Average CSSLP Salary for 2017

Technology is growing at an exceptional speed; software developers have vowed to accept the challenge and are launching software for the latest trends of the tech world. In the meantime, new professions and certifications are being created to protect and safeguard blossoming technologies. One emerging certification that was created is the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) Certification. This newish certification comes at a time where knowledge and skills in the field are paid at a premium, resulting in a higher than IT-industry average CSSLP salary.

An Overview of CSSLP Certification

In order to better capitalize on offering certifications for emerging professions, International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC) ² introduced the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification in 2008 which ensures security of applications within the SDLC. The software development life-cycle (SDLC) can be secured and developed with ease, thanks to certified professionals.

The CSSLP certification was designed for professionals in the following job roles; programmer, engineer, project manager, and IT analysts involved in the SDLC. Although, CTOs and CISOs may find earning CSSLP certification beneficial as well.  As the title of the certification indicates, CSSLPs have to deal with issues, risks, and application vulnerabilities that come up during the application development lifecycle.

In simple terms, CSSLP are experts who ensure sound application security by using their skills to minimize possible weaknesses of the SDLC.

Average CSSLP Salary in the US

CSSLP certification is increasingly gaining a reputation among organizations and companies who have come to better understand the value of hiring certified professionals. In addition to companies such as Leidos, Raytheon, and Boeing; the U.S. Department of Defense requires CSSLP certification as a baseline for their Level I and II IA System Architecture and Engineering staff.

Given that the value and demand for CSSLPs is increasing, it is likely that it will translate to an increase in the average CSSLP salary. However, there are number of factors that influence the average CSSLP salary in the U.S. Some of these factors include the job designation, location, and experience.

Recorded by the Salary Survey Extra,  the annual average CSSLP salary in the US was marked at $143,150 in 2016. In 2017, U.S-based CSSLP holders were estimated to earn between $117,501 and $99,958 per year.

Top 5 States With The Highest Average CSSLP Salaries

According to 2017 statistics, Virginia tops the list of states that pay the highest salaries to CSSLPs with an average salary of $156,184. Next on the list are Indiana, $148,738; District of Columbia, $135,000; and California $110,00. Maryland comes in as 5th on the list of the highest average CSSLP salaries at $107,834.

Salary Based on Experience

Similarly to most professions, the average CSSLP salary increases with experience. However, new professionals don’t need to worry if they are a novice in the field. The starting average CSSLP salary is around $60,000, reaching up to $140,000 after 10 years of experience.

Here’s an approximate salary data depending on the years of experience:

Companies Looking For CSSLP Professionals

Surprisingly, many companies and organizations in a variety are looking for CSSLP professionals. The companies looking for professionals span industries, job roles, and experience.

Here are some companies currently looking for professionals that have CSSLP certification or can earn the certification:

• Pricewaterhouse Coopers
• Apex Systems, Inc
• AT&T
• Rolls Royce
• Leidos
• And Many More!

Here are some examples of past salary offerings by major companies:

• HP Enterprise Services – $95,000
• Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. – $99,937
• Booz, Allen, and Hamilton – $95,000