How Much Do Cybersecurity Jobs Pay in USA

Introduction

Our ever-growing reliance on the internet and other digital assets has increased the necessity and challenges of cybersecurity. The more of our personal and financial data we upload to the digital world, the greater the stakes in cybersecurity. Consequently, there is a higher demand for cybersecurity professionals. This increased demand begs the question: What is the average cybersecurity salary in the US?

• The highest-paying cybersecurity jobs in the US are typically found within larger organizations, such as Meta, CrowdStrike, and Intel. A remote cybersecurity job salary in the US is usually the same as its in-house counterparts, with the bonus of candidates not being limited by proximity to the hiring organization.
• According to ZipRecruiter, the salary range for a cybersecurity professional is between $57,000 and $186,000, with an annual average of $132,962. However, most cybersecurity salaries in the US today range from $111,000 (in the 25th percentile) to $150,000 (in the 75th percentile), with the top earners, who are found in the 90th percentile, making $172,500.
• Appropriate skills, enhanced by the proper certifications and job experience, make a cybersecurity candidate a more valuable asset to any organization, and thus, they are in a position to acquire better compensation. The salary for an entry-level cybersecurity job in the US, for example, is noticeably lower than that of a senior-level cybersecurity professional.

Average Cybersecurity Salary in the US

Different job sites report varying cybersecurity salary results, so let's examine four of the most popular sites and see what they have to say.

* Cybersecurity analyst position

To obtain a realistically accurate idea of a cybersecurity-related salary, we must consider variables such as job role, location, level of experience, education, skill set, industry, and other factors. Additionally, there are many different cybersecurity roles to choose from. Let’s dig in.

Cybersecurity Salary by Job Role in the US

Let's break down annual cybersecurity salaries by job role, showing typical ranges, averages, and which skills yield the best pay. Stats provided courtesy of Payscale.

1. Cybersecurity Analyst (InfoSec Analyst) 

• Range: $57K - $124K
• Median: $83K
• Essential skills: Cybersecurity, security risk management, vulnerability assessment.

2. Junior Security Operations Center Analyst

• Range: $50K - $95K
• Median: $67K
• Essential Skills: Cybersecurity, IT security and infrastructure, network support.

3. Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker

• Range: $66K - $150K
• Median: $101K
• Essential Skills: Penetration testing, cybersecurity, vulnerability assessment.

4. Security Engineer

• Range: $72K - $150K
• Median: $103K
• Essential Skills: Security policies and procedures, cybersecurity, security testing, and auditing.

5. Security Architect

• Range: $97K - $197K
• Median: $148K
• Essential Skills: Cloud computing, cybersecurity, and security risk management.

6. Digital Forensics and Incident Response Specialist

• Range: $59 - $153K
• Median: $89K
• Essential Skills: Forensics, data collection, and data analysis.

7. Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)

• Range: $65K - $135K
• Median: $95K
• Essential Skills: Regulatory compliance, auditing, and project management.

8. Chief Information Security Officer

• Range: $117K - $247K
• Median: $182K
• Essential Skills: Cybersecurity, leadership, IT security/infrastructure.

US Cybersecurity Salary by Experience Level

Here’s how Glassdoor breaks down cybersecurity salaries by experience.

Cybersecurity Salary by Location in the US

Although the field of cybersecurity is vital across the country (and the world beyond), salaries vary depending on what part of the United States you’re working in.

Cybersecurity Salaries by US Cities and Metros

Here’s a breakdown of the top-paying US cities for cybersecurity professionals, as shown by ZipRecruiter. The US average is $132,962.

Cybersecurity Salary: State Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the twelve top-paying states for cybersecurity professionals, as reported by ZipRecruiter.

Government and Defense

Here’s a sample of median annual cybersecurity salaries in the defense and government sectors, as reported by Glassdoor.

• US Air Force: $107K
• US Army: $103K
• US Navy: $103K
• US Federal Government: $132K

Remote Cybersecurity Salaries

Most remote cybersecurity positions pay comparable to on-site counterparts, as Glassdoor shows. Total pay ranges from $60,000 to $148,000, with a median pay of $95,000.

Do Certifications Impact Cybersecurity Pay?

There’s not a single IT-related profession today that can’t benefit from some certification, and cybersecurity is no exception. For example, Forbes reports that a certified ethical hacker can earn almost $3,000 more per year than an uncertified hacker, and a certified Check Point security expert can earn an additional $2,100 annually.

Future Salary Trends in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity salaries are expected to continue rising significantly in 2026 and beyond, driven by a persistent talent shortage and an escalating number of cyber threats. Breaking it down further:

• Cyber threats are on the rise: The growing frequency and complexity of today’s cyber threats necessitate a larger, more skilled workforce with specialized skills to address these emerging threats.
• There’s a growing demand: Businesses and other organizations are increasingly investing in cybersecurity, resulting in a higher demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. 
• There’s a talent gap: As the number of unfilled cybersecurity positions continues to grow, there’s a robust and competitive market for cybersecurity talent. 
• Technology marches on: New cybersecurity roles emerging in AI, cloud computing, machine learning, and IoT security demand specialized knowledge, which translates into higher salaries.

Did You Know?

The global cybersecurity market will reach $368.19 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2025 to 2033. (Source: Business Research Insight)

How to Increase Your Cybersecurity Salary

Although cybersecurity is a very well-paying field, there’s an art to getting the most out of your salary. 

1. Have a Degree

Many organizations want applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the position, such as computer science, cybersecurity, or engineering. Although a lack of a degree isn’t always a deal-breaker, a lack of that degree can lower your marketability to a recruiter or limit your advancement up the corporate ladder. A bachelor’s degree (or better yet, a master’s) can open more doors. To solidify your expertise and advance to senior roles faster, consider the comprehensive Cybersecurity Expert Master's Program, which combines specialized knowledge and makes you learn in-demand cybersecurity skills and tools. And speaking of staying in school, the following item builds on this idea.

2. Get Hands-on Experience While You’re Still in School

If you’re still in school and are considering a career in cybersecurity, look into a tech internship during your final years of college. You will gain experience and make potentially valuable connections that you can leverage once you graduate.

3. Develop and Further Enhance Relevant Skills

Even if you’re entirely done with academia, you should never stop acquiring and enhancing the appropriate cybersecurity skills. This includes soft skills such as leadership, negotiation, communication, and teamwork, in addition to the hard skills like cloud security, programming languages, operating systems, virtual machines, and the Internet of Things. 

Acquiring a powerful, certified skillset is the most direct path to the higher end of the salary range, a goal efficiently achieved through programs like the Professional Certificate Program in Cybersecurity.

4. Consider Certification

As we have already established, certification typically leads to increased wages. Here’s a sampling of the most popular cybersecurity certifications:

• CompTIA Security+®
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH®)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM®)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA®)
• GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC®)
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP®)

5. Know What’s Out There

If you know what the industry landscape looks like, especially in areas such as salary, benefits, and demand, you can maximize your salary by becoming better aware of how market conditions are affecting your value as an IT professional.

6. Learn How to Negotiate Effectively

Consider these negotiation tips to help you get the most effective compensation:

• Know what your skills are worth - Research how the industry compensates you for your experience, education, location, and certifications. Use these facts to help you present your case
• Quantify what you want - Come to the table with a salary number already in mind, and don't hesitate to mention vacation and benefits as well
• Try to raise the initial offer - There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying to move the needle a little more in your favor
• Plan your words -  If the offer is less than ideal for you, have a speech ready. Note your experience, unique skills, and accomplishments, and let them speak for themselves
• Be specific where it matters - Know what you want and express it clearly, then be patient and wait for a response. If a company is really interested in you and what you have to offer, they'll respond

Are You Interested in a Cybersecurity Career?

If you like the idea of entering the field of cybersecurity, or you’re already involved in the field and want to upskill, consider a Professional Certificate Program in Cybersecurity or a Cybersecurity Expert Master’s Program.

The professional certificate program is a 20-week program designed for both new and experienced cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with the skills necessary to enhance their organizations' cybersecurity strategies. You can gain hands-on experience in various cybersecurity techniques, tools, and technologies, including API security, ethical hacking, network security, malware analysis, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and more.

The cybersecurity expert program is a four-month course that prepares you for CEH, CompTIA Security+, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications. This course offers a comprehensive defense strategy, covering ethical hacking with CEH, core security with CompTIA, and advanced principles and management with CISSP.

Either of these courses (or both, for those who want a complete cybersecurity experience) will equip you with the knowledge and certifications needed to make your mark in the world of cybersecurity, and may help increase your value as an IT professional.

FAQs

1. Why choose cybersecurity as a career?

As more of our everyday lives migrate to the online world, professionals are needed to keep that data and its systems secure. Consequently, cybersecurity professionals are in greater demand.

2. Is cybersecurity a 9-to-5 job?

Cybercriminals don't keep regular hours, so neither can the professionals hired to stop them. Although some cybersecurity positions have a standard 40-hour workweek, other positions necessitate having on-call or graveyard shifts to ensure constant coverage.

3. What is the average salary for a cybersecurity job in the US?

The average cybersecurity salary in the US is $132,962. This figure is subject to numerous variables, including location, state of the economy, demand, industry, and experience level.

4. What is the highest-paying role in cybersecurity?

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is usually the highest-paying job in the cybersecurity field. Depending on the company, location, and other perks, total compensation may exceed $500K annually.

5. Is cybersecurity a high-paying career compared to IT?

Yes, cybersecurity typically offers higher salaries compared to many other IT roles. The higher pay is attributed to the role's importance, increased demand, and specialized skills.

6. What certifications boost cybersecurity salaries the most?

The certifications best suited for boosting cybersecurity salaries include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

7. How much does a penetration tester make?

Indeed reports the average salary of a penetration tester is $125,062. However, this is only an average and is subject to additional factors such as experience level, company, location, and demand.

8. Which state pays cybersecurity professionals the highest?

ZipRecruiter reports that Washington is the highest-paying state for cybersecurity professionals on average.

9. How fast are cybersecurity salaries growing?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for information security analysts (including cybersecurity) are projected to grow by 29% between 2024 and 2034, which is much higher than other occupations. With higher demand comes better compensation, so expect competitive cybersecurity salaries for the next decade.

10. How much do entry-level cybersecurity jobs pay?

According to Glassdoor, entry-level cybersecurity professionals earn an annual average of $97,000, with a salary range of $73,000 to $130,000.