The average salary for a Security Specialist in the US is $124,870 per year.
Security Specialists focus on protecting organizational systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. In the US, this role spans multiple industries including technology, finance, healthcare, government, and enterprise IT environments. Salaries vary depending on specialization area such as network security, cloud security, compliance monitoring, or vulnerability management. Professionals who combine technical expertise with hands-on incident response and regulatory knowledge typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Security Specialist (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $124,870 |
| Median Salary | $118,400 |
| Lowest Salary | $85,000 |
| Highest Salary | $195,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Security Specialist
Gender pay differences for Security Specialists in the US are influenced by specialization depth, certification level, and enterprise exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $128,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $121,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $125,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior specialist levels where pay is directly tied to technical impact and risk mitigation results.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Security Specialists in the US typically earn around $85,000–$100,000 per year. These roles focus on monitoring security alerts, conducting vulnerability scans, supporting compliance checks, and assisting with incident response investigations. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of cybersecurity experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Security Specialists usually earn between $105,000 and $145,000 per year. At this stage, professionals independently manage security controls, perform risk assessments, coordinate remediation efforts, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Security Specialists earn $170,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $195,000 in major US enterprises. These professionals lead specialized security initiatives, mentor junior analysts, and oversee high-impact risk mitigation strategies. Compensation reflects advanced technical capability and operational ownership.
Certifications for Security Specialist
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Threat monitoring and detection
- Vulnerability assessment and remediation
- Security policy implementation
- Risk management and compliance
- Log analysis and incident response
- Network and cloud security fundamentals
Best-paying cities for Security Specialist in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($124,870) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $138,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Seattle, WA | $133,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Washington, DC | $130,000 | ▲ +4% |
| Boston, MA | $128,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $119,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $116,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $125,500 | ▲ +0% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying role isn’t just about skills — it’s also about applying consistently, at scale, and to the right opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and salary negotiation instead of manual applications.
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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 improved security posture, reduced vulnerabilities, or successful compliance audits. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, certification reimbursements, remote flexibility, and professional development budgets. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Security Specialist Compensation
As cybersecurity remains a top priority for organizations across industries, demand for skilled Security Specialists continues to grow. Professionals who stay current with emerging threats and evolving compliance requirements are expected to see stable earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $124,870 a good salary for a Security Specialist?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level security roles depending on specialization and certifications.
Can Security Specialists earn over $180,000?
Yes, senior specialists with advanced expertise can exceed $180,000 annually.
Do certifications increase salary?
Certifications improve credibility and often increase earning potential when combined with hands-on experience.
Are remote Security Specialist roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid positions.
Which industries pay Security 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 Security Specialist?
It typically requires 5–8 years of progressive cybersecurity experience.
Is Security Specialist a stable career in the US?
Yes, increasing cybersecurity risks ensure long-term demand.
