Threat Hunter Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Threat Hunter salary lies between USD 95,000 and USD 153,400 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 Threat Hunter roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Threat Hunter job listings are Incident response, Threat intelligence and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Incident response | 45 jobs Threat intelligence | 38 jobs Python | 38 jobs Windows | 32 jobs SOC | 32 jobs Scripting | 30 jobs Vulnerabilities | 28 jobs Malware | 27 jobs Monitoring | 27 jobs Linux | 26 jobs SIEM | 24 jobs Forensics | 24 jobs TTPs | 23 jobs EDR | 23 jobs MITRE ATT&CK | 22 jobs Cloud | 22 jobs PowerShell | 21 jobs APT | 18 jobs Threat detection | 17 jobs Splunk | 17 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 Salary bonus. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 29 jobs Team events | 27 jobs Salary bonus | 20 jobs Health care | 19 jobs Startup environment | 19 jobs Flex hours | 18 jobs Medical leave | 17 jobs Equity / stock options | 10 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Fertility benefits | 3 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Threat Hunter 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. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and can be a significant part of the compensation in larger firms or those in high-cost regions like Silicon Valley. The industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and healthcare often offer higher salaries due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle. Company size can influence salary as well, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive compensation packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Threat Hunter position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training that can set you apart from your peers. Gaining expertise in emerging technologies or threat landscapes can make you more valuable. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or transitioning into a managerial position can lead to higher pay. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Another strategy is to consider relocating to regions with higher demand for cybersecurity professionals, where salaries might be more competitive. Lastly, negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities can also lead to an increase in compensation.

Educational Requirements

Most Threat Hunter 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. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and programming is essential. Additionally, coursework or experience in data analysis and threat intelligence can be beneficial. While formal education is important, practical experience and a demonstrable skill set often weigh heavily in hiring decisions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a Threat Hunter role. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and provide validation of your skills and knowledge in cybersecurity.

Required Experience

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. Demonstrated experience in identifying and mitigating threats, as well as a track record of successful incident response, can be crucial.

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