As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Security Architect I in the United States is $107,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, an IT Security Architect I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An IT Security Architect I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an IT Security Architect I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| IT Security Architect I | 2-4 years | $107,821 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer II | 4-7 years | $133,598 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer III | 7+ years | $154,269 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer IV | 7-10 years | $181,835 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer V | 10-12 years | $212,537 |
What Am I Worth?
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 IT Security Architect Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.87% |
| Security Architecture | 2.06% |
| Application Security | 1.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Container
|
$112,206 |
4%
|
|
Planning
|
$112,206 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$111,127 |
3%
|
|
API
|
$111,127 |
3%
|
|
Security Architecture
|
$111,127 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$110,048 |
2%
|
IT Security Architect I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $120,777. While startup companies pay approximate $102,174.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $102,174 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $108,061 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $116,631 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $120,777 |
For IT Security Architect I 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 Internet and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, IT Security Architect positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Security Architect I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $131,626 | $63.0 | 22% |
| Biotechnology | $129,468 | $62.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $120,837 | $58.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $118,679 | $57.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $116,521 | $56.0 | 8% |
Understanding how an IT Security Architect I'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 August 01, 2026For an IT Security Architect I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cyber Security Systems Designer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $133,600 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Salaries for an IT Security Architect I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $105,281 in 2023 to around $104,261 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of IT Security Architect I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $105,281 |
| 2024 | $106,160 |
| 2025 | $104,261 |
| 2026 |
View More
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| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Security Architect I roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.
A Security Architect typically earns between $96,590 and $123,990 annually, with a median salary of around $110,990. This reflects the competitive nature of the IT security field, where professionals are increasingly in demand to protect organizational assets. Salary variations may occur based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.
The highest paying architect position is typically the Principal Architect, with salaries ranging from $145,000 to $194,500 per year. In comparison, an IT Security Architect earns between $96,590 and $123,990 annually, with a mid-salary of $110,990. Other roles like Architect Manager and Architectural Engineer also offer competitive salaries.
Yes, cyber security pays well in the USA. For an IT Security Architect, salaries range from a minimum of $96,590 to a maximum of $123,990, with a mid-salary of $110,990. This indicates a strong earning potential in the field, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in cyber security.
Yes, a security architect is a high-paying job. Based on current salary data, the minimum salary is $96,590, the mid-range salary is $110,990, and the maximum salary can reach $123,990. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and company size, with more experienced professionals earning towards the higher end of this range.
An IT Security Architect in the US typically earns between $96,590 and $123,990 annually, with a median salary of $110,990. This reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in the cybersecurity field, highlighting the importance of expertise in protecting sensitive information and systems.
The highest paid security jobs include roles like IT Security Architects, with salaries ranging from $96,590 to $123,990 annually. While positions such as Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Cloud Security Engineers can exceed $200,000, IT Security Architects are among the top earners in the cybersecurity field.
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