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Information Security Specialist V Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Information Security Specialist V in the United States is $162,080 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $179,465
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $152,580 to $171,180
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,931
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Information Security Specialist V Salaries

An Information Security Specialist V'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 V'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 Vulnerability/Risk Analyst III (4-7 years): $119,669
  • Information Vulnerability/Risk Analyst IV (7+ years): $139,857
  • Information Security Specialist V (7-10 years): $162,015
  • Data and Cyber Security Supervisor (10+ years): $87,458
  • InfoSec/Access Control Senior Supervisor (10+ years): $133,043
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Information Vulnerability/Risk Analyst III4-7 years$119,669
Information Vulnerability/Risk Analyst IV7+ years$139,857
Information Security Specialist V7-10 years$162,015
Data and Cyber Security Supervisor10+ years$87,458
InfoSec/Access Control Senior Supervisor10+ years$133,043
View as Graph

How Do Information Security Specialist V 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 Information Security Specialist Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $179,380.
  • California: $178,780.
  • Massachusetts: $176,380.

Top Paying Cities for Information Security Specialist Vs

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: $204,380
  • San Francisco: $202,180
  • Oakland: $197,880

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.35% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • CISSP (Mentioned in 2.52% Job Postings): Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification for security analysts. It was created by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC).
  • Network Security (Mentioned in 1.65% Job Postings): Network security consists of the policies and practices adopted to prevent and monitor unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of a computer network and network-accessible resources. Network security involves the authorization of access to data in a network, which is controlled by the network administrator. Users choose or are assigned an ID and password or other authenticating information that allows them access to information and programs within their authority. Network security covers a variety of computer networks, both public and private, that are used in everyday jobs; conducting transactions and communications among businesses, government agencies and individuals. Networks can be private, such as within a company, and others which might be open to public access. Network security is involved in organizations, enterprises, and other types of institutions. It does as its title explains: It secures the network, as well as protecting and overseeing operations being done. The most common and simple way of protecting a network resource is by assigning it a unique name and a corresponding password.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.35%
CISSP 2.52%
Network Security 1.65%
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 an Information Security Specialist V's salary.

  • Critical Thinking: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Operating System: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Cybersecurity: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Critical Thinking $184,771
14%
Operating System $181,530
12%
Cybersecurity $179,909
11%
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Information Security Specialist V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Information Security Specialist V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $181,131. While startup companies pay approximate $153,218.

Information Security Specialist V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $153,218
Growth Stage 51~500 $162,044
Established 501~5000 $174,905
Enterprise 5000+ $181,131

Information Security Specialist V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Information Security Specialist V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Information Security Specialist positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Information Security Specialist V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Information Security Specialist V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$226,912$109.040%
Energy & Utilities$210,704$101.030%
Financial Services$202,600$97.025%
Software & Networking$194,496$94.020%
Internet$191,254$92.018%

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

Understanding how an Information Security Specialist V'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
$152,580
Average $162,080/year
$171,180
$12,715
Average $13,507/month
$14,265
$2,934
Average $3,117/week
$3,292
$73
Average $78/hour
$82
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $171,180 $14,265 $3,292 $82
Average $162,080 $13,507 $3,117 $78
25th Percentile $152,580 $12,715 $2,934 $73

Information Security Specialist V Salary Growth & Career Path

Information Security Specialist V

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Information Security Specialist V, 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Data and Cyber Security Supervisor $87,500 -46%
Cyber Infrastructure Security Manager $141,800 -13%
Computing Platform Risk and Security Manager $168,000 4%

Most common benefits for Information Security Specialist V

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

Common company salaries for Information Security Specialist V

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

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FAQ about Information Security Specialist V

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Information Security Specialist V roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

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

The salary for a CISO in the Fortune 500 can vary significantly. Based on current data, the average salary range for an Information Security Specialist is between $155,080 and $181,980. However, in larger corporations, CISOs can earn upwards of $380,000 to $420,000 annually, reflecting the high demand and critical nature of the role.

3. Is information security high paying?

Yes, information security is a high-paying field. For an Information Security Specialist, salaries range from a minimum of $155,080 to a mid-level of $168,480, with a maximum of $181,980. This competitive pay reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in cybersecurity, especially in high-cost areas like California.

4. What is the highest paid IT job?

The highest-paid IT job is often the Information Security Specialist, with salaries ranging from $155,080 to $181,980. This role demands a strong blend of experience, advanced technical skills, and a deep understanding of cybersecurity, making it critical in protecting organizations from threats and vulnerabilities.

5. What is the highest paid security job?

The highest paid security jobs are primarily in cybersecurity roles like Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Cloud Security Engineers, and Security Architects. For Information Security Specialists, salaries range from a minimum of $155,080 to a mid-level of $168,480, reaching up to a maximum of $181,980 annually.

6. Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

While the average salary for an Information Security Specialist ranges from $155,080 to $181,980, reaching $200,000 annually is possible in senior or specialized roles. Many top-paying cybersecurity positions can exceed this range, especially with experience and advanced skills.

7. What is the highest security salary?

The highest salary for an Information Security Specialist can reach $181,980 per year, which translates to approximately $15,165 per month. In India, top-paying industries for Information Security Specialists include technology, finance, and healthcare, where demand for skilled professionals is high.

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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