The average salary for a Security Researcher in the US is $167,980 per year.
Security Researchers analyze vulnerabilities, discover zero-day exploits, reverse engineer malware, and contribute to advanced threat intelligence initiatives. In the US, this role is highly valued across cybersecurity firms, defense contractors, technology companies, research labs, and enterprise security teams. Salaries vary based on exploit development expertise, reverse engineering depth, publication record, and ability to identify critical vulnerabilities. Professionals who uncover high-impact security flaws or contribute to widely adopted security frameworks typically command higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Security Researcher (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $167,980 |
| Median Salary | $160,500 |
| Lowest Salary | $120,000 |
| Highest Salary | $245,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Security Researcher
Gender pay differences for Security Researchers in the US are influenced by specialization depth, publication history, and technical impact.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $171,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $163,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $168,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where earnings are tied to research impact and vulnerability discovery significance.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Security Researchers in the US typically earn around $120,000 per year. These roles focus on vulnerability analysis, assisting with exploit development, conducting static and dynamic code analysis, and supporting senior researchers. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience in cybersecurity or computer science research.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Security Researchers usually earn between $145,000 and $190,000 per year. At this stage, professionals independently discover vulnerabilities, publish research findings, contribute to open-source security tools, and participate in bug bounty programs. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Strong reverse engineering and exploit development skills significantly increase salary potential.
Senior Level
Senior Security Researchers earn $215,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $245,000 in major US technology and cybersecurity organizations. These professionals lead advanced threat research, uncover zero-day vulnerabilities, design detection strategies, and influence security standards across industries. Compensation reflects high-impact research contributions and technical authority.
Certifications for Security Researcher
- Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Vulnerability research and exploit development
- Reverse engineering and malware analysis
- Static and dynamic code analysis
- Threat intelligence research
- Cryptography fundamentals
- Programming (C, C++, Python, Assembly)
Best-paying cities for Security Researcher in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($167,980) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $198,000 | ▲ +18% |
| Washington, DC | $189,000 | ▲ +12% |
| New York, NY | $184,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $179,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $173,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $160,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $156,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $168,500 | ▲ +0% |
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Future Outlook for Security Researcher Compensation
As cyber threats grow in sophistication, demand for skilled Security Researchers continues to rise. Professionals who uncover critical vulnerabilities, contribute to threat intelligence, and advance defensive techniques are expected to see continued salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $167,980 a good salary for a Security Researcher?
Yes, $167,980 is competitive for mid-level roles depending on research specialization and industry.
Can Security Researchers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior researchers and vulnerability experts in major technology and defense organizations can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do certifications increase salary?
Certifications enhance credibility, but real-world vulnerability discoveries and published research have a stronger impact on compensation.
Are remote Security Researcher roles common?
Yes, many research roles are remote or hybrid, particularly in technology and cybersecurity firms.
Which industries pay Security Researchers the most?
Cybersecurity firms, defense contractors, technology companies, and enterprise SaaS providers typically offer higher compensation.
How long does it take to become a senior Security Researcher?
It typically takes 6–10 years of progressive research and vulnerability analysis experience.
Is Security Research a stable career in the US?
Yes, increasing cyber threats and evolving attack techniques ensure strong long-term demand.
