Cyber security analyst salary guide: How much can you earn?
Have you ever wondered what the Cyber Security Analyst salary is? With the increasing risk of cyberattacks, the demand for skilled cyber security professionals has also doubled. There are more cyber security jobs in the US than the number of qualified people to fill those roles, and over half a million open jobs are available in the US alone.
Cyber security is a major concern for businesses today, making Cyber Security Analysts essential players in securing critical business information. The increasing demand for cyber security professionals enables rapid expansion of this field with higher-than-average salaries for cyber security experts.
Wondering how much you can earn as a cyber security analyst? Let’s explore in this article below.
Average range of a cyber security analyst salary
As of 2024, the average annual cyber security analyst salary in the US is $99,400, which equates to $47.79 per hour. According to ZipRecruiter, annual salaries for cyber security analysts can be as high as $150,000 and as low as $43,000.
The following table illustrates the salary percentiles for Cyber Security Analysts in the United States based on data compiled by ZipRecruiter.
Also Read: The Impact of Human Errors on Organizations’ Security Posture
These percentiles highlight the range of annual salaries observed within the profession, providing insights into the distribution of earnings among professionals in this field.
| Salary Percentile (Range) | Annual Salary |
| 10th percentile | $43,000 |
| 25th percentile | $79,500 |
| 75th percentile | $115,500 |
| 90th percentile | $137,500 |
Factors influencing cyber security analyst salary
Cyber security analyst salaries can vary significantly due to several influencing factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for both employers and job seekers to gauge appropriate compensation levels and negotiate salary packages effectively.
Let’s explore these factors and the average salaries of cyber security analysts based on these factors.
1. Cyber security analyst salary based on level of experience
One of the primary determinants of cyber security analyst salary is the level of experience. With limited professional experience, entry-level analysts typically earn lower salaries than mid-level or senior-level analysts. As analysts gain more experience and develop expertise in cyber security practices, their earning potential tends to increase commensurately.
The following table shows how the average base salary in the United States may fluctuate with increasing experience, drawing insights from salary data sourced from the job platform PayScale.
| Level of Experience | Annual Salaries |
| Entry Level (less than 1 year) | $69,948 |
| Mid Level (3-5 years) | $93,242 |
| Experienced/Senior Level (8-12 years) | $107,534 |
| Late Carrier (15+ years) | $114,017 |
2. Cyber security analyst salary based on education and certifications
The level of education and certifications attained by cyber security analysts also significantly impacts their salary prospects. Professionals with advanced degrees in cyber security, computer science, or related fields often command higher salaries than those with only undergraduate degrees.
Moreover, obtaining industry-recognized certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can further enhance an analyst’s marketability and earning potential.
Below is the average salary based on certification levels.
| Certifications | Approximate Annual Salaries |
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | $101,000 |
| Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) | $109,012 |
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | $120,000 |
| Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | $131,967 |
| Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) | $133,616 |
3. Cyber security analyst salary based by industry and sector
The industry and sector in which cyber security analysts are employed can also influence their salaries. For example, analysts working in high-demand sectors such as finance or healthcare may command higher salaries due to the critical nature of the data they protect and the increased regulatory requirements within these industries.
Additionally, government agencies often offer competitive salaries to cyber security professionals to secure sensitive information and defend against cyber threats.
The below table provides an overview of the average salaries of cyber security analysts in different industries.
| Industries | Average Salaries |
| Finance | $129,504 |
| Healthcare | $132,962 |
| Government agencies | $132,962 |
| Tech | $111,046 |
4. Salaries based on geographic location
Geographic location is a significant factor in determining cyber security analyst salaries. Salaries vary widely based on the cost of living and demand for cyber security professionals in different regions. For instance, analysts working in metropolitan areas with a high concentration of tech companies may earn higher salaries than those working in rural areas with fewer job opportunities.
Furthermore, regional differences in cyber security regulations and industry clusters can also influence salary levels in specific locations.
Below are the top 10 cities paying higher than the national average to cyber security professionals, according to ZipRecruiter.
| Cities | Annual Salaries |
| Andrews, MD | $124,544 |
| Aristocrat Ranchettes, CO | $119,129 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $119,918 |
| Federal Way, WA | $118,101 |
| San Leandro, CA | $117,829 |
| Washington, DC | $117,888 |
| Mountain View, CA | $117,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | $115,908 |
| Gloucester, MA | $115,941 |
| Bonney Lake, WA | $113,613 |
FAQs
What is the top salary for a cyber security analyst?
The top cyber security analyst’s salary can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. However, it can range from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually in some cases.
What is a Tier 1 cyber security analyst?
A Tier 1 cyber security analyst is typically an entry-level position within a cyber security team. They are responsible for monitoring security systems, analyzing security alerts, and responding to basic security incidents.
What is the starting salary for a cyber security analyst in the UK?
The starting salary for a cyber security analyst in the UK can vary based on location, employer, and experience level. On average, entry-level cyber security analysts in the UK can expect a starting salary ranging from £25,000 to £40,000 per year.
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