Security Specialist Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Security Specialist salary lies between USD 83,300 and USD 143,750 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 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 | 757 jobs Cloud | 552 jobs CISSP | 475 jobs Vulnerabilities | 457 jobs Monitoring | 446 jobs Risk management | 419 jobs Computer Science | 392 jobs NIST | 378 jobs Clearance | 361 jobs Audits | 346 jobs Risk assessment | 319 jobs Incident response | 297 jobs Governance | 283 jobs Firewalls | 272 jobs Network security | 255 jobs Strategy | 244 jobs Azure | 230 jobs Privacy | 228 jobs SIEM | 224 jobs Security assessment | 222 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 | 734 jobs Health care | 504 jobs Flex hours | 370 jobs Team events | 309 jobs Competitive pay | 270 jobs Insurance | 247 jobs Equity / stock options | 244 jobs Startup environment | 207 jobs 401(k) matching | 166 jobs Medical leave | 163 jobs Flex vacation | 162 jobs Parental leave | 160 jobs Salary bonus | 141 jobs Wellness | 139 jobs Relocation support | 49 jobs Fitness / gym | 44 jobs Flexible spending account | 37 jobs Gear | 29 jobs Conferences | 23 jobs Transparency | 21 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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