We are living in a fast-paced digital era. However, when advanced technology comes into play, higher incidents of cyber threats persist. In that case, IT security specialists defend businesses’ sensitive information and critical data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S.A. (BLS) reveals in its report that the IT security specialist job market is more likely to grow by 32% by 2032. This data further reveals that it is the fastest-growing career today.
As a professional security specialist for years, let me tell you that it is one of the smart career paths in cybersecurity. By obtaining the best Cyber Security training with dedicated efforts and sincerity, you can become a go-to person who can be suggested as an accountable being for employers’ data.
If you are looking to build your career in cybersecurity. Look no further! I have outlined a brief guide on security specialist salary, job prospects, and their potential in 2024. Let me guide you through the valuable insights on security specialists so that you can ramp up your career like never before!
Who is a Security Specialist?
A security specialist is also known as a cybersecurity specialist. They are responsible for developing and executing the security standards to protect the confidential data of business organizations. They assess the security processes regularly to update the organizational privacy framework. They are also responsible for suggesting changes in the current framework to maximize safety and efficiency.
Security specialists have job prospects in almost all industries. Moreover, with greater technological evolution in the industry, the role of security specialists remains to be flexible and complex.
Security Specialist Salary in 2024
As a professional in the cybersecurity industry, I would like to assert that the market size of cybersecurity is truly huge. In India alone, this industry had a revenue market of 8.5 billion USD in 2021, which rose to 13 billion USD in 2023. To become a successful IT security specialist, you can seek a few jobs training in cybersecurity as I mentioned above.
Make sure that you become proficient in software and hardware security processes through the training programs. Moreover, an undergraduate degree is highly necessary to fulfill the requirements of an entry-level security specialist position. Let me tell you if you are looking for managerial job roles, and then you must look out for graduate programs in cybersecurity. Afterward, organizations generally train to familiarize their recruits with specific software or hardware the company uses.
While you are planning to become a security specialist, it becomes crucial for you to know its salary structure based on your years of experience and location. Let me drive you through the outlook of a security industry specialist’s salary in 2024.
bootcampcdnSecurity Specialist Salary: Based on Experience
The average salary of an IT security specialist depends heavily on experience level. The entry-level cyber security specialist's salary is comparatively lower than an experienced professional of more than 3 years so you will earn at a higher end. There are three levels of experience on which salary depends.
- Beginner: Entry-level security specialist professionals land into job profiles like security engineers and analysts. They can expect an average salary of USD 8,087.91 annually. These professionals typically address the evolving cyber threats in organizations and businesses.
- Intermediate: Security specialists with 3-5 years of experience have greater expertise than newbies, and thus, they are paid relatively higher than entry-level professionals. These professionals can expect an average salary of USD 15,089.38 annually.
- Advanced: Security specialists with more than 5 years of experience working on a senior level. They have a greater salary range. Senior security specialists’ salaries range from approximately USD 32,351.62 annually on average.
| Experience | Average Salary (Annually) |
| Beginner | USD 8,087.91 |
| Intermediate | USD 15,089.38 |
| Advanced | USD 32,351.62 |
(Source: Ambitionbox)
Security Specialist Salary: Based on Location
Security specialists' salaries vary significantly according to their demographic distribution. The demand for the profession, cost of living, and demographics of that location affect the salary. Cities have a higher salary range because these cities have more expensive costs than rural areas. The same logic applies to developed and developing countries.
So, in my opinion, understanding the variation in salary in different parts of the country will help you to make better career decisions and salary negotiation. I have drafted security specialist salary variations based on the locations of some of the top countries in cybersecurity.
A. India
Highest paying cities in India for Security Specialists in 2024 are:
Cities | Average Salary (Annually) (Source: Indeed) |
Bengaluru | ₹11, 65,865 |
Mumbai | ₹11, 25, 858 |
Gurgaon | ₹8, 73,806 |
Kolkata | ₹8,53,428 |
Chennai | ₹8,30,761 |
Companies that offer high-paying security specialist salaries in India are:
Company Name | Salary (per year) (Source: Indeed) |
Accenture | ₹13,02,134 |
Ikya Human Capital Solutions Pvt Ltd | ₹12, 84,116 |
IBM | ₹7, 71,335 |
2COMS Consulting Pvt Ltd | ₹12, 24,968 |
B. USA
Indeed reveals the data regarding security specialist salaries in the top-paying cities of the U.S.A. in 2024.
Cities | Average Salary (Annually) (Source: Indeed) |
Colorado Springs | $147,640 |
Washington D.C. | $141,580 |
San Antonio, TX | $129,204 |
Denver, CO | $125,323 |
Seattle, WA | $124,031 |
Companies that offer high-paying security specialist salaries in the USA are:
Top Companies | Average Salary (Annual) (Source: Indeed) |
Evergreen Fire & Security | $150,443 |
Mobile Communications America Inc | $132,618 |
Outsource | $108,676 |
GardaWorld | $106,870 |
C. UK
Indeed revealed some of the highest-paying cities for Security Specialists in the United Kingdom in 2024.
Top Cities | Average Salary (annual) (Source: Indeed) |
Cardiff | £49,881 |
London | £48,933 |
Birmingham | £42,275 |
Manchester | £41,736 |
Bristol | £40,955 |
Companies that offer high-paying security specialist salaries in the UK are:
Top Companies | Average Salary (annually) (Source: Indeed) |
interior | £67,387 |
HM Revenue and Customs | £54,141 |
NHS | £44,804 |
BT | £43,548 |
D. Canada
Highest paying cities in 2024 for IT Security Specialists in Canada are:
Top cities | Average Salary (annual) (Source: Indeed) |
Regina | CAD $186,259 |
Montreal | CAD $161,141 |
Mississauga | CAD $129,376 |
Calgary | CAD $107,645 |
Companies that offer high-paying security specialist salaries in Canada are:
Top Companies | Average Salary (annually) (Source: Indeed) |
eHealth Saskatchewan | CAD $111,039 |
TD Bank | CAD $108,465 |
University of British Columbia | CAD $122,396 |
Communications Security Establishment | CAD $104,421 |
E. Australia
Indeed revealed the highest-paying cities in 2024 for IT security specialists in Australia
Top cities | Average Salary (annual) (Source: Indeed) |
Sydney NSW | A$93,613 |
Melbourne VIC | A$91,147 |
Canberra ACT | A$90,469 |
Brisbane QLD | A$90,339 |
Mackay QLD | A$89,861 |
Companies that offer high-paying security specialist salaries in Australia are:
Top Companies | Average Salary (annually) (Source: Indeed) |
Kinexus | A $501,978 |
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) | A $95,639 |
Australian Department of Defence | A $93,454 |
United States Department of Defence | A $93,014 |
F. Singapore
Highest paying cities for Security Specialists near Singapore in 2024 are:
Top cities | Average Salary (annual) (Source: Indeed) |
Outram | $135991 |
Clementi | $125,519 |
Queenstown | $117,561 |
Tanjong Pagar | $102,459 |
Kallang | $91,021 |
Companies that offer high-paying security specialist salaries in Singapore are:
Top Companies | Average Salary (Annual) (Source: Indeed) |
Google | $226,419 |
Standard Chartered Bank | $208,411 |
SEEK Asia | $105,558 |
Zenith Infotech | $104,724 |
Factors Affecting Security Specialist Salary
Being a professional security specialist, I would like to draw down the reality that security specialist salary dynamics are quite complex and depend upon multiple factors. These factors include:
1. Location
The geographical location is one of the key factors that influence security specialists’ salaries. Cities that generally have a higher cost of living offer higher salaries so that employers can compensate for the higher expenses encountered by employees in these locations. For example, the security specialist's salary on average in Seattle, WA, is $124,031 annually. However, a similar designation stands for $141,581 annually in Washington, DC.
2. Industry / Employer / Company
The industries in which security specialists work determine salary levels. Industries that deal with sensitive information offer higher salaries. These industries, such as finance, healthcare, and government, attract top-tier talent, impacting compensation packages. For example, the pharmaceutical industry provides an average of $160K annually (Source: Glassdoor) to security specialists. At the same time, the healthcare industry provides $128K annually to similar professionals.
3. Experience
Experience matters the most in this industry. Entry-level information security specialist salary starts at $75K per year. Whereas the professionals with more than 2 years of job experience are $98K on average. Thus, salaries gradually increase with more experience, knowledge, and job roles.
4. Demand and Supply
Security specialist salaries have become competitive due to the high demand for such professionals. According to the University of Maryland, someone falls victim to hackers every 39 seconds. With technology readily available in today's world, the imperative to protect our systems, networks, and data has increased significantly. Consequently, the demand for more security specialists and competitive compensation has surged in response to the rise of cyber threats.
5. Skills
The more skills you possess, the higher the security specialist salary you will be provided in the cybersecurity industry. Skills like technical proficiency in ethical hacking and computer programming, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities are extremely important to grow in this career.
6. Credentials/Certifications
Security Specialist salaries significantly depend on the skill set and expertise of an individual. If you want to scale up your game in this profession, you must equip yourself with skills according to industry demand.
I recommend learning about ethical hacking, penetration testing, and threat analysis. Plus, obtain CISA certification online to develop other necessary skills in cybersecurity. This will reflect your potential to apply the specialized knowledge in real-time, boosting your salary in the rapidly evolving field.
How to Improve Security Specialist Salary?
If you find yourself in the cybersecurity industry experiencing sluggish salary growth, the common advice might be to switch companies based on your skill set. However, as a professional security specialist, I wouldn't recommend changing organizations every year just for quick financial gains. Let me share how you can target security specialist salaries without changing companies every year.
1. Certifications
Getting certified in your job profile, in my opinion, shows your dedication toward your profession and job skills. If you are willing to stand out in the industry, you should take certification and training courses and use those skills in real time. Obtaining the CEH v12 training program can work wonders. As Burning Glass data reveals, 35% of cybersecurity job roles demand these certifications. You can get certified with one and improve your career.
2. Skills
In this profession, your skills matter the most. The more extensive your skill set, the greater the chances of a higher salary. Therefore, I recommend leveling up both your hard skills, such as working with different operating systems or with cloud computing, and soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.
3. Degree
To become a successful IT security specialist, you may also consider planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Specializing in subjects such as cybersecurity, computer science, or engineering can be helpful in entering the industry. While obtaining a bachelor’s degree in these subjects is not mandatory, based on my years of experience, you may find that a lack of degree could hinder your progress toward securing more senior designations. If this situation resonates with you, consider acquiring a bachelor’s or master’s degree to enhance both your salary and employability.
4. Experience
Longer years of experience define proficiency in a particular field. Cybersecurity is no different! I always look for new opportunities where I can take part in challenging projects. Doing so elevates my knowledge in the present job role as these high-valued projects upgrade the organization's cybersecurity process. Likewise, I ensure myself to brief my accomplishments and work in the form of a portfolio. Documenting and highlighting all my accomplishments further show my experience and eligibility for newer challenges and senior-level roles in the enterprise.
Why are Security Specialists Paid So Much?
Before delving into the intricacies of the cybersecurity industry, I recommend understanding the compelling reasons that make IT security specialists a lucrative profession.
1. Growing demand
As more websites and apps emerge daily, the proliferation of digital touchpoints increases the distribution of sensitive information. Virtually every company is now actively seeking cybersecurity specialists. Their role has become indispensable because, without these professionals, we become vulnerable to hackers. Therefore, by generating more job opportunities, companies can effectively protect themselves and their customers.
2. Increased potential for growth and mobility
Cybersecurity is a specialized skill and is constantly evolving, making it a reliable avenue for expanding opportunities. As a seasoned security specialist, I recommend participating in boot camps and certification courses to acquire career-ready skills within a condensed timeframe while maintaining your current job. This approach enables companies to promote cybersecurity positions through internal hiring, prioritizing available candidates over external hires.
3. Requires Intellectual Engagement
Cybersecurity is an intellectually demanding industry. It is indeed true that identifying issues within the security infrastructure and planning and implementing solutions require a high level of intellect. Due to the complexity of operations and processes involved, security specialists command higher salaries.
4. High Stake Responsibilities
Security specialists' job roles demand significant learning and expertise. Additionally, these professionals promptly respond to emergencies and crises, working to mitigate potential threats and security breaches. These activities are crucial for businesses, requiring high-stakes responsibilities. As a result, a security industry specialist’s salary is at the higher end, reflecting the meticulous nature of their job roles.
Wrapping Up
In summary, choosing a career as a security specialist is an excellent way to kickstart your journey in cybersecurity. The security specialist salary is lucrative, making it a thriving profession. Whether you're considering it before college or planning a job switch, I recommend you acquire extensive knowledge about the industry's cybersecurity demands. In my opinion, investing in IT security specialist training, such as KnowledgeHut's courses for Cyber Security, is worthwhile. It will equip you with the necessary skills and qualifications to excel in the cybersecurity field, allowing you to secure lucrative positions in companies that are looking for ideal IT security specialists.
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