August 6, 2024 •The MAD Professors
Introduction
The field of cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative career paths in the United States today. With cyber threats becoming more frequent and sophisticated, organizations are placing a premium on skilled cybersecurity professionals. As a result, jobs in this field often come with attractive benefits and high pay, making it an appealing option for those entering the workforce or considering a career change.
In this post, we’ll explore entry-level salaries for cybersecurity jobs, both on an hourly and annual basis, and examine how salaries typically progress throughout a cybersecurity career. We’ll also provide actionable tips, recent statistics, and real-world examples of cybersecurity roles that are in high demand. If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity, understanding the salary landscape can help you make informed decisions about your future.
Starting Salaries in Cybersecurity
One of the first questions many aspiring cybersecurity professionals ask is, “How much do cyber security jobs pay?” The good news is that even at the entry level, cybersecurity jobs offer competitive salaries that are well above the national average for many other professions.
- Cyber Security Pay Per Hour:
Entry-level positions in cybersecurity typically start at an hourly rate between $25 to $40, depending on the role and location. For example, a Cybersecurity Analyst might earn around $30 per hour, while a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst could earn closer to $35 per hour.
- Cyber Security Starting Salary:
On an annual basis, the starting salary for cybersecurity positions can range from $60,000 to $85,000. A Cybersecurity Analyst often starts with a salary around $70,000, while a Network Security Engineer might start closer to $80,000.
- Cyber Security Salary Per Month:
Monthly, this equates to a starting salary range of approximately $5,000 to $7,000. As you progress in your career and gain more certifications and experience, these numbers can increase significantly.
Cybersecurity Salaries Based on Career Progression
As you gain experience and advance in your cybersecurity career, your earning potential grows considerably. The longer you stay in the field and the more specialized your skills become, the more you can expect to earn.
- Cyber Security Salary After 5 Years:
After five years in the industry, many cybersecurity professionals find themselves in mid-level positions such as Information Security Analysts or Security Consultants. At this stage, salaries typically range from $90,000 to $120,000 per year. For instance, a Cyber Security Risk Analyst might earn around $100,000 annually, while a Penetration Tester could earn closer to $110,000.
- Cyber Security Salary After 10 Years:
With a decade of experience, cybersecurity professionals often move into senior roles, such as Senior Security Engineers, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), or Security Architects. Salaries for these positions can range from $130,000 to over $200,000 per year. For example, a CISO in a large corporation might earn $180,000 or more, while a Security Architect could command a salary of $150,000 to $170,000.
- Cybersecurity Average Salary:
On average, cybersecurity professionals across all experience levels earn around $95,000 to $120,000 per year. This average can vary significantly based on factors such as location, industry, and level of responsibility.
Cybersecurity Roles and Specific Salaries
There are many different roles within the cybersecurity field, each with its own salary range based on the required skills, responsibilities, and experience.
- Cyber Security Risk Analyst Salary:
Cybersecurity risk analysts play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating risks within an organization. Salaries for this position typically range from $80,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on experience and industry.
- Cyber Security Certifications Salary:
Obtaining cybersecurity certifications can significantly boost your earning potential. For example, professionals with certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can expect to earn salaries on the higher end of the spectrum. Certified professionals often see a 20% to 30% increase in salary compared to their non-certified counterparts.
- IT Security Degree Salary:
Holding a degree in IT security or cybersecurity can also impact your salary. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can expect starting salaries around $70,000 to $85,000, while those with a master’s degree might start at $90,000 to $110,000.
- Cyber Security Hourly Pay:
For those working in contract or freelance positions, cybersecurity hourly pay can range from $40 to $100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work and the level of expertise required. Senior-level consultants and specialized roles such as penetration testers can command rates closer to $150 per hour or more.
Does Cybersecurity Pay Well?
The short answer is yes—cybersecurity pays very well. Not only do entry-level positions offer competitive salaries, but the earning potential grows significantly with experience and specialization. Additionally, the high demand for skilled professionals in this field means that salaries are likely to continue rising in the coming years.
- How Much Do Cybersecurity Jobs Pay?
On average, cybersecurity jobs pay well above the national median salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for information security analysts was $103,590 in 2023, significantly higher than the median wage for all occupations.
- Cyber Security Salary Per Hour:
As mentioned earlier, hourly rates for cybersecurity professionals range from $25 to over $100, depending on experience and role. This hourly pay translates to a strong annual income, especially for those in senior or specialized positions.
- Average Cyber Security Salary:
The average salary for cybersecurity professionals varies by region and industry but generally falls between $95,000 to $120,000 per year. Those with advanced degrees, certifications, and significant experience can expect to earn well above this average.
Real-World Examples: Cybersecurity Jobs on Indeed.com
To give you a sense of the current job market, here are a few real-world examples of open cybersecurity roles listed on Indeed.com:
- Cyber Security Analyst (MITRE ATT&CK Required):
A financial services firm is seeking a Cyber Security Analyst with experience in MITRE ATT&CK. The role offers a salary of $80,000 to $95,000 per year, with additional benefits including paid training and certification opportunities.
- Senior Security Engineer (MITRE ATT&CK Required):
A technology company is hiring a Senior Security Engineer with a deep understanding of MITRE ATT&CK tactics. The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $160,000 per year, reflecting the high level of expertise required.
- SOC Analyst (MITRE ATT&CK Required):
A healthcare organization is looking for a SOC Analyst familiar with MITRE ATT&CK. The position offers an hourly rate of $35 to $45, with the potential for overtime and bonuses.
Conclusion
The cybersecurity field offers a rewarding career path with strong salary potential from the outset. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, there are ample opportunities to increase your earning potential through certifications, advanced degrees, and specialized roles.
If you want to stand out from the crowd in your next job search, consider getting certified in MITRE ATT&CK. As seen in the real-world examples, employers are increasingly seeking candidates who are familiar with this framework. MAD20 offers comprehensive training programs that can help you gain the skills needed to excel in these high-demand roles.
Don’t wait—take the next step in your cybersecurity career today by exploring the training and certification options available through MAD20. With the right skills and credentials, you can unlock new opportunities and achieve your salary goals in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity.