A cyber security specialist is a person who takes on the responsibility and risk of ensuring that a computer system or network stays secure from attack by hackers. The Cyber Security Specialist salary can range from around $40,000 to over $110,000.
The salary for a cyber security specialist depends on the industry, experience, and location.
In general, the average annual salary for a cyber security specialist ranges from $65,000 to $100,000.
Salary for cyber security specialist
Security specialists help organizations protect their information and data from cyberattacks. These professionals monitor computer systems for intrusions and implement best practices to improve cybersecurity. A career as a security specialist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer science.
Cybersecurity specialist salaries tend to exceed the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports information security analysts, a career similar to security specialists, earned a median annual salary of $103,590 as of 2020.
This page explores job prospects and salaries for security specialists. The BLS does not report on security specialists specifically. Instead, we use BLS data from information security analysts, whose jobs are similar.
What Is a Security Specialist’s Job Description?
Security specialists, also called cybersecurity specialists, secure computer systems to protect organizations’ valuable data and information. Security specialists work in computer security, a specialized subfield of computer science. Typical duties include troubleshooting security systems, installing new security products, and testing security components. A career as a security specialist entails educating staff members on security products and procedures and assisting with other information technology issues.
Security specialists must stay up to date on security best practices and emerging cyberthreats. A career as a security specialist entails educating staff members on security products and procedures and assisting with other information technology issues. Security specialist duties also include making security recommendations to management.
Important skills for security specialists include testing and auditing, security risk management, IT security and infrastructure, and intrusion detection. With cyberattacks increasing in recent years, the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. Security specialists find work in industries like banking and insurance, government agencies, computer research and development, and aerospace.
