Security Specialist Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Security Specialist salary lies between USD 60,000 and USD 120,000 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. 17, 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 Monitoring. 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:

Compliance | 212 jobs Cloud | 134 jobs Monitoring | 123 jobs Risk management | 114 jobs Vulnerabilities | 111 jobs CISSP | 110 jobs Computer Science | 100 jobs NIST | 91 jobs Incident response | 88 jobs Audits | 84 jobs Automation | 81 jobs Risk assessment | 78 jobs Privacy | 75 jobs Governance | 72 jobs Firewalls | 71 jobs SOC | 71 jobs Azure | 68 jobs Linux | 68 jobs Clearance | 68 jobs CISM | 67 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 Flex hours. 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 | 214 jobs Team events | 163 jobs Flex hours | 130 jobs Health care | 109 jobs Startup environment | 95 jobs Competitive pay | 92 jobs Equity / stock options | 70 jobs Flex vacation | 55 jobs Insurance | 46 jobs Parental leave | 45 jobs Medical leave | 42 jobs Salary bonus | 35 jobs 401(k) matching | 32 jobs Conferences | 31 jobs Wellness | 26 jobs Home office stipend | 23 jobs Fitness / gym | 16 jobs Gear | 13 jobs Transparency | 11 jobs Relocation support | 11 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Security Specialist in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. In larger tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living and competitive market. Bonuses are often tied to individual performance, team success, or company profitability and can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary. In industries like finance or healthcare, where security is paramount, bonuses might be more substantial. Smaller companies or startups might offer stock options as part of the compensation package to attract talent.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the Security Specialist position, 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 mentorship can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage teams or complex security challenges can position you for promotions or higher-paying roles.

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 may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education, but a degree is often preferred. Advanced roles might require a master's degree or specialized training in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often sought after by employers. Some of the most common and beneficial certifications for a Security Specialist include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Specialist role requires 2-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity. Experience in roles such as network administrator, systems analyst, or security analyst can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and risk assessment is often required. Employers look for candidates who have a proven track record of identifying and mitigating security threats.

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