As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Security Architect I in Cerritos, CA is $118,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
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, skills, 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 | $118,078 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer II | 4-7 years | $146,307 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer III | 7+ years | $168,945 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer IV | 7-10 years | $199,133 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer V | 10-12 years | $232,756 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.87% |
| Security Architecture | 2.06% |
| Application Security | 1.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Container
|
$122,814 |
4%
|
|
Planning
|
$122,814 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$121,633 |
3%
|
|
API
|
$121,633 |
3%
|
|
Security Architecture
|
$121,633 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$120,452 |
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 $132,195. While startup companies pay approximate $111,834.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $111,834 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $118,277 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $127,658 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $132,195 |
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 | $144,070 | $69.0 | 22% |
| Biotechnology | $141,708 | $68.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $132,261 | $64.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $129,899 | $62.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $127,537 | $61.0 | 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 $146,400 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current IT Security Architect I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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