Cybersecurity Salary: How Much Do Cybersecurity Professionals Earn in 2022?
Whether you’re considering cybersecurity as a career option or trying to break into the industry, familiarizing yourself with the average salaries can give you a better perspective of its job outlook.
To give you an idea, $52,000-$235,000 per year is the salary range for cybersecurity professionals in the U.S.
However, cybersecurity salaries in the United States may vary depending on your experience, location, industry, and job title, and that’s what we’ll focus on here.
What Is the Average Salary for Cybersecurity Professionals in the United States?
According to glassdoor.com, cybersecurity professionals make an average annual income of $84,926. The average base pay is $78,469/year, with additional bonuses of $6,456 per year. On the other hand, based on data collected by payscale.com, the average salary in the U.S. for cybersecurity professionals is a bit higher, reaching $92,000/year.
Breaking Down Cybersecurity Salaries
There are multiple factors that affect the earning potential of a cybersecurity professional, including job title, location, industry, and experience. In this guide, we’ve disintegrated the salary numbers based on these variables to give you an idea of the impact each of them has.
By Job Title
By Location
The average salary for cybersecurity professionals varies across different states and even cities. States with a higher demand for cybersecurity tend to have more generous job offers. Here’s a breakdown of the average cybersecurity salaries for some states:
By Industry
Cybersecurity has a solid presence in pretty much any industry that relies on networking and cloud infrastructure. Depending on the industry, the average salary for cybersecurity professionals fluctuates.
The highest-paying industries for cybersecurity and threat intelligence professionals are Information ( $128,970/year), computer systems design ($101,000/year), and finance and insurance ($104,800/year).
By Experience
Similar to other professions, your experience level can significantly impact your earning potential in the cybersecurity domain. For example, entry-level cybersecurity jobs pay $52,000 per year on average, while leadership and managerial positions typically fall within the $130,000-$240,000 per year range.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of cybersecurity salaries based on experience:
It’s also with noting that, while the number of years of experience matters, it’s not the only thing that counts in the cybersecurity specialization. The companies you’ve worked in and the certifications you’ve acquired are important too.
For instance, spending a few years at a high-profile tech giant in Silicon Valley would definitely have more weight in your resume than working at a small business. Additionally, getting certified in one or more of the following certifications should help you make more money in the industry:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - (ISC)²
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) - ISACA
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - EC-Council
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - ISACA
- Security+ - CompTIA
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification - GSEC
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) - Offensive Security
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Is cybersecurity a Good Career Choice in the U.S.?
Yes, cybersecurity is an excellent career choice for people living in the U.S. Based on a recent report, the number of cybersecurity vacancies grew by up to 350% from 2013 to 2021, meaning that the demand for cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever.
2- Do I Need a Degree to Find a cybersecurity Job?
Mostly yes. Many employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other related degrees as a prerequisite to apply for an open position in cybersecurity. However, some employers may overlook the importance of a college degree if the candidate displays proof of experience.
Final Words
To recap, the earning potential in the cybersecurity domain is quite promising. If you’re an entry-level cybersecurity professional, expect to earn somewhere between $65,000 and $90,000 per year based on your education, industry, and state.
As you gain more experience and climb the ladder, expect your salary to increase incrementally. The peak for most cybersecurity professionals at the managerial level is $150,000-$200,000.
At CyberTalents, our goal is to connect top talented cybersecurity professionals with global opportunities that demand their expertise in the industry. Fill in your profile and apply for the job that best fits you!