6 tips for getting a salary increase in cybersecurity

Whether you’re saving up for a dream house or simply want some extra spending money on the weekend, getting a salary raise in cybersecurity will certainly help you achieve your financial goals. However, going out and getting the salary bump can often feel easier said than done! 

So, what are some things you can do to maximize your cybersecurity salary? As it turns out, there’s a variety of strategies you can put into play, from earning new certifications to targeting higher-paying companies. 

Whichever tips you ultimately choose, you’re in luck, since cybersecurity is a well-paying field. And the shortage of qualified candidates in the field means salaries are on the rise for today’s cybersecurity professionals. That’s great news for financially-motivated infosec pros like you! 

Let’s look at six tips for getting that cybersecurity salary increase you’ve been dreaming of. 

Earn cybersecurity certifications

Earning a certification is one of the most effective ways to boost your salary. In fact, a new certification can bump up your annual salary by anywhere from 5% to 25%, according to Hacker News. And while 5% may not sound like much, it’s a lot of extra cash when you compound that across the span of your career!

Keep in mind that the type of certifications you earn also plays a big role in your earning potential, according to the Cybersecurity Job Market Intelligence Report by Burning Glass Technologies. Take a look!

Average salary with certification: 

• Security+: $75,000
• CISSP: $93,010 
• CISA: $86,238
• CISM: $95,450
• GIAC GSEC: $81,631

The pay bump from getting a certification can make a huge difference for cybersecurity pros at any stage of their careers. According to the Hacker News, Information Security Analysts can look forward to a boost of up to $25,000 annually with a CISM, and $15,000 (Read more...)