Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field in the US, with a high demand for professionals who can protect digital information and intellectual property, create secure client records, and combat online fraud.
As cybercrime continues to be a major threat, companies are willing to offer attractive salary packages to attract the most skilled and experienced professionals.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is projected to grow by 31% over the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing career opportunities in the country.
It does increase in demand for cybersecurity skills leads to companies offering generous compensation packages and benefits to attract top talent.
Cybersecurity is a highly promising career option in the US, with a wide range of job opportunities and competitive compensation. To enter this field, a good starting point is to consider a cybersecurity bootcamp, certificate or masterclass program from a reputable institution, such as UCI DCE.
How much does a Cybersecurity make in USA?
The average cyber security salary in the USA is $119,748 per year or $57.57 per hour. Entry level positions start at $92,514 per year while most experienced workers make up to $164,683 per year.
Essential Skills Set
Cyber security engineers can have varied school and professional backgrounds. The basic requirements for a cyber security engineer are:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or CS
- A master’s degree (optional)
- Proven skills in security testing and auditing and security risk management
Other skills can help boost a cyber security applicant’s appeal factor. Some in-demand skills are:
- Cybersecurity leadership
- Cryptology
- Knowledge of government and national security
- Network security
- Privacy engineering
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical skill
- Technical writing skills
- Coding
- Expertise in law
Companies also seek individuals with proficient project management abilities and professional experience. An analytics and data science background can help cyber security engineers advance to higher positions.
Cyber Security Salaries for Freshers and Experienced
Cybersecurity salaries in the US can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and level of education. However, in general, professionals with experience and advanced education tend to earn higher salaries.
According to data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in the US is around $92,000 per year.
However, for more experienced professionals, such as a cybersecurity engineer or manager, the average salary can range from $120,000 to $170,000 per year.
For freshers, starting salaries are typically lower and can range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the company and location. However, with experience and professional development, freshers can expect to see their salaries increase.
It’s worth mentioning that these numbers may vary depending on the location, industry, and company. Also, having certifications and other qualifications such as CISSP, CISM, and CISA can increase the salary.
Factors Affecting Cybersecurity Salaries in US
There are several factors that can affect cybersecurity salaries in the US. Some of the main ones include:
1. Location: Salaries can vary widely depending on the location of the job. For example, cybersecurity professionals in major cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. tend to earn higher salaries than those in smaller cities or rural areas.
2. Experience: Professionals with more experience tend to earn higher salaries than those who are just starting out in their careers. As a general rule, the longer you’ve been working in cybersecurity, the more you can expect to earn.
3. Education: Professionals with advanced degrees or certifications in cybersecurity tend to earn higher salaries than those without.
4. Industry: Different industries may offer different salaries for cybersecurity professionals. For example, those working in government or defense tend to earn higher salaries than those in other industries.
5. Skill set: Salaries can vary depending on the specific skills of the candidate, such as network security, cloud security, penetration testing, incident response, and others.
6. Company size: Salaries can also vary depending on the size of the company, with larger companies often offering higher salaries than smaller ones.
7. Demands: Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand fields in the world, hence, the salary for the professionals in this field is relatively high.
It’s worth noting that these factors are not mutually exclusive, and that an individual’s salary may be affected by a combination of these factors.
Position From Lowest to Highest Pay
According to our 2023 Tech Salary Guide, let’s look at the six highest-paid cybersecurity jobs and their average cybersecurity salary ranges, so you have the salary insights you need to hire the expert talent you need.
| Position | Low | High |
| Information Security Manager | $150,000 | $225,000 |
| Cyber Security Engineer | $126,000 | $213,000 |
| Application Security Engineer | $130,000 | $200,000 |
| Network Security Engineer | $120,000 | $208,000 |
| Cyber Security Analyst | $114,000 | $160,000 |
| Penetration Tester “Ethical Hacker” | $114,000 | $160,000 |
1. Information Security Manager Salary
Information Security Managers are among the top highest-paid cybersecurity jobs, with an average salary range of $150,000 to $225,000.
These professionals are responsible for protecting an organization’s information systems and data against cyber threats and attacks.
They are in charge of assessing current security measures, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing strategies to mitigate future risks.
This includes developing and implementing security policies and procedures, managing security incident response, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and PCI DSS.
They also oversee the work of a team of security analysts, engineers, and administrators. Additionally, they need to stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends, technologies and threat landscape to ensure the organization is always protected.
2. Cyber Security Engineer Salary
Cybersecurity Engineers are in high demand and command some of the highest salaries in the industry, with average ranges from $126,000 to $213,000.
These professionals are essential to companies as they possess the skills and experience necessary to design, develop, and implement secure network solutions to protect against advanced cyberattacks, hacking attempts, and persistent threats.
They are responsible for multiple security functions, making them a vital asset in safeguarding a company’s sensitive data and defending against potential cyber threats.
Companies invest in Cybersecurity Engineers to ensure that they have the necessary expertise to secure their networks and data from cyber threats.
3. Application Security Engineer Salary
Application Security Engineers are among the highest-paid cybersecurity professionals, with an average salary range of $130,000 to $200,000.
As companies increasingly rely on software solutions from third-party providers such as AWS or Microsoft Azure, or even custom-built solutions, the importance of hiring an Application Security Engineer is crucial.
These experts are responsible for securing all software and business applications used within a company and ensuring that all privacy and compliance requirements are integrated into the software and strictly adhered to.
They play a vital role in protecting a company’s sensitive data and safeguarding against potential cyber threats.
4. Cyber Security Analyst Salary
Security Professionals play a vital role in protecting a company’s infrastructure and are well-compensated for their expertise with average salaries ranging from $114,000 to $160,000.
They assist in the creation, planning, and execution of security measures to keep a company’s infrastructure secure. These professionals possess the necessary knowledge and experience to work with Penetration Testers and Information Security Managers to prevent and mitigate cyberattacks that could damage a company’s bottom line.
They are particularly skilled at identifying vulnerabilities before hackers have the opportunity to exploit them. With their specialized knowledge, they are instrumental in safeguarding a company’s sensitive data and ensuring the continuity of its operations.