Security Specialist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Specialist salary lies between USD 85,000 and USD 150,000 in the United States. 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: 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 | 749 jobs Cloud | 545 jobs CISSP | 471 jobs Vulnerabilities | 452 jobs Monitoring | 436 jobs Risk management | 416 jobs Computer Science | 386 jobs NIST | 373 jobs Clearance | 354 jobs Audits | 340 jobs Risk assessment | 314 jobs Incident response | 290 jobs Governance | 277 jobs Firewalls | 266 jobs Network security | 248 jobs Strategy | 240 jobs Azure | 227 jobs Privacy | 224 jobs Security assessment | 219 jobs CISM | 219 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 | 725 jobs Health care | 494 jobs Flex hours | 363 jobs Team events | 308 jobs Competitive pay | 264 jobs Insurance | 244 jobs Equity / stock options | 238 jobs Startup environment | 205 jobs 401(k) matching | 163 jobs Flex vacation | 160 jobs Medical leave | 160 jobs Parental leave | 156 jobs Salary bonus | 140 jobs Wellness | 138 jobs Relocation support | 49 jobs Fitness / gym | 44 jobs Flexible spending account | 36 jobs Gear | 29 jobs Conferences | 23 jobs Transparency | 20 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Security Specialist in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes equity in the company, especially in tech startups or larger tech firms.

The composition can vary based on several factors:

• Region: Salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, or Washington D.C. tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.
• Industry: Financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of security in these industries.
• Company Size: Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits and bonuses, while smaller companies might offer equity or stock options as part of the compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from a Security Specialist position, consider the following strategies:

• Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your qualifications and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.
• Specialization: Developing expertise in niche areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers.
• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into managerial or leadership positions, such as a Security Manager or Director of Security, can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies through courses, workshops, and conferences can make you a more competitive candidate for salary negotiations.

Educational Requirements

Most Security Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cyber Security. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and risk management is often beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the InfoSec field and can significantly enhance your career prospects. Some of the most common and helpful certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Security Specialist role requires 3-5 years of experience in IT or a related field, with a focus on security. Experience in roles such as network administrator, systems analyst, or security analyst can provide a solid foundation. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and vulnerability assessments is often crucial.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?