Security Specialist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Specialist salary lies between USD 83,300 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: 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 | 855 jobs Cloud | 621 jobs CISSP | 542 jobs Vulnerabilities | 517 jobs Monitoring | 499 jobs Risk management | 471 jobs Computer Science | 445 jobs NIST | 421 jobs Clearance | 401 jobs Audits | 394 jobs Risk assessment | 363 jobs Incident response | 340 jobs Governance | 322 jobs Firewalls | 314 jobs Network security | 286 jobs Strategy | 277 jobs CISM | 259 jobs Azure | 257 jobs ISO 27001 | 254 jobs Privacy | 251 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 | 825 jobs Health care | 559 jobs Flex hours | 421 jobs Team events | 341 jobs Competitive pay | 303 jobs Equity / stock options | 271 jobs Insurance | 271 jobs Startup environment | 230 jobs Flex vacation | 186 jobs 401(k) matching | 182 jobs Medical leave | 182 jobs Parental leave | 179 jobs Salary bonus | 156 jobs Wellness | 148 jobs Relocation support | 55 jobs Fitness / gym | 46 jobs Flexible spending account | 40 jobs Gear | 32 jobs Conferences | 30 jobs Transparency | 24 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.

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