The average salary for an Incident Response Manager in the US is $155,000 per year.
Incident Response Managers lead cybersecurity response efforts during data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other security incidents. In the US, this role is critical across financial institutions, healthcare systems, technology companies, and government agencies. Salaries vary based on leadership responsibility, experience handling large-scale incidents, and knowledge of threat intelligence frameworks. Professionals who can reduce downtime, coordinate cross-functional response teams, and protect business continuity often command higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Incident Response Manager (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $155,000 |
| Median Salary | $149,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $110,000 |
| Highest Salary | $245,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Incident Response Manager
Gender pay differences for Incident Response Managers in the US are influenced by years of leadership experience, industry exposure, and executive reporting responsibilities.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $158,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $151,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $154,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps are generally narrower in structured enterprise environments with defined pay bands and leadership levels.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Incident Response Managers in the US typically earn around $110,000 per year. These roles may involve supervising small response teams, assisting in threat containment, and coordinating communication during incidents. Most professionals at this level have 3–5 years of cybersecurity experience, often transitioning from analyst or security engineering roles.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Incident Response Managers usually earn between $140,000 and $185,000 per year. At this stage, professionals lead full incident investigations, manage digital forensics processes, and develop incident response playbooks. This level commonly requires 5–8 years of security experience. Strong coordination skills and cross-team leadership significantly increase earning potential.
Senior Level
Senior Incident Response Managers earn $210,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $245,000 in large enterprises. These professionals oversee global security operations, manage crisis communication, and advise executive leadership during high-impact incidents. Compensation reflects responsibility for protecting major business operations.
Certifications for Incident Response Manager
- Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Incident response planning and execution
- Digital forensics and malware analysis
- Threat intelligence analysis
- Security operations center leadership
- Risk mitigation and crisis management
- Communication and executive reporting
Best-paying cities for Incident Response Manager in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($155,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $180,000 | ▲ +16% |
| New York, NY | $170,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $165,000 | ▲ +6% |
| Boston, MA | $160,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $150,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Atlanta, GA | $142,000 | ▼ −8% |
| Dallas, TX | $140,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $156,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $148,000 | ▼ −5% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use location-based salary data to define a realistic target range. - Show measurable impact
Employers pay more when candidates demonstrate how their incident response strategy reduced breach impact or response time. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, on-call pay, leadership incentives, remote flexibility, and additional time off, all of which can add meaningful value. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Incident Response Manager Compensation
Demand for Incident Response Managers continues to rise as cyberattacks become more sophisticated. Organizations prioritize rapid response capabilities and crisis leadership, making experienced managers essential. Professionals with strong forensics expertise and executive communication skills are expected to see continued salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $155,000 a good salary for an Incident Response Manager?
Yes, $155,000 is competitive for mid-level leadership roles in cybersecurity response.
Can Incident Response Managers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior managers in large enterprises often exceed $200,000 annually.
Do certifications increase salary in incident response roles?
Yes, certifications like GCIH and CISSP significantly improve earning potential.
Are remote Incident Response Manager roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid options for experienced professionals.
Which industries pay Incident Response Managers the most?
Finance, healthcare, government, and large technology firms typically offer higher salaries.
Is incident response a stable career path?
Yes, cybersecurity threats ensure long-term demand for incident response leadership.
What background is needed to become an Incident Response Manager?
Most professionals begin as security analysts, forensic specialists, or security engineers before advancing into management roles.
