The average salary for Cyber Security professionals in the US is $136,840 per year.
Cyber Security roles cover a wide range of responsibilities, including threat detection, vulnerability management, incident response, compliance oversight, cloud security, and security architecture. In the US, demand for cybersecurity professionals spans technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, defense contractors, and enterprise corporations. Salaries vary based on specialization, experience level, certifications, and industry exposure. Professionals who combine technical expertise with risk management and compliance knowledge typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Cyber Security (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $136,840 |
| Median Salary | $130,200 |
| Lowest Salary | $82,000 |
| Highest Salary | $240,000 |
The wide salary range reflects the broad scope of roles within cybersecurity, from entry-level analysts to senior architects and security leaders.
Gender Pay Analysis in Cyber Security
Gender pay differences in Cyber Security roles in the US are influenced by specialization depth, certification level, and leadership exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $140,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $132,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $137,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior technical and leadership levels where earnings are directly tied to measurable security outcomes.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Cyber Security professionals in the US typically earn around $82,000–$100,000 per year. These roles include security analysts, junior SOC analysts, and entry-level compliance specialists. Responsibilities often include monitoring security systems, investigating alerts, and supporting risk assessments. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Cyber Security professionals usually earn between $110,000 and $160,000 per year. At this stage, individuals manage vulnerability assessments, lead incident response efforts, implement security controls, and support regulatory compliance initiatives. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Cyber Security professionals earn $190,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $240,000 in major US enterprises. These professionals design security architecture, oversee enterprise risk management programs, and lead security strategy initiatives. Compensation reflects high-impact technical leadership and organizational risk ownership.
Certifications for Cyber Security Professionals
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Threat detection and incident response
- Vulnerability assessment and remediation
- Cloud security and DevSecOps practices
- Compliance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2)
- Risk management and governance
- Security architecture design
Best-paying cities for Cyber Security in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($136,840) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,000 | ▲ +18% |
| Washington, DC | $153,000 | ▲ +12% |
| New York, NY | $150,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $146,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $141,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $130,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $127,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $137,500 | ▲ +0% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a competitive target range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate reduced incident response times, improved compliance scores, or successful vulnerability remediation initiatives. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, certification reimbursements, equity, and remote flexibility. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Cyber Security Compensation
As cyber threats continue to increase in frequency and complexity, demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals remains strong. Organizations across industries continue investing in security programs, ensuring sustained earning potential and career stability in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $136,840 a good salary in Cyber Security?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level cybersecurity roles depending on specialization and certifications.
Can Cyber Security professionals earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior architects, engineering leaders, and security executives can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do certifications increase salary?
Certifications enhance credibility and often increase earning potential, especially when combined with hands-on experience.
Are remote Cyber Security roles common?
Yes, many cybersecurity roles are remote or hybrid due to the digital nature of the work.
Which industries pay Cyber Security professionals the most?
Financial services, technology, healthcare, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Cyber Security professional?
It typically takes 6–10 years of progressive experience in security roles.
Is Cyber Security a stable career in the US?
Yes, continued digital transformation and regulatory requirements ensure strong long-term demand.
