Security Specialist Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Security Specialist salary lies between USD 81,600 and USD 144,325 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: Dec. 15, 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 CISSP. 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:

Compliance | 873 jobs Cloud | 637 jobs CISSP | 556 jobs Vulnerabilities | 531 jobs Monitoring | 512 jobs Risk management | 481 jobs Computer Science | 453 jobs NIST | 433 jobs Clearance | 410 jobs Audits | 400 jobs Risk assessment | 372 jobs Incident response | 352 jobs Governance | 327 jobs Firewalls | 318 jobs Network security | 291 jobs Strategy | 285 jobs CISM | 268 jobs Azure | 262 jobs ISO 27001 | 262 jobs Privacy | 257 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, Health care and Flex hours. 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 | 847 jobs Health care | 574 jobs Flex hours | 432 jobs Team events | 348 jobs Competitive pay | 313 jobs Equity / stock options | 277 jobs Insurance | 277 jobs Startup environment | 232 jobs Flex vacation | 189 jobs 401(k) matching | 188 jobs Medical leave | 188 jobs Parental leave | 185 jobs Salary bonus | 156 jobs Wellness | 153 jobs Relocation support | 55 jobs Fitness / gym | 46 jobs Flexible spending account | 40 jobs Gear | 32 jobs Conferences | 30 jobs Transparency | 25 jobs

Salary Composition for a Security Specialist

The salary composition for a Security Specialist 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. In the United States, for instance, the base salary might 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 range from 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, salaries 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 compensation packages.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Security Specialist Position

To increase your salary from a 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, incident response, or cloud security can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can provide insights into 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. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity will also make you a more attractive candidate for salary negotiations.

Educational Requirements for a Security Specialist

Most Security Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can provide a competitive edge. Advanced positions might require a master's degree or specialized training in cybersecurity. Continuous learning is crucial in this field, so engaging in workshops, seminars, and online courses can also be beneficial.

Helpful Certifications for a Security Specialist

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Experience Required for a Security Specialist

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience in roles such as network administrator, systems analyst, or IT support can provide a solid foundation. Hands-on experience with security tools, threat analysis, and incident response is crucial. Employers also value experience in specific industries, as different sectors may have unique security challenges and compliance requirements.

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