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Cyber Network Defense Analyst III Salary in the United States

How much does a Cyber Network Defense Analyst III make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cyber Network Defense Analyst III in the United States is $116,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.

However, a Cyber Network Defense Analyst III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $133,321
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $108,900 to $125,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $101,799

Key Factors That Influence Cyber Network Defense Analyst III Salaries

A Cyber Network Defense Analyst III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Cyber Network Defense Analyst Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cyber Network Defense Analyst III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Cyber Network Defense Analyst I (0-2 years): $74,494
  • Cyber Network Defense Analyst II (2-4 years): $91,062
  • Cyber Network Defense Analyst III (4-7 years): $116,686
  • Cyber Network Defense Analyst IV (7+ years): $131,404
  • Cyber Network Defense Analyst V (7-10 years): $148,155
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cyber Network Defense Analyst I0-2 years$74,494
Cyber Network Defense Analyst II2-4 years$91,062
Cyber Network Defense Analyst III4-7 years$116,686
Cyber Network Defense Analyst IV7+ years$131,404
Cyber Network Defense Analyst V7-10 years$148,155

How Do Cyber Network Defense Analyst III Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cyber Network Defense Analyst IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $129,200.
  • California: $128,800.
  • Massachusetts: $127,000.

Top Paying Cities for Cyber Network Defense Analyst IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $147,200
  • San Francisco: $145,600
  • Oakland: $142,500

Cyber Network Defense Analyst III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cyber Network Defense Analyst III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $130,283. While startup companies pay approximate $110,317.

Cyber Network Defense Analyst III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $110,317
Growth Stage 51~500 $116,646
Established 501~5000 $125,799
Enterprise 5000+ $130,283

Cyber Network Defense Analyst III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cyber Network Defense Analyst III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Cyber Network Defense Analyst positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cyber Network Defense Analyst III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Cyber Network Defense Analyst III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$175,050$84.050%

Cyber Network Defense Analyst III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cyber Network Defense Analyst III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$108,900
Average $116,700/year
$125,400
$9,075
Average $9,725/month
$10,450
$2,094
Average $2,244/week
$2,412
$52
Average $56/hour
$60
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $125,400 $10,450 $2,412 $60
Average $116,700 $9,725 $2,244 $56
25th Percentile $108,900 $9,075 $2,094 $52

Cyber Network Defense Analyst III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Cyber Network Defense Analyst III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cyber Network Defense Analyst IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $131,500 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Cyber Network Defense Analyst III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Cyber Network Defense Analyst III

Here are companies hiring for Cyber Network Defense Analyst III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Cyber Network Defense Analyst III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Cyber Network Defense Analyst III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Cyber Network Defense Analyst III roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. Can you make 500k a year in cyber security?

While some professionals in cybersecurity can earn over $500,000 annually, the average salary for a Cyber Network Defense Analyst ranges from $111,900 to $138,900, with a midpoint of $127,000. High earnings typically come from senior roles or specialized positions, but most analysts earn significantly less than that top figure.

3. What is a Level 3 analyst?

A Level 3 analyst is an experienced professional who delivers solutions to meet business needs. This role may include supervisory responsibilities or directing technical personnel. They often serve as program/project leaders for both internal and external projects. The salary for this position typically ranges from $111,900 to $138,900, with a midpoint of $127,000.

4. What can I do with Level 3 cyber security?

With Level 3 cyber security skills, you can pursue roles such as Cyber Network Defense Analyst, Application Support Analyst, SQL Database Administrator, and Technical Manager in Digital Forensics. Salaries for these positions typically range from $111,900 to $138,900, with a median salary around $127,000, enhancing your career prospects in the cybersecurity field.

5. What is a Level 3 analyst?

A Level 3 analyst is an experienced professional who delivers solutions to meet business needs. This role may involve supervisory responsibilities or directing technical personnel. They often serve as program/project leaders for both internal and external projects. The salary for this position typically ranges from $111,900 to $138,900, with a midpoint of $127,000.

6. What's the highest-paying job in cyber security?

Based on the salary data for a Cyber Network Defense Analyst, the compensation ranges from a minimum of $111,900 to a mid-level salary of $127,000, with top earners making up to $138,900 annually. While roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) may offer higher salaries, Cyber Network Defense Analysts are also well-compensated within the cybersecurity field.

7. Which IT job is the highest paid?

The highest paid IT job in 2025 is the Cyber Network Defense Analyst, with a maximum annual salary of $138,900. The minimum salary starts at $111,900, while the mid-range salary is $127,000. This role is among the top earners in the IT field, reflecting the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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