Cybersecurity Salary 2026
The cybersecurity job market in 2026 isn’t just growing — it’s reshaping how organizations value digital defense talent. With global information security spending projected to reach $244.2 billion this year according to Gartner, and a persistent workforce gap of 4.8 million unfilled positions worldwide per ISC2’s latest workforce study, the supply-demand imbalance continues pushing compensation upward across nearly every cybersecurity role.
But “cybersecurity salary” is a misleading term if you treat it as a single number. A junior SOC analyst in Atlanta and a CISO at a Fortune 500 company in San Francisco exist in fundamentally different compensation universes. This guide breaks down the real numbers — by experience, role, location, industry, and certification — so you can benchmark accurately whether you’re negotiating your first offer or planning your next career move.
Quick Answer: The average cybersecurity salary in the US is approximately $135,969 per year in 2026, based on analysis of over 100 job listings across major platforms. Entry-level positions start around $65,000–$85,000, mid-level roles average $107,000–$148,000, and senior positions can reach $180,000–$420,000+. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median of $124,910 for information security analysts, with the top 10% earning over $186,420.
| Experience Level | Average Base Salary | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $75,000 | $62,000–$90,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 years) | $115,000 | $90,000–$148,000 |
| Senior (6–10 years) | $155,000 | $120,000–$200,000 |
| Lead / Principal (10+ years) | $190,000 | $165,000–$250,000+ |
| Executive (CISO/VP) | $286,000 | $220,000–$420,000+ |
Sources: ZipRecruiter (February 2026), BLS OES (May 2024 data), Glassdoor (2026 data), ISC2 2025 Cybersecurity Workforce Study
Cybersecurity Salary by Experience Level
Experience remains the single strongest predictor of cybersecurity compensation. Each step up the experience ladder doesn’t just add a percentage bump — it fundamentally changes the type of roles, responsibilities, and compensation structures available to you.
Entry-Level (0–2 Years): $62,000–$90,000
If you’re breaking into cybersecurity in 2026, realistic expectations matter more than headline averages. Entry-level positions — Tier 1 SOC analyst, junior security analyst, associate security engineer — typically pay between $62,000 and $90,000 depending on your location, education, and whether you hold foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+.
The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of information security analysts earn around $69,660, which closely maps to what new entrants actually see on their first offer letters. Those with relevant internships, a computer science degree, or an active security clearance may start closer to $80,000–$90,000, particularly in government contractor roles or large enterprise environments.
One reality worth noting: ZipRecruiter’s “entry-level cybersecurity” average of $132,962 is misleading. That figure includes listings that say “entry-level” but actually require 2–3 years of experience or specialized skills. True entry-level salaries — the ones available to career changers and recent graduates — cluster in the $65,000–$85,000 band.
Mid-Level (3–5 Years): $90,000–$148,000
This is where cybersecurity compensation starts accelerating. Professionals with 3–5 years of hands-on experience typically earn between $90,000 and $148,000, with the exact number depending heavily on specialization. According to Glassdoor data, the average salary increase per experience tier at this stage is approximately $10,400 annually, translating to 7–10% growth year over year.
Mid-level roles include cybersecurity engineers, threat intelligence analysts, incident responders, and security consultants. The jump from analyst to engineer is particularly significant: security architects and engineers are offered roughly $25,000 more in base salary than analysts at equivalent experience levels, according to analysis of 2026 job postings.
This career stage also presents the largest percentage salary jumps — 20–30% increases are common when transitioning from junior to senior roles, especially when paired with a new certification or a job change.
Senior (6–10 Years): $120,000–$200,000
Senior cybersecurity professionals command $120,000 to $200,000 in base salary, with total compensation (including bonuses, equity, and benefits) potentially reaching significantly higher. Roles at this level include senior security engineer, security architect, penetration testing lead, and security manager.
Security architects represent one of the highest-compensated non-executive roles, averaging $157,632 annually according to market data, with top earners exceeding $190,000. Cloud security architects — those with deep expertise in AWS, Azure, or GCP — can earn $170,000 to $220,000 given the critical shortage of professionals who combine cloud infrastructure knowledge with security architecture skills.
At the 6–10 year mark, compensation increasingly includes performance bonuses (typically 10–15% of base), restricted stock units at publicly traded companies, and comprehensive benefits packages that push total compensation 20–40% beyond base salary.
Lead / Principal / Director (10+ Years): $165,000–$250,000+
Professionals with 10+ years of experience who’ve moved into principal engineer, security director, or VP-level roles typically earn $165,000 to $250,000+ in base salary. At this level, the distinction between technical and management tracks becomes critical.
Principal security engineers who maintain deep technical expertise — particularly in areas like reverse engineering, ICS/SCADA security, or advanced threat hunting — can match or exceed management-track salaries without taking on people-management responsibilities. Senior DevSecOps engineers command $160,900 to $198,700, reflecting the premium placed on professionals who bridge development and security.
Executive Level (CISO / VP Security): $220,000–$420,000+
The CISO role sits at the pinnacle of cybersecurity compensation. Glassdoor data shows a median base pay of $286,000 for CISOs, with base salary ranges spanning $161,000 to $420,000+ depending on company size, industry, and location. Total compensation at Fortune 500 companies regularly exceeds $500,000 when including equity and bonuses.
However, reaching CISO level typically requires 15–20 years of progressive security experience, moving through roles like SOC analyst → security engineer → security manager → director → CISO. The transition to CISO often results in a 31% salary increase, but vacancies are limited due to a relatively low turnover rate of approximately 11% per year.
Cybersecurity Salary by Role in 2026
Not all cybersecurity jobs pay equally. The architecture and engineering side consistently pays more than analyst and consultant roles — a pattern that holds across experience levels and industries.
| Role | Average Salary | Range | Key Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC Analyst (Tier 1–2) | $85,000 | $65,000–$105,000 | Security+, CySA+ |
| Security Analyst | $98,000 | $80,000–$124,910 | Security+, CEH |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | $130,000 | $110,000–$160,000 | CISSP, CEH |
| Penetration Tester | $119,895 | $95,000–$168,500 | OSCP, CEH, GPEN |
| Cloud Security Engineer | $145,000 | $130,000–$175,000 | CCSP, AWS Security |
| Security Architect | $157,632 | $130,000–$220,000 | CISSP, SABSA |
| DevSecOps Engineer | $155,000 | $135,000–$198,700 | CKS, AWS Security |
| Security Manager | $148,000 | $135,000–$175,000 | CISM, CISSP |
| Security Consultant (Senior) | $140,000 | $110,000–$180,000 | CISSP, CISM, CRISC |
| CISO | $286,000 | $220,000–$420,000+ | CISSP, CISM |
Sources: BLS OES (May 2024), Glassdoor (2026), ZipRecruiter (February 2026)
SOC Analysts and Security Analysts
SOC analysts form the frontline of cybersecurity operations. Tier 1 analysts handling initial monitoring and triage typically earn $65,000–$85,000. Tier 2 analysts conducting deeper investigations earn $85,000–$105,000, while Tier 3 specialists focused on threat hunting and detection engineering reach $100,000–$130,000.
One important trend for 2026: many Tier 1 SOC tasks are being automated through AI and orchestration platforms, which is compressing entry-level analyst salaries while increasing demand for Tier 2–3 specialists who can manage and interpret AI-driven security tools. The ISC2 2025 Workforce Study found that 73% of cybersecurity professionals believe AI will create more specialized skill requirements across the field.
Cybersecurity Engineers and Architects
These roles represent the highest-earning non-executive positions. Cybersecurity engineers — those who build, implement, and maintain security infrastructure — average around $130,000, with experienced professionals earning $148,000 or more. The transition from analyst to engineer provides the biggest single salary jump for most cybersecurity professionals.
Security architects sit even higher, averaging $157,632 and frequently exceeding $190,000 for those with extensive experience. Specialized cloud security architects earn $170,000 to $220,000, with Glassdoor data showing top earners in the 90th percentile reaching approximately $259,000.
Penetration Testers and Red Team Specialists
Ethical hackers remain in high demand, particularly due to compliance frameworks like PCI DSS, FedRAMP, and DoD requirements that mandate red-team validation. The average pen tester salary is approximately $119,895, with lead or senior penetration testers earning $145,000–$168,500+ in high-demand markets.
OSCP certification holders — whose credential is recognized as proof of hands-on offensive security capability — command some of the highest offers in the market. Job listings specifying OSCP certification offer salaries averaging $117,600–$151,000, the highest among certification-linked postings.
Application Security and DevSecOps
Application security engineers at the senior level earn $145,000–$190,000. These practitioners conduct code reviews, implement secure development practices, and integrate security into CI/CD pipelines. The hybrid requirement of both development and security knowledge drives premium compensation.
DevSecOps engineers command $160,900–$198,700 at senior levels. As organizations shift security into the development lifecycle, demand for professionals who can bridge both disciplines keeps growing. Expertise in Python, Terraform, and CI/CD pipeline security is particularly valued.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
IAM specialists represent an increasingly valued specialization as organizations implement zero trust architectures. Entry-level IAM roles start at $75,000–$90,000, with strong advancement potential as enterprises continue investing in identity-first security strategies.
Cybersecurity Salary by Location in 2026
Geography still matters — a lot. Even as remote work expands access to higher-paying roles, where a position is based (or where the company is headquartered) significantly impacts compensation. The difference between the highest and lowest-paying states for cybersecurity professionals exceeds $80,000 annually.
Top-Paying States
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data and corroborated by ZipRecruiter’s February 2026 figures, the top-paying states for cybersecurity professionals are:
| Rank | State | Average Annual Salary | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $150,592 | Microsoft, Amazon cloud economy |
| 2 | New York | $147,514 | Finance, media, large enterprises |
| 3 | California | $145,000 | Silicon Valley, tech hubs |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $143,000 | Federal agencies, defense contractors |
| 5 | Colorado | $132,000 | Growing tech sector, defense |
| 6 | Maryland | $131,260 | NSA, Cyber Command, defense |
| 7 | Virginia | $131,340 | Pentagon, intelligence community |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $129,000 | Healthcare, education, biotech |
| 9 | New Jersey | $128,000 | Pharma, financial services |
| 10 | Texas | $116,850 | Growing tech hubs, lower COL |
Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, ZipRecruiter (February 2026), Research.com
Washington state leads the nation at $150,592 on average, fueled by the cloud-focused economies centered around Microsoft and Amazon. New York follows closely, driven by the concentration of financial institutions and corporate headquarters that require robust security infrastructure. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area — spanning parts of Virginia and Maryland — represents the single largest cluster of cybersecurity employment due to federal agencies, defense contractors, and the intelligence community.
Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas
Metro-level data reveals even starker differences:
| Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $175,520 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $168,160 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC/VA/MD | $155,000 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY/NJ | $150,000 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $149,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
The San Jose metro area tops the list at $175,520 — roughly $40,000 above the national average. However, these raw numbers need context. After adjusting for cost of living, some lower-nominal-salary markets actually deliver better purchasing power.
Cost of Living Adjusted: Where You Actually Keep More
A cybersecurity engineer earning $165,000 in San Francisco may have equivalent purchasing power to someone earning $120,000 in Austin, Texas or Denver, Colorado. Several markets offer what analysts call a strong “value proposition” for cybersecurity professionals:
Austin, TX — Growing tech hub with no state income tax. Cybersecurity salaries have been rising faster than the cost of living, making it one of the best value-adjusted markets in the country.
Denver/Colorado Springs, CO — Strong defense sector presence and growing commercial tech scene. Colorado’s average of $132,000 goes further here than comparable salaries on the coasts.
Raleigh-Durham, NC — Research Triangle’s emerging cybersecurity ecosystem offers competitive salaries at a fraction of Silicon Valley’s living costs.
Indianapolis, IN and Columbus, OH — Both cities are developing cybersecurity sectors tied to insurance, finance, and state government. Lower cost of living translates to higher real-value earnings.
Remote Work and Salary Implications
Remote work has fundamentally shifted the cybersecurity salary landscape. Many organizations now hire security professionals nationally, often paying rates competitive with headquarters locations rather than employee locations. This dynamic particularly benefits professionals in lower cost-of-living areas who can access premium compensation while maintaining affordable lifestyles.
However, the trend is nuanced. Some employers adjust remote cybersecurity salaries based on employee location, offering 10–20% less for remote workers in lower cost-of-living areas compared to headquarters-based staff. When evaluating remote roles, always clarify whether the salary is location-adjusted or location-agnostic.
International Comparison
For context, cybersecurity compensation varies dramatically by country. While the US leads in absolute salary levels, several markets show rapid growth:
| Country | Typical Range (Senior Level) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $120,000–$200,000+ | Highest absolute salaries globally |
| United Kingdom | £65,000–£120,000 | London premium; strong finance sector |
| Germany | €70,000–€110,000 | Growing demand; auto/manufacturing |
| Canada | CAD $95,000–$150,000 | Vancouver, Toronto lead |
| Australia | AUD $120,000–$180,000 | Sydney, Melbourne hubs |
| Singapore | SGD $100,000–$180,000 | Regional finance hub |
| UAE | AED 300,000–$600,000 | Tax-free; growing demand |
Cybersecurity Salary by Industry in 2026
The industry you work in can shift your cybersecurity earning potential by $30,000–$50,000 or more. Different sectors face different threat levels, regulatory requirements, and data sensitivity concerns — all of which translate directly into how much they’ll pay to protect their systems.
Highest-Paying Industries
| Industry | Median Cybersecurity Salary | Premium vs. Average | Why It Pays More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology (Information Sector) | $140,000 | +16% | Largest attack surfaces, highest IT budgets |
| Financial Services / Banking | $136,390 | +13% | Regulatory mandates, transaction security |
| Defense / Government Contracting | $135,000 | +12% | Security clearance requirements |
| Corporate Management | $132,000 | +9% | Enterprise-wide risk management |
| Insurance | $128,000 | +6% | Regulatory compliance, actuarial data |
| Healthcare | $115,000 | -5% | Patient data protection, HIPAA compliance |
| Government (Non-Military) | $108,000 | -10% | Lower base but strong benefits/pension |
| Education | $95,000 | -21% | Lowest budgets but growing demand |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics — Top-paying industries for information security analysts, May 2024
According to the BLS, the information sector (which includes major tech companies) pays the highest median salary for cybersecurity roles at $136,390, followed by financial services and corporate management.
Technology Sector
Major tech companies set the salary ceiling. Google, Microsoft, Apple, and comparable firms pay between $150,000 and $250,000+ for experienced cybersecurity professionals. Cybersecurity vendors and consultancies also offer premium rates for specialized expertise. The sector is particularly competitive for cloud security and AI security specialists in 2026, as enterprises accelerate digital transformation while facing increasingly sophisticated AI-driven threats.
Financial Services
Banks, investment firms, and fintech companies rank among the most security-intensive employers. Strict regulatory requirements (PCI DSS, SOX, GLBA) and the catastrophic consequences of breaches — both financial and reputational — drive premium compensation. Cybersecurity consultants working in financial services verticals typically earn significantly more than those in other sectors. Federal agencies and defense contractors offer competitive base salaries supplemented by benefits that substantially increase total compensation, including generous pension contributions, healthcare, and education benefits.
Defense and Government
The defense sector’s unique value driver is security clearance. Professionals with active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearances command a $15,000–$30,000 premium over non-cleared peers doing equivalent work. This premium reflects the significant cost and time (often 6–18 months) required to obtain and maintain clearances.
Federal cybersecurity spending alone exceeds $25 billion annually according to Palo Alto Networks estimates, with the federal cybersecurity market projected to reach $18.8 billion in 2026.
Healthcare
Healthcare cybersecurity offers mission-critical work with growing demand. The sector’s exposure to ransomware attacks and the sensitivity of patient health information (PHI) under HIPAA create persistent demand for security talent. While base salaries run lower than tech or finance, healthcare organizations often offer comprehensive benefits packages and strong job security. The sector represents one of the fastest-growing hiring pipelines for cybersecurity professionals as digital health continues to scale.
How Certifications Impact Cybersecurity Salary
Professional certifications deliver measurable salary increases in cybersecurity — but not all certifications are created equal. The impact varies dramatically based on which credential you hold, how it aligns with your target roles, and whether you pair it with relevant experience.
Certification Salary Premiums
| Certification | Average Salary Premium | Best For | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISSP | +$25,000–$35,000 | Senior roles, management track | $749 exam |
| OSCP | +$20,000–$30,000 | Pen testing, red team | $1,749+ |
| CISM | +$20,000–$28,000 | Security management, GRC | $760 exam |
| CISA | +$18,000–$25,000 | Audit, compliance, finance | $760 exam |
| AWS Security Specialty | +$18,000–$25,000 | Cloud security roles | $300 exam |
| CCSP | +$15,000–$25,000 | Cloud security professionals | $599 exam |
| CEH | +$12,000–$18,000 | Pen testing, offensive security | $1,199 exam |
| Security+ | +$5,000–$10,000 | Entry-level, career transitions | $404 exam |
Sources: Salary premium data synthesized from ISC2 2025 Workforce Study, PayScale, job listing analysis
CISSP: The Gold Standard
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from ISC2 remains the most impactful credential for cybersecurity career advancement. CISSP holders earn an average premium of $25,000–$35,000 over non-certified peers, and the certification is the most sought-after by employers according to CyberSeek, a joint initiative of NIST, CompTIA, and Lightcast.
Average compensation for CISSP holders reaches approximately $175,583 including bonuses, according to ISC2 data. The certification requires passing a rigorous exam covering eight security domains and demonstrating five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of those domains — ensuring that certified professionals bring both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
The CISSP’s value compounds over time. It’s essentially a prerequisite for many security architect, security manager, and director-level roles, meaning it unlocks access to positions with inherently higher compensation bands rather than simply adding a bump to your current role.
OSCP: Proving Offensive Capability
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification commands the highest salaries among penetration testing credentials. Job listings specifying OSCP offer average salaries of $117,600–$151,000 — the highest among all certification-linked postings. Unlike multiple-choice exams, OSCP requires candidates to demonstrate actual exploitation skills in a hands-on lab environment, which is why employers treat it as genuine proof of offensive security capability.
Cloud Security Certifications: The Emerging Premium
Cloud security credentials — CCSP, AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Microsoft SC-100, and Google Cloud Security — are commanding rapidly growing premiums. The ISC2 2025 Workforce Study found that 36% of organizations cite cloud security as a critical skill gap, which directly drives premium compensation for credentialed cloud security professionals. Cloud security engineers with relevant certifications earn $130,000–$175,000 at mid to senior levels.
Security+ as Foundation
CompTIA Security+ serves as the most common entry point, particularly for government and defense roles where it satisfies DoD 8570 requirements. While the salary premium is more modest at $5,000–$10,000, its value lies primarily in opening doors to entry-level positions that enable experience-building. The certification provides a strong return on investment given its relatively accessible difficulty level and low exam cost.
Strategic Certification Stacking
The highest-earning cybersecurity professionals don’t hold a single certification — they strategically stack complementary credentials over time. Common high-earning certification paths include:
Technical Leadership: Security+ → CySA+ / CEH → OSCP → CISSP Management Track: Security+ → CISM → CISSP → CCISO Cloud Security: Security+ → AWS Security → CCSP → CISSP GRC / Compliance: Security+ → CISA → CISM → CRISC → CISSP
Each additional credential in a logical progression compounds your salary advantage while expanding the types of senior roles available to you.
An Important Caveat
Certification alone doesn’t guarantee higher pay. Analysis of 2026 job postings shows relatively modest salary differences between listings that specify certifications and those that don’t. The real value lies in the combination of certification plus relevant experience: the credential opens doors and validates knowledge, but hands-on capability and demonstrated impact drive compensation. Employers consistently value what you can do over what tests you’ve passed.
Skills That Command the Highest Cybersecurity Salaries in 2026
Beyond certifications and experience, specific technical and strategic skills command measurable premiums in the 2026 cybersecurity job market. Understanding which skills drive the biggest salary increases helps you invest your learning time where it matters most.
1. AI Security and AI-Driven Defense
AI security is the defining skill premium of 2026. The ISC2 2025 Cybersecurity Workforce Study found that AI is the top in-demand skill for the second consecutive year, cited by 41% of respondents. Professionals who can manage, tune, and interpret AI-driven security platforms — or who understand AI-powered attack vectors — earn 15–25% more than generalist peers.
This is no longer optional. As Gartner’s 2026 security forecast notes, the AI-amplified security market is projected to reach $160 billion by 2029, up from $49 billion in 2025. Security teams are expected to not just defend against AI-powered threats but leverage AI in their own workflows — and professionals with both skillsets command premium compensation.
2. Cloud Security (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Cloud security skills are the second most sought-after competency at 36% of respondents in ISC2’s study. With organizations accelerating multi-cloud deployments and cloud security spending growing at 28.8% annually — the fastest rate of any security subsegment — professionals with deep cloud security expertise remain in critical demand.
Cloud security engineers earn a 15–20% premium over general cybersecurity engineers. Expertise in container security, Kubernetes security, and infrastructure-as-code (IaC) security tools like Terraform is particularly valued as organizations shift toward DevSecOps practices.
3. Threat Intelligence and Threat Hunting
Proactive threat analysis professionals earn $150,000+ in 2026, particularly in fintech and healthcare sectors. As automated detection systems generate increasing volumes of alerts, the human ability to contextualize threats, conduct root cause analysis, and develop predictive intelligence becomes more valuable, not less.
SIEM expertise (Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, Chronicle) combined with active threat hunting capabilities represents a particularly valuable skill combination, as these tools become the operational backbone of modern security operations centers.
4. Secure Software Development (AppSec/DevSecOps)
With development pipelines now security-critical, professionals who can embed security into CI/CD workflows command $145,000–$198,700 at senior levels. Expertise in Python, Terraform, CI/CD pipeline security, SAST/DAST tools, and container security makes these hybrid professionals some of the highest-paid in cybersecurity outside of executive roles.
5. Executive Communication and Risk Translation
Perhaps the most undervalued salary-boosting skill: the ability to translate complex cybersecurity risks into business terms that executives and board members understand. CISOs and security leaders who bridge the technical-business gap consistently command the highest compensation in the field. Developing this capability — through presenting to leadership, writing business-focused risk assessments, and understanding financial impact modeling — creates career acceleration that no single technical skill can match.
Cybersecurity Salary vs. Related Tech Roles
How does cybersecurity compensation stack up against comparable technology careers? The comparison reveals that cybersecurity consistently commands a premium — approximately 2x the national median and significantly above general IT.
| Role | Average Salary (2026) | vs. Cybersecurity Average |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Professional (Overall) | $135,969 | Baseline |
| Software Engineer | $127,000 | -7% |
| Data Scientist | $125,000 | -8% |
| Network Engineer | $105,000 | -23% |
| General IT Professional | $97,000 | -29% |
| IT Support / Help Desk | $62,000 | -54% |
| National Median (All Occupations) | $49,500 | -64% |
Sources: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (May 2024), ZipRecruiter (2026)
The cybersecurity salary premium over general IT ($97,000 average) is roughly $39,000 annually, reflecting both the specialized expertise required and the persistent talent shortage. Against the national median of $49,500 for all occupations according to the BLS, cybersecurity professionals earn nearly 2.7x more.
Within cybersecurity itself, the salary gap between roles is also significant. Security architects and engineers consistently earn $25,000+ more than security analysts at comparable experience levels. Professionals looking to maximize their earnings should consider pivoting from analyst roles toward engineering or architecture — this transition offers the biggest single salary boost available without moving into management.
Cybersecurity Salary Trends and 2027 Predictions
What Happened in 2025–2026
The cybersecurity salary landscape in 2025–2026 painted a nuanced picture. While overall salaries remained essentially flat year-over-year according to Motion Recruitment’s 2026 Tech Salary Guide, specific job titles saw substantial gains. Information security analysts and engineers both saw 4.7% base salary increases on average — well above general wage growth.
The ISC2 2025 Workforce Study revealed a critical shift: while budget cuts and layoffs that surged in 2024 have begun stabilizing (budget cuts at 36%, down from 37%; layoffs at 24%, down from 25%), the economic pressure hasn’t translated into weaker security teams by choice. As ISC2’s Chief Operating Officer Casey Marks noted, there is no indication that budget cuts or layoffs will accelerate significantly in 2026, with the overall outlook not suggesting a worsening trend.
However, the real story isn’t about headcount — it’s about skills. For the first time, the ISC2 study found that skills shortages have overtaken hiring volume as the primary concern for cybersecurity organizations. A staggering 88% of respondents experienced at least one significant cybersecurity incident due to skills gaps, with 69% experiencing more than one.
Key Trends Shaping 2026 Compensation
AI integration is reshaping roles, not eliminating them. 70% of cybersecurity professionals are pursuing AI qualifications, and 73% expect AI to create more specialized skill requirements. Rather than threatening jobs, AI is shifting what cybersecurity professionals are expected to know and do — moving away from repetitive monitoring toward strategic oversight of AI-driven systems.
Cloud security spending leads all subsegments at 28.8% growth in 2026 according to Gartner’s 4Q25 forecast. Cloud security posture management (CSPM) alone is growing at a 31.3% CAGR. This spending surge directly fuels compensation growth for cloud security specialists.
Managed security services are growing at 11.1%, the fastest rate in the services segment. Organizations that can’t hire fast enough are buying managed SOC capacity, creating strong demand for consultants and managed service professionals.
What to Expect in 2027
Based on current trajectories and market dynamics, several predictions emerge:
Overall cybersecurity salaries will grow 5–8% in 2027, outpacing general wage growth but not matching the explosive increases seen in 2021–2022. The growth will be uneven, with AI security specialists and cloud security professionals seeing the largest gains.
The CISO role will continue commanding higher compensation as cybersecurity becomes a permanent board-level concern. The BLS projects 29% employment growth for information security analysts from 2024–2034, far exceeding the average for all occupations.
Entry-level analyst salaries may face compression as AI automation handles more Tier 1 SOC tasks. Professionals entering the field should focus on building skills that complement AI rather than compete with it — critical thinking, incident response, and threat analysis.
Remote work premiums will stabilize as location-agnostic compensation becomes more normalized. Expect clearer salary band differentiation between location-adjusted and location-agnostic roles.
How to Negotiate a Higher Cybersecurity Salary
The cybersecurity talent shortage gives qualified professionals significant leverage in salary negotiations — but only if you know how to use it. Here are five strategies grounded in market realities.
1. Lead With Market Data, Not Desire
Before any negotiation, arm yourself with salary data specific to your role, experience level, location, and certifications. Use Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, PayScale, Levels.fyi, and BLS data to build a comprehensive picture of your market value. Present this data professionally — employers respond to evidence, not assertions.
A concrete approach: gather 5–10 comparable job postings with listed salary ranges and bring them to the conversation. Frame it as alignment with market rate rather than a personal request.
2. Quantify Your Impact
The most powerful negotiation tool is concrete evidence of value delivered. Document specific achievements: incidents prevented, response times improved, compliance audits passed, security infrastructure implemented, or risk reduced. Frame these in business terms whenever possible — dollars of risk mitigated, hours of downtime prevented, or regulatory penalties avoided.
3. Time Your Ask Strategically
The best time to negotiate isn’t during annual reviews — it’s immediately after earning a significant certification, completing a high-visibility project, or receiving a competing offer. External offers are particularly effective leverage: employers in cybersecurity know that replacing a security professional costs significantly more than adjusting compensation, especially for cleared roles where replacement timelines can stretch 6–18 months.
4. Negotiate Total Compensation, Not Just Base
In senior cybersecurity roles, base salary may represent only 60–75% of total compensation. Negotiate across the full package: signing bonus, performance bonuses (typically 10–15% of base), equity or RSUs, professional development budgets (certifications, conferences, training), remote work flexibility, and additional PTO. If base salary is fixed, these levers can add $20,000–$50,000+ in total value.
5. Target the Right Move
Data consistently shows that the largest cybersecurity salary increases come from changing employers, not internal promotions. The average salary increase for an intra-industry job change in cybersecurity is 15–25%, compared to 3–5% for annual internal raises. For CISOs specifically, role transitions result in an average 31% salary increase. Strategic job changes every 2–4 years can accelerate long-term earnings significantly.
FAQs: Cybersecurity Salary in 2026
What is the average cybersecurity salary in 2026?
The average cybersecurity salary in the US is approximately $135,969 per year in 2026, based on analysis of over 100 job listings. However, this figure includes a wide range — from entry-level positions around $65,000 to executive roles exceeding $400,000. The BLS reports a median of $124,910 for information security analysts specifically, with ZipRecruiter showing an average of $153,295 across all cybersecurity roles.
How much does an entry-level cybersecurity professional make?
True entry-level cybersecurity positions — those accessible to recent graduates or career changers with foundational certifications — pay between $62,000 and $85,000 annually in 2026. Roles like junior SOC analyst, security operations assistant, or associate security analyst fall in this range. Having a relevant degree, Security+ certification, and internship experience can push starting salaries closer to $80,000–$90,000.
Is cybersecurity a good career in 2026?
By most measurable criteria, cybersecurity remains one of the strongest career paths available. The BLS projects 29% job growth for information security analysts from 2024–2034, far exceeding the national average. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 ranks information security analysts among the top 15 fastest-growing professions globally through 2030. Average salaries are nearly 2.7x the national median, and the persistent workforce gap means qualified professionals enjoy strong job security and negotiating power.
How much does a cybersecurity professional make per hour?
Based on an average salary of $135,969 and a standard 2,080-hour work year, cybersecurity professionals earn approximately $65 per hour on average. ZipRecruiter reports an average hourly rate of $73.70 for cybersecurity roles. Entry-level positions typically equate to $30–$42 per hour, while senior professionals and consultants can earn $85–$120+ per hour.
What is the highest-paying cybersecurity role?
The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is the highest-paying cybersecurity role, with median base pay of $286,000 according to Glassdoor data. Total compensation at large enterprises frequently exceeds $500,000 when including equity, bonuses, and benefits. The highest-paying non-executive role is typically security architect, with average salaries of $157,632 and senior practitioners reaching $190,000–$220,000+.
Do you need a degree for a cybersecurity career?
A bachelor’s degree is preferred for many senior roles but is not always a strict requirement. Many successful cybersecurity professionals enter the field through industry certifications (CompTIA Security+, CEH), relevant experience, and demonstrated skills. The field is increasingly “skills-first” — the ISC2 2025 Workforce Study found that skills are now considered more important than headcount by hiring organizations. Alternative paths including bootcamps, self-study, and career transitions from adjacent IT roles are viable and increasingly common.
Which certifications have the highest salary impact?
CISSP delivers the largest overall salary premium at $25,000–$35,000 above non-certified peers, followed by OSCP ($20,000–$30,000), CISM ($20,000–$28,000), and cloud security certifications like CCSP and AWS Security Specialty ($15,000–$25,000). The impact depends on alignment with your target roles — OSCP maximizes value for offensive security, CISM for management, and cloud certs for cloud-focused positions.
How does remote work affect cybersecurity salaries?
Remote cybersecurity roles generally pay 0–20% less than equivalent on-site positions at the same company, with the discount varying by employer policy. However, many organizations — especially large tech companies and security vendors — offer location-agnostic compensation that pays the same regardless of where the employee lives. For professionals in lower cost-of-living areas, remote roles at companies based in high-cost metros can represent significant real-value increases even if nominal salaries are slightly lower.
What cybersecurity skills are most in demand for 2026?
According to the ISC2 2025 Workforce Study, AI security is the top in-demand skill (41% of respondents), followed by cloud security (36%). Other high-demand skills include threat intelligence, zero trust architecture, DevSecOps, and regulatory compliance expertise. Soft skills — particularly executive communication and risk translation — are increasingly valued for senior roles.
How fast are cybersecurity salaries growing?
Year-over-year salary growth in cybersecurity averages 7–10%, substantially exceeding inflation and general wage increases. However, growth is uneven: AI security and cloud security specialists are seeing the fastest increases, while some generalist analyst roles face salary compression due to AI-driven automation of routine tasks. Information security analysts and engineers saw 4.7% base salary increases in the 2025–2026 period according to Motion Recruitment data.
Methodology: Salary data in this guide is synthesized from multiple authoritative sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024 data, the most recent available), ZipRecruiter job listing analysis (February 2026), Glassdoor employer-reported compensation data, ISC2’s 2025 Cybersecurity Workforce Study (16,029 respondents), PayScale salary surveys, and Gartner market forecasts. Where sources disagree, we present ranges and note discrepancies. All figures represent US-based compensation unless otherwise noted. Salary ranges reflect base compensation; total compensation including bonuses, equity, and benefits may be 20–40% higher for senior roles.