Threat Hunter Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Threat Hunter salary lies between USD 110,635 and USD 172,000 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. 22, 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

In the United States, the salary composition for a Threat Hunter in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, potentially making up 5% to 10% of the total package. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-risk industries such as finance or healthcare may offer more competitive compensation packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Threat Hunter position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or artificial intelligence. Gaining expertise in these areas can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or responsibilities, such as managing a team or leading significant projects, can position you for promotions and salary increases. Networking within the industry and staying updated on the latest trends and threats can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider exploring opportunities in different regions or industries where demand for threat hunters is high, as this can lead to better compensation packages.

Educational Requirements

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. Additionally, practical experience gained through internships or cooperative education programs can be highly valuable and sometimes even substitute for formal education requirements.

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 strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and practical skills in threat detection and response.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3 to 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 are often required. Demonstrated experience in identifying and mitigating security threats is crucial.

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