Current Pay Scales

[iscsilb]

Over the past two years, I've begun the process of the switching my career from Infrastructure to Cyber Security.  In this vein, I've studied for and have acquired my CISSP and CCSP.  What I'm looking for now is solid information on salary expectations as I begin my position search in earnest so that I'm reasonably prepared for salary questions and/or negotiations should the need arise.  Where do you recommend I go to find the most up-to-date and accurate salary information in our field?

Thanks!

[ADubiousDude]

There are several online job listing services that may give you insight into jobs and compensation.

Indeed (https://www.indeed.com/)

Glassdoor (https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm) 

One method I found valuable to evaluate compensation options was to engage the local office of a national placement agency.  They had numerous opportunities we could look at.  I formed relationships with these agents through local ISSA, IIA, and (isc)2 vendor sponsors from local events. 

On a different note, however, you can facilitate the engagement by knowing what your current compensation profile is (pay and all benefits) and what you're willing to accept to change jobs/roles.  Know why you are looking.  Invest effort to articulate your experience and value.  When you know your answers to these, you have much more meaningful conversations with people who can probably help you find a position you're seeking at a more satisfying level.

[perfidious]

To add to the other reply, much of what you get in salary depends on location, experience, role and industry. For example, banking industry, with 10 years experience in the northeast (NYC) will pay more than the same experience in the midwest. However, the cost of living is higher in the northeast anyway. As the other response, sources such as glassdoor and indeed are helpful but not perfect.

[Badfilemagic]

2014 may not exactly be bleeding edge, but it is close and a good starting point to set expectations:

https://www.sans.org/reading-room/whitepapers/analyst/cybersecurity-professional-trends-survey-34615

[billclancy]

Here's a nice recent survey. 

http://certmag.com/salary-survey-2018-new-salary-survey-75/

As a DOD contractor I'm used to comparatively short employment spans, and I'm willing to give my current employer an opportunity to bump me up to where I think I belong, or I move along. I do it nicely and there are no hard feelings. One boss hired me three times! My current boss has hired me twice.

 Don't forget to look into benefits such as 401k, education, and even increased time off as non salary negotiators.

[Beads]

Try to get your salary information from people who do such work for a living by looking for the appropriate compensation tables (comp tables) for your work area and type. Suggest looking at the following:

Payscale.com (generally a bit generous)

Salary.com (a bit conservative)

Outside of these two there are many others. Some sites tend to be a bit overly generous while others are more hiring manager friendly conservative.

Dismiss sites with an overt agenda like certification magazine or technical publications written by non-comp people. IDC is generally pretty good with an overall look in CIO, CFO, etc. but that's looking at the overall US market and reported survey results.

Of course there is always the search engine for 'Comp table security insert title here.

[billclancy]

https://www.etools.fas.gsa.gov/GWACPriceTool/priceFilter/create

This is the Government 8a pricing tool, that shows the unburdened actual rates charged by government contractors. It's searchable by location , and you can filter also. You can even export to excel!

[dab7]

How has the job search gone so far and what prompted you to make the change?  I am currently working both sides of this fence right now.

[iscsilb]

Hi,

Short answer is that my company is shrinking and avenues of advancement have closed.  To be fair, I'm getting married in two months so I haven't put as much energy in the job hunt as I should be.  My hope is to pickup full time in September.