The average salary for a Vulnerability Management Specialist in the US is $128,540 per year.
Vulnerability Management Specialists focus on identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and coordinating remediation of security vulnerabilities across enterprise systems. Unlike engineering-focused roles, specialists often concentrate on analysis, reporting, risk scoring, and cross-team coordination. In the US, this role is common across financial institutions, healthcare organizations, SaaS companies, government agencies, and enterprise IT environments. Salaries vary based on tooling expertise, cloud exposure, compliance alignment, and organizational scale. Professionals who reduce enterprise risk through effective prioritization and remediation oversight typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Vulnerability Management Specialist (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $128,540 |
| Median Salary | $122,300 |
| Lowest Salary | $88,000 |
| Highest Salary | $185,000 |
Compensation may include performance bonuses tied to risk reduction metrics.
Gender Pay Analysis in Vulnerability Management Specialist
Gender pay differences for Vulnerability Management Specialists in the US are influenced by enterprise scope, certification level, and technical specialization.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $131,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $125,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $129,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where pay reflects measurable vulnerability reduction and compliance performance.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Vulnerability Management Specialists in the US typically earn around $88,000–$105,000 per year. These professionals assist with vulnerability scanning, review security reports, track remediation tickets, and support compliance documentation. Most at this level have 1–3 years of experience in cybersecurity or IT support roles.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Vulnerability Management Specialists usually earn between $110,000 and $150,000 per year. At this stage, professionals manage vulnerability scanning platforms, prioritize remediation efforts based on risk impact, and coordinate with infrastructure and development teams. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Vulnerability Management Specialists earn $170,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $185,000 in large US enterprises. These professionals design vulnerability management programs, implement automation workflows, and report directly to security leadership. Compensation reflects accountability for enterprise risk posture.
Certifications for Vulnerability Management Specialist
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- GIAC Vulnerability Assessor (GVA)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Vulnerability scanning and assessment tools (Qualys, Nessus, Rapid7)
- Risk scoring and prioritization frameworks
- Patch management coordination
- Compliance alignment (NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2)
- Reporting and dashboard development
- Cross-functional remediation coordination
Best-paying cities for Vulnerability Management Specialist in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($128,540) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $152,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $143,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Washington, DC | $139,000 | ▲ +8% |
| Seattle, WA | $137,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $132,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $122,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $119,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $129,500 | ▲ +0% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a realistic and competitive target range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate reduced critical vulnerabilities, improved remediation timelines, and strengthened compliance posture. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, certification reimbursements, and flexible work arrangements. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Vulnerability Management Specialist Compensation
As cyber threats evolve and regulatory pressure increases, proactive vulnerability management remains a priority for organizations. Specialists who can effectively prioritize risk and coordinate remediation efforts are expected to maintain steady earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $128,540 a good salary for a Vulnerability Management Specialist?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level vulnerability management roles depending on experience and industry.
Can Vulnerability Management Specialists earn over $170,000?
Yes, senior specialists in large enterprises can exceed $170,000 annually.
Do certifications increase salary?
Yes, cybersecurity certifications often improve earning potential when combined with hands-on vulnerability management experience.
Are remote Vulnerability Management roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid security roles.
Which industries pay Vulnerability Management Specialists the most?
Technology, financial services, healthcare, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Vulnerability Management Specialist?
It typically requires 5–8 years of progressive cybersecurity experience.
Is Vulnerability Management a stable career in the US?
Yes, ongoing cyber risk ensures long-term demand for vulnerability management professionals.
