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Cyber Security Systems Designer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Cyber Security Systems Designer III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cyber Security Systems Designer III in the United States is $154,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.

However, a Cyber Security Systems Designer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $171,876
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $145,500 to $163,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $137,488
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Cyber Security Systems Designer III Salaries

A Cyber Security Systems Designer 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 Security Systems Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cyber Security Systems Designer 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 Security Systems Designer I (2-4 years): $107,818
  • Cyber Security Systems Designer II (4-7 years): $133,601
  • Cyber Security Systems Designer III (7+ years): $154,276
  • Cyber Security Systems Designer IV (7-10 years): $181,846
  • Cyber Security Systems Designer V (10-12 years): $212,550
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cyber Security Systems Designer I2-4 years$107,818
Cyber Security Systems Designer II4-7 years$133,601
Cyber Security Systems Designer III7+ years$154,276
Cyber Security Systems Designer IV7-10 years$181,846
Cyber Security Systems Designer V10-12 years$212,550
View as Graph

How Do Cyber Security Systems Designer 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 Security Systems Designer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $170,900.
  • California: $170,200.
  • Massachusetts: $167,900.

Top Paying Cities for Cyber Security Systems Designer 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: $194,600
  • San Francisco: $192,500
  • Oakland: $188,500

What Skills Can Increase a Cyber Security Systems Designer III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.59% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Security Systems (Mentioned in 2.56% Job Postings): Security and protection system, any of various means or devices designed to guard persons and property against a broad range of hazards, including crime, fire, accidents, espionage, sabotage, subversion, and attack.
  • Identity and Access Management (Mentioned in 1.86% Job Postings): (IAM) ensures that the right people and job roles in your organization (identities) can access the tools they need to do their jobs. It enables your organization to manage employee apps without logging into each app as an administrator.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.59%
Security Systems 2.56%
Identity and Access Management 1.86%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Cyber Security Systems Designer III's salary.

  • Team Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Solution Design: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Enterprise Architecture: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Team Operations $165,101
7%
Solution Design $163,558
6%
Enterprise Architecture $162,015
5%
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Cyber Security Systems Designer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cyber Security Systems Designer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $172,437. While startup companies pay approximate $145,864.

Cyber Security Systems Designer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $145,864
Growth Stage 51~500 $154,266
Established 501~5000 $166,510
Enterprise 5000+ $172,437

Cyber Security Systems Designer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cyber Security Systems Designer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Cyber Security Systems Designer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cyber Security Systems Designer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cyber Security Systems Designer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$185,160$89.020%
Energy & Utilities$182,074$88.018%
Internet$178,988$86.016%
Biotechnology$177,445$85.015%
Healthcare$175,902$85.014%

Cyber Security Systems Designer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cyber Security Systems Designer 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 September 01, 2026
$145,500
Average $154,300/year
$163,500
$12,125
Average $12,858/month
$13,625
$2,798
Average $2,967/week
$3,144
$70
Average $74/hour
$79
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $163,500 $13,625 $3,144 $79
Average $154,300 $12,858 $2,967 $74
25th Percentile $145,500 $12,125 $2,798 $70

Cyber Security Systems Designer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Cyber Security Systems Designer III

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Advancement

For a Cyber Security Systems Designer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cyber Security Systems Designer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $181,900 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Cyber Security Systems Designer III

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

Common company salaries for Cyber Security Systems Designer III

Here are companies hiring for Cyber Security Systems Designer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Cyber Security Systems Designer III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Cyber Security Systems Designer III?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Cyber Security Systems Designer III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How to get a high paying job in cybersecurity?

To secure a high-paying job in cybersecurity, focus on obtaining a bachelor's or associate degree in IT or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or specific certifications. For roles like Cyber Security Systems Designer, salaries range from $143,400 to $174,200, with a median salary of $158,200, highlighting the importance of education and credentials.

3. Can you make $500,000 in cybersecurity?

While the salary data for a Cyber Security Systems Designer shows a range from $143,400 to $174,200, reaching $500,000 in this field is generally uncommon. High salaries may be achievable in executive roles or specialized positions, but for most designers, the expected compensation falls within the provided range.

4. Does cyber security pay well in USA?

Yes, cyber security pays well in the USA. For a Cyber Security Systems Designer, salaries range from a minimum of $143,400 to a maximum of $174,200, with a mid-salary of $158,200. This indicates a strong earning potential in the field, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in cyber security.

5. Can you make 250k in cyber security?

While the salary range for a Cyber Security Systems Designer is between $143,400 and $174,200, reaching $250,000 is unlikely in this specific role. However, higher positions in the field, such as senior management roles, can offer salaries that exceed $250,000, depending on experience and responsibilities.

6. What degree is best for cyber security?

A degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, or Information Technology is ideal for a career as a Cyber Security Systems Designer. These programs provide essential knowledge in network security, risk management, and system design. With salaries ranging from $143,400 to $174,200, this field offers lucrative opportunities for skilled professionals.

7. Can you make 200k in cybersecurity?

While the salary data for a Cyber Security Systems Designer shows a minimum of $143,400, a mid-range of $158,200, and a maximum of $174,200, reaching a salary of $200,000 may be challenging in this specific role. However, with experience, specialized skills, or in higher-level positions, it may be possible to exceed these figures.

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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