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Information Security Specialist III Salary in the United States

How much does an Information Security Specialist III make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Information Security Specialist III in the United States is $119,680 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.

However, an Information Security Specialist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $139,740
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $110,980 to $130,180
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $103,059
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View as table View as graph 25% $110,980 10% $103,059 90% $139,740 75% $130,180 $119,680 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Information Security Specialist III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $130,180 $10,848 $2,503 $63
Average $119,680 $9,973 $2,302 $58
25th Percentile $110,980 $9,248 $2,134 $53

Key Factors That Influence Information Security Specialist III Salaries

An Information Security Specialist 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 Information Security Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Information Security Specialist 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:

  • Information Systems Security Analyst I (0-2 years): $78,088
  • Information Systems Security Analyst II (2-4 years): $91,829
  • Information Security Specialist III (4-7 years): $119,673
  • Information Vulnerability/Risk Analyst IV (7+ years): $139,860
  • Information Vulnerability/Risk Analyst V (7-10 years): $162,023
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Information Systems Security Analyst I0-2 years$78,088
Information Systems Security Analyst II2-4 years$91,829
Information Security Specialist III4-7 years$119,673
Information Vulnerability/Risk Analyst IV7+ years$139,860
Information Vulnerability/Risk Analyst V7-10 years$162,023
$78,088 Informati...
$91,829 Informati...
$119,673 Informati...
$139,860 Informati...
$162,023 Informati...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Information Security Specialist 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: $150,980
  • San Francisco: $149,280
  • Oakland: $146,180

What Skills Can Increase an Information Security Specialist III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.82% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Incident Response (Mentioned in 3.34% Job Postings): Incident response (IR) is a set of information security policies and procedures that you can use to identify, contain, and eliminate cyberattacks.
  • Risk Assessment (Mentioned in 2.25% Job Postings): Broadly speaking, a risk assessment is the combined effort of: identifying and analyzing potential (future) events that may negatively impact individuals, assets, and/or the environment (i.e. risk analysis); and making judgments "on the tolerability of the risk on the basis of a risk analysis" while considering influencing factors (i.e. risk evaluation).Put in simpler terms, a risk assessment analyzes what can go wrong, how likely it is to happen, what the potential consequences are, and how tolerable the identified risk is. As part of this process, the resulting determination of risk may be expressed in a quantitative or qualitative fashion. The risk assessment is an inherent part of an overall risk management strategy, which attempts to, after a risk assessment, "introduce control measures to eliminate or reduce" any potential risk-related consequences.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.82%
Incident Response 3.34%
Risk Assessment 2.25%
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 an Information Security Specialist III's salary.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Insight
$123,270
3%
Innovation
$122,074
2%
Consulting
$122,074
2%
Collaboration
$122,074
2%
Commitment
$122,074
2%
Cybersecurity
$122,074
2%
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Information Security Specialist III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Information Security Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $133,861. While startup companies pay approximate $113,207.

Information Security Specialist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$113,207
Growth Stage51~500$119,734
Established501~5000$129,268
Enterprise5000+$133,861

Information Security Specialist III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Information Security Specialist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Information Security Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Information Security Specialist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Information Security Specialist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$143,616$69.020%
Biotechnology$143,616$69.020%
Energy & Utilities$143,616$69.020%
Financial Services$143,616$69.020%
Pharmaceuticals$143,616$69.020%

Information Security Specialist III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Information Security Specialist 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 July 01, 2026

Information Security Specialist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Information Security Specialist III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Information Security Specialist III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Information Vulnerability/Risk Analyst IV $139,900 17%
Web and Cyber Security - Specialist $139,900 17%
Computing Platform Risk and Security Manager $168,000 40%

Salary Trends for Information Security Specialist III

Salaries for an Information Security Specialist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $117,558 in 2023 to around $117,107 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Information Security Specialist III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Information Security Specialist III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$117,558
2024
$118,314
2025
$117,107
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $117,558
2024 $118,314
2025 $117,107
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Information Security Specialist III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Information Security Specialist III

Here are companies hiring for Information Security Specialist III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Information Security Specialist III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Information Security Specialist III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Information Security Specialist III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much does a CISO make in the Fortune 500?

The salary for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in a Fortune 500 company typically ranges from approximately $108,380 to $129,080, with a median salary around $118,580. These figures can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific organization.

3. Who is the highest paid in cyber security?

The highest-paid professionals in cybersecurity typically include roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Security Architect. While specific salaries can vary widely based on experience and location, an Information Security Specialist can expect a salary range from $108,380 to $129,080, with a mid-salary of $118,580.

4. How much can I make with a CompTIA Security+ certification?

With a CompTIA Security+ certification, you can expect to earn a salary ranging from approximately $108,380 to $129,080, with a median salary around $118,580. This certification can enhance your earning potential in the field of information security, making it a valuable investment for your career.

5. Is information security a stressful job?

Information security can indeed be a stressful job. Professionals constantly monitor for potential threats, knowing that attacks are inevitable. The pressure to protect sensitive data is high, but the compensation reflects this challenge, with salaries ranging from $108,380 to $129,080, offering a financial incentive for those in this demanding field.

6. What is the lowest salary in cyber security?

The lowest salary for an Information Security Specialist is $108,380. This figure represents the minimum compensation for professionals in this field, reflecting the entry-level or less experienced positions. As expertise and responsibilities increase, salaries can rise significantly, with mid-level positions earning around $118,580 and experienced roles reaching up to $129,080.

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

While some cybersecurity roles can exceed $500,000, the average salary for an Information Security Specialist typically ranges from $108,380 to $129,080, with a midpoint around $118,580. Salaries can vary significantly based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.

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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