Security Researcher Salary in United States during 2024

💰 The median Security Researcher Salary in United States during 2024 is USD 170,000

✏️ This salary info is based on 216 individual salaries reported during 2024

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Salary details

The average Security Researcher salary lies between USD 125,100 and USD 233,200 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.

Job title
Security Researcher
Experience
all levels
Region
United States
Salary year
2024
Sample size
216
Top 10%
$ 265,000
Top 25%
$ 233,200
Median
$ 170,000
Bottom 25%
$ 125,100
Bottom 10%
$ 100,000

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:

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, Vulnerabilities and Cloud. 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:

Python | 344 jobs Vulnerabilities | 243 jobs Cloud | 224 jobs Computer Science | 220 jobs C | 215 jobs Malware | 170 jobs Reverse engineering | 168 jobs Linux | 149 jobs Windows | 130 jobs Exploits | 125 jobs Exploit | 121 jobs Scripting | 111 jobs Automation | 102 jobs TTPs | 89 jobs SQL | 88 jobs Java | 83 jobs Machine Learning | 81 jobs Pentesting | 78 jobs EDR | 75 jobs Application security | 74 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 Equity / stock options. 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 | 351 jobs Medical leave | 250 jobs Equity / stock options | 166 jobs Health care | 154 jobs Salary bonus | 124 jobs Parental leave | 119 jobs Flex hours | 109 jobs Team events | 97 jobs Flex vacation | 88 jobs Insurance | 84 jobs Startup environment | 73 jobs Competitive pay | 62 jobs Conferences | 54 jobs Wellness | 46 jobs 401(k) matching | 34 jobs Home office stipend | 30 jobs Relocation support | 28 jobs Transparency | 27 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 24 jobs Gear | 17 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Security Researcher can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing.

  • Fixed Base Salary: This is the guaranteed portion of your salary and usually constitutes the majority of your total compensation. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

  • Bonuses: Performance bonuses are common and can be based on individual performance, team performance, or company-wide success. These bonuses can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company and industry.

  • Additional Remuneration: This can include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and profit-sharing plans. Larger companies might offer more comprehensive benefits packages, including retirement plans and health insurance, which can add significant value to the overall compensation.

Increasing Salary

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

  • Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as threat intelligence, malware analysis, or cloud security, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.

  • Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you more valuable to employers.

  • 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 Reputation: Attend industry conferences, contribute to open-source projects, and publish research to build your reputation and network within the cybersecurity community.

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 advanced roles. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and computer forensics can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most recognized certifications in the field include:

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

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience in roles such as penetration testing, security analysis, or incident response can be particularly valuable. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, as well as a strong understanding of network protocols and security architectures, is often required.

Related salaries

Security Researcher @ $ 170,000 (global) - Senior-level / Expert Details
Security Researcher @ $ 134,500 (global) - Entry-level / Junior Details
Security Researcher @ $ 169,000 (global) Details
Security Researcher @ $ 138,000 (global) - Mid-level / Intermediate Details
Security Researcher @ $ 144,500 (United States) - Mid-level / Intermediate Details
Security Researcher @ $ 134,500 (United States) - Entry-level / Junior Details
Security Researcher @ $ 170,000 (United States) - Senior-level / Expert Details
Security Researcher @ $ 152,500 (Canada) Details
Security Researcher @ $ 161,500 (Canada) - Senior-level / Expert Details

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