Security Researcher Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Security Researcher salary lies between USD 120,000 and USD 210,550 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 Researcher roles

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

Python | 172 jobs Cloud | 140 jobs Vulnerabilities | 115 jobs Malware | 110 jobs Computer Science | 103 jobs Reverse engineering | 84 jobs Scripting | 82 jobs C | 81 jobs Linux | 70 jobs Windows | 70 jobs Application security | 67 jobs Exploits | 62 jobs Agile | 55 jobs Automation | 54 jobs Exploit | 54 jobs Machine Learning | 49 jobs TTPs | 47 jobs Zero Trust | 46 jobs IDS | 40 jobs IPS | 40 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 Salary bonus. 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 | 126 jobs Medical leave | 72 jobs Salary bonus | 55 jobs Team events | 46 jobs Startup environment | 45 jobs Health care | 41 jobs Equity / stock options | 35 jobs Competitive pay | 34 jobs Flex hours | 29 jobs Flex vacation | 24 jobs Wellness | 19 jobs Parental leave | 15 jobs Conferences | 13 jobs Insurance | 12 jobs Home office stipend | 12 jobs Gear | 11 jobs Relocation support | 11 jobs Transparency | 8 jobs Yoga | 5 jobs Flat hierarchy | 3 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 is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range from 70% to 85% of the total compensation. Bonuses are also a common component, often tied to performance metrics or company profitability, and can account for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances. In regions with a high cost of living, such as Silicon Valley or New York City, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Security Researcher position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Senior Security Researcher, Security Architect, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These roles typically require a combination of extensive experience, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of security frameworks and technologies. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or penetration testing can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects or publications can also enhance your reputation and open up higher-paying opportunities. Pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or an MBA with a focus on information security, can also be beneficial.

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 employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. Relevant coursework typically includes subjects like network security, cryptography, computer forensics, and ethical hacking. Practical experience gained through internships, co-op programs, or personal projects can also be highly valuable and sometimes compensate for a lack of formal education in the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can play a crucial role in advancing your career as a Security Researcher. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). These certifications demonstrate a solid understanding of security principles and practices and are often required or preferred by employers. They also provide a structured learning path and can help you stay updated with the latest security trends and technologies.

Required Experience

The typical experience required for a Security Researcher role ranges from 3 to 5 years in a related field. This experience often includes hands-on work in network security, penetration testing, or incident response. Employers look for candidates who have a proven track record of identifying and mitigating security threats, as well as experience with security tools and technologies. Experience in programming and scripting languages such as Python, C++, or Java is also beneficial, as it allows researchers to develop custom security solutions and automate tasks.

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