Threat Hunter Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Threat Hunter salary lies between USD 106,250 and USD 172,000 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 Threat Hunter roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Threat Hunter job listings are Threat intelligence, Incident response and Malware. 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:

Threat intelligence | 139 jobs Incident response | 131 jobs Malware | 115 jobs Python | 100 jobs EDR | 96 jobs Scripting | 91 jobs SIEM | 90 jobs SOC | 90 jobs Cloud | 89 jobs Forensics | 84 jobs TTPs | 78 jobs Windows | 71 jobs Monitoring | 64 jobs Linux | 63 jobs MITRE ATT&CK | 63 jobs Splunk | 62 jobs GIAC | 59 jobs Computer Science | 59 jobs Threat detection | 58 jobs GCIH | 57 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Threat Hunter roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Threat Hunter job listings are Career development, Team events and Equity / stock options. 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 | 127 jobs Team events | 86 jobs Equity / stock options | 60 jobs Health care | 60 jobs Medical leave | 55 jobs Flex hours | 54 jobs Parental leave | 46 jobs Competitive pay | 34 jobs Insurance | 34 jobs Salary bonus | 28 jobs Wellness | 26 jobs Transparency | 23 jobs 401(k) matching | 22 jobs Flex vacation | 21 jobs Startup environment | 19 jobs Fitness / gym | 12 jobs Home office stipend | 8 jobs Conferences | 7 jobs Gear | 6 jobs Fertility benefits | 6 jobs

Salary Composition for a Threat Hunter

The salary composition for a Threat Hunter can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Generally, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary tends to be higher to compensate for living expenses. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living may offer a lower base salary but could provide more substantial bonuses or stock options.

In industries like finance or technology, where cybersecurity is critical, companies might offer higher bonuses or additional incentives to attract top talent. Larger companies often have more structured compensation packages, including comprehensive benefits and stock options, while smaller companies or startups might offer equity as a significant part of the compensation to make up for a lower base salary.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Threat Hunter Position

To increase your salary from a Threat Hunter position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in a Niche Area: Developing expertise in a specific area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or threat intelligence, can make you more valuable and open up higher-paying opportunities.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate your commitment to the field and enhance your qualifications for higher-level positions.
• Seek Leadership Roles: Transitioning into a leadership or managerial role can significantly increase your earning potential. This might involve leading a team of threat hunters or managing a broader cybersecurity function.
• Expand Your Network: Building a strong professional network can lead to opportunities for higher-paying positions, either within your current organization or elsewhere.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate your salary and benefits package to ensure it reflects your skills and market value.

Educational Requirements for a Threat Hunter

Most Threat Hunter positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and computer forensics can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications for a Threat Hunter

Certifications can play a crucial role in advancing your career as a Threat Hunter. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge in cybersecurity and can make you a more competitive candidate.

Experience Required for a Threat Hunter

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience in roles such as security analyst, incident responder, or penetration tester can be particularly relevant. Hands-on experience with threat detection tools, security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and familiarity with various operating systems and network protocols is often required.

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