuable to employers.

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, potentially leading to higher pay.

• Gain Leadership Experience: Transitioning into a leadership role, such as a team lead or manager, can significantly increase your earning potential.

• Network and Build a Personal Brand: Attend industry conferences, contribute to open-source projects, and publish research to build your reputation and network within the industry.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Researcher positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some roles, especially those in research-intensive environments, may prefer or require a master's degree or even a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies are crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise. Some of the most recognized certifications for a Security Researcher include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

These certifications can help validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a Security Researcher role requires several years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Employers often look for candidates with:

• Experience in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and threat analysis.
• Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies.
• A proven track record of identifying and mitigating security threats.

Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be beneficial due to the unique security challenges they present.

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