The average salary for a Cyber Security Consultant in the US is $144,380 per year.
Cyber Security Consultants advise organizations on how to strengthen their security posture, reduce risk exposure, and comply with regulatory requirements. They assess infrastructure, review policies, conduct security audits, and recommend strategic improvements across networks, cloud environments, and applications. In the US, this role is common across consulting firms, managed security service providers (MSSPs), financial institutions, healthcare systems, government contractors, and enterprise SaaS companies. Salaries vary based on consulting firm reputation, industry specialization, certification level, and client portfolio size. Professionals who lead high-impact security transformation projects typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Cyber Security Consultant (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $144,380 |
| Median Salary | $137,200 |
| Lowest Salary | $98,000 |
| Highest Salary | $215,000 |
Total compensation may include bonuses tied to billable utilization, project delivery, and performance incentives.
Gender Pay Analysis in Cyber Security Consultant
Gender pay differences for Cyber Security Consultants in the US are influenced by technical specialization, consulting experience, and enterprise exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $147,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $140,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $145,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior consulting levels where pay reflects client impact and revenue generation.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Cyber Security Consultants in the US typically earn around $98,000–$115,000 per year. These professionals support risk assessments, assist with compliance documentation, and contribute to security audits under senior consultant supervision. Most at this level have 1–3 years of cybersecurity experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Cyber Security Consultants usually earn between $120,000 and $170,000 per year. At this stage, professionals independently conduct security assessments, design remediation plans, and advise clients on regulatory compliance frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, or SOC 2. This level commonly requires 3–7 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Cyber Security Consultants earn $195,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $215,000 in major consulting firms. These professionals lead client engagements, oversee enterprise security transformations, and provide strategic guidance to executive stakeholders. Compensation reflects responsibility for high-value client relationships and security program outcomes.
Certifications for Cyber Security Consultant
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Risk assessment and advisory services
- Security governance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2)
- Cloud and infrastructure security consulting
- Client communication and stakeholder management
- Incident response planning
- Security program development
Best-paying cities for Cyber Security Consultant in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($144,380) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $170,000 | ▲ +18% |
| Washington, DC | $164,000 | ▲ +14% |
| New York, NY | $160,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Seattle, WA | $154,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $149,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $137,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $134,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $145,500 | ▲ +0% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying cybersecurity role isn’t just about expertise — it’s also about applying consistently, strategically, and to the right opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and compensation negotiation instead of manual applications.
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This broad coverage increases your chances of finding roles that match both your experience level and salary expectations.
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Different employers prioritize different security frameworks and industry exposure. RoboApply helps tailor resumes to better match job descriptions, increasing interview callbacks and improving application success rates.
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Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track submitted applications and monitor employer responses to refine their job search strategy over time.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and industry-based salary data to define a competitive target range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate improved client security posture, successful audit outcomes, and reduced risk exposure. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes performance bonuses, utilization incentives, and remote flexibility. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Cyber Security Consultant Compensation
As organizations continue facing evolving cyber threats and regulatory scrutiny, demand for experienced cybersecurity consultants remains strong. Professionals who can provide strategic advisory services and implement practical security improvements are expected to maintain steady earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $144,380 a good salary for a Cyber Security Consultant?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level cybersecurity consulting roles.
Can Cyber Security Consultants earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior consultants and practice leaders in large firms can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do cybersecurity certifications increase salary?
Yes, certifications such as CISSP and CISM often improve earning potential when combined with client-facing experience.
Are remote Cyber Security Consultant roles common?
Yes, many consulting engagements allow remote or hybrid work arrangements.
Which industries pay Cyber Security Consultants the most?
Technology, financial services, healthcare, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Cyber Security Consultant?
It typically requires 6–10 years of progressive cybersecurity and advisory experience.
Is Cyber Security Consulting a stable career in the US?
Yes, increasing cyber risk and compliance demands ensure long-term demand for consulting professionals.
