Cyber security analysts obtain and analyze data from computer systems to protect them from unauthorized access. They are tasked with identifying vulnerabilities and determining information or assets that must be protected. They may test their systems, respond to attacks or review logs for evidence of intrusion attempts.
The starting salary for a cyber security analyst is $34,000. In the beginning, you will be a junior-level employee, working with your team and assisting senior analysts in solving problems and tasks. As you gain more experience, your responsibilities will increase and the pay will follow suit. An entry level employee’s wage will only increase to around $52,000 after three years of service.
Starting Salary For Cyber Security Analyst Overview
Cyber security analysts are in high demand. The average starting salary for a cyber security analyst is $53,000 per year.
A junior cyber security analyst can earn between $40,000 to $50,000 per year. A senior-level cyber security analyst earns between $70,000 to $100,000 per year.
Cyber security analysts are responsible for performing a wide range of tasks such as monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of existing systems and processes; developing solutions to current problems or issues; identifying potential threats; making recommendations on how to improve existing systems/processes; developing policies and procedures; conducting research into emerging technologies; providing technical support when needed; ensuring compliance with organizational standards/policies and procedures; troubleshooting problems when they occur; maintaining knowledge of industry trends/technologies so they can effectively implement them within their organization; providing training and education on latest developments within their field of expertise (e.g., software updates); coordinating activities between different departments within an organization (e.g., IT).
What is an average cybersecurity analyst salary?
The median salary for cybersecurity analysts in the US in 2020 was $103,590, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [2]. That equates to about $50 per hour. This is more than twice as much as the median annual wage for all workers, $41,950. Compared to other information technology (IT) jobs, cybersecurity jobs pay $12,700 more per year on average [3].
Cybersecurity analyst salaries by experience
In many industries, your level of experience can have a big impact on how much you earn. This is especially true in cybersecurity, where hands-on experience is just as valuable, if not more important, to companies than education. Here’s a look at how your average base salary (US) might change as you gain more experience, based on salary data from job site PayScale [4].
| Level of experience | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (less than 1 year) | $63,235 |
| Early career (1 to 4 years) | $71,942 |
| Mid career (5 to 9 years) | $88,596 |
| Experienced (10 to 19 years) | $102,002 |
| Late career (20+ years) | $112,984 |
Cybersecurity salaries by industry
As more and more companies turn to technology and connectivity to run their business, it becomes increasingly important to keep a company’s data—and reputation—secure. While cybersecurity analysts can find work across a range of industries, some tend to pay more than others. If you’re looking to find a job in a higher-paying industry, these are some of the top (average median salary from BLS) [2]:
- Information: $107,310
- Finance and insurance: $106,430
- Computer systems design: $104,820
Cybersecurity salaries by location
Where you live and work can also have an impact on your salary. Average salaries in big cities like New York, Washington, DC, and San Diego have average salaries higher than the national average, according to PayScale [4].
As you’re considering your options, remember that it’s often more expensive to live in these larger cities, which can offset the higher salary. Many companies offer location-based salaries—salaries that take into account your location rather than the company location—for remote workers.
Cybersecurity salaries by certification
Around six in 10 cybersecurity positions request a relevant certification [3]. Earning a cybersecurity certification can be another way to boost your earning potential. The 2020 IT Skills and Salary Survey from Global Knowledge found that these security certifications are associated with the highest salaries [5]. Keep in mind that factors like skills, role, and tenure also impact these numbers.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): $149,246
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control: $151,995
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): $151,853
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): $134,460
How to increase your cybersecurity salary
Now that you have a better idea of what you could expect to earn as a cybersecurity analyst, let’s take a look at how you might boost your salary, even for an entry-level analyst position.
1. Learn new cybersecurity skills.
Companies are looking for professionals with robust cybersecurity skills to face evolving threats. Job listing site PayScale reports that the following skills are associated with the biggest salary increases for cybersecurity analysts [4]:
- Vendor management: Understand how companies can protect themselves from attacks originating from third-party vendor networks
- Intelligence analysis: Research and collect data on potential threats and bad actors to inform better security practices
- Network support: Know best practices for keeping a company’s computer network working and secure
- Identity management: Ensure that only authorized users have access to data and technological resources
- Splunk: Operate this security information and event management system (SIEM) to respond to threats
2. Earn a certification or degree.
While you don’t necessarily need a degree to get a job in cybersecurity, earning one could help you find more job opportunities and get a bump in your salary. Some 90 percent of cybersecurity job listings in the US request at least a bachelor’s degree. Of those listings, 16 percent request a graduate degree [1].
Read more about degree options and alternatives for cybersecurity, including what types of majors to consider.
If you already have a degree or IT experience, earning a cybersecurity certification could translate into a bigger paycheck. Some companies will cover the cost of certification courses and exams, offsetting how much you’d need to spend out of pocket. Be sure to speak with your manager about options if you’re interested in pursuing a certification.
Explore your options: 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
3. Negotiate your job offer.
Next time you’re offered a cybersecurity job, ask if the amount offered is open to negotiation. A survey by Glassdoor found that nearly one in three employees accepted their most recent salary offer without negotiating [7]. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll get what you ask for, you could be walking away from a bigger salary by not trying.
