Security Specialist Salary in 2022

Salary details

The average Security Specialist salary lies between USD 92,400 and USD 177,600 globally. 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.

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 Specialist roles

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

Compliance | 123 jobs Cloud | 92 jobs Vulnerabilities | 62 jobs Monitoring | 60 jobs Audits | 59 jobs Privacy | 57 jobs NIST | 50 jobs Incident response | 48 jobs AWS | 47 jobs Risk assessment | 42 jobs Computer Science | 42 jobs Automation | 40 jobs Application security | 40 jobs Network security | 39 jobs CISSP | 39 jobs Risk management | 39 jobs Vulnerability management | 38 jobs Security assessment | 38 jobs Strategy | 38 jobs ISO 27001 | 38 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Specialist job listings are Career development, Team events and Health care. 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 | 130 jobs Team events | 81 jobs Health care | 75 jobs Flex hours | 55 jobs Startup environment | 47 jobs Flex vacation | 41 jobs Competitive pay | 37 jobs Salary bonus | 34 jobs Equity / stock options | 27 jobs Parental leave | 23 jobs 401(k) matching | 21 jobs Conferences | 21 jobs Insurance | 19 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 16 jobs Medical leave | 11 jobs Home office stipend | 9 jobs Signing bonus | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Yoga | 6 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Specialist in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and the specific industry. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to other sectors. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages in larger corporations. Regional differences also play a role; for example, salaries in major tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Security Specialist, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining experience in specialized areas like penetration testing, threat intelligence, or cloud security can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and seeking roles with greater responsibility, such as a Security Manager or Director of Security, can lead to higher compensation. Additionally, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity can position you as an expert, potentially leading to consulting opportunities or speaking engagements that supplement your income.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Specialist roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some positions might accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education, but a degree is often preferred. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or specialized training in cybersecurity. Continuous education is crucial in this field due to the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats and technologies.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Specialist role requires 3-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity. This experience should include hands-on work with security technologies, understanding of network and system security, and familiarity with security protocols and standards. Experience in specific areas such as incident response, vulnerability assessment, or security architecture can be particularly beneficial.

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