Security Specialist Salary in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Specialist salary lies between USD 80,000 and USD 116,000 in Canada. 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.

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: Jan. 12, 2025

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 | 902 jobs Cloud | 656 jobs CISSP | 567 jobs Vulnerabilities | 545 jobs Monitoring | 530 jobs Risk management | 499 jobs Computer Science | 470 jobs NIST | 449 jobs Audits | 418 jobs Clearance | 415 jobs Risk assessment | 389 jobs Incident response | 365 jobs Governance | 337 jobs Firewalls | 335 jobs Network security | 303 jobs Strategy | 291 jobs CISM | 277 jobs ISO 27001 | 270 jobs Azure | 269 jobs SIEM | 264 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 | 868 jobs Health care | 585 jobs Flex hours | 445 jobs Team events | 356 jobs Competitive pay | 322 jobs Equity / stock options | 286 jobs Insurance | 286 jobs Startup environment | 235 jobs Medical leave | 193 jobs Flex vacation | 192 jobs 401(k) matching | 190 jobs Parental leave | 189 jobs Salary bonus | 160 jobs Wellness | 156 jobs Relocation support | 56 jobs Fitness / gym | 47 jobs Flexible spending account | 40 jobs Gear | 32 jobs Conferences | 30 jobs Transparency | 27 jobs

Salary Composition

In Canada, the salary composition for a Security Specialist in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically includes a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing, depending on the company. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-85% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly based on the company's performance and individual achievements, ranging from 5-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-focused industries and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver might be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from the Security Specialist position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven security solutions. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also be beneficial, as these skills are highly valued and can lead to higher-paying positions. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences or workshops can open up opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, exploring roles in high-demand sectors like finance, healthcare, or technology, where cybersecurity is critical, can lead to better compensation packages.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Specialist roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education, but a degree is often preferred. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity or information assurance, can be advantageous and may be required for more senior roles. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your qualifications. 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 strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices and are often required or preferred by employers.

Required Experience

The typical experience required for a Security Specialist role ranges from 2 to 5 years in a related field, such as IT support, network administration, or systems analysis. Experience in cybersecurity-specific roles, such as a security analyst or incident responder, is highly beneficial. Employers look for candidates with hands-on experience in identifying and mitigating security threats, as well as familiarity with security tools and technologies.

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