As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Security Architect II in the United States is $133,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, an IT Security Architect II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An IT Security Architect II'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 II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security Systems Designer I | 2-4 years | $107,823 |
| IT Security Architect II | 4-7 years | $133,596 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer III | 7+ years | $154,262 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer IV | 7-10 years | $181,825 |
| Cyber Security Systems Designer V | 10-12 years | $212,524 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.88% |
| Security Architecture | 2.07% |
| Application Security | 1.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
IT Management
|
$138,934 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$138,934 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$137,598 |
3%
|
|
Security Architecture
|
$137,598 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$137,598 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$137,598 |
3%
|
IT Security Architect II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $149,419. While startup companies pay approximate $126,364.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $126,364 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $133,650 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $144,293 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $149,419 |
For IT Security Architect II 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 Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, IT Security Architect positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Security Architect II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $187,026 | $90.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $173,667 | $83.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $160,308 | $77.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an IT Security Architect II'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, 2026For an IT Security Architect II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cyber Security Systems Designer III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $154,300 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for an IT Security Architect II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $123,999 in 2023 to around $121,057 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of IT Security Architect II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $123,999 |
| 2024 | $123,556 |
| 2025 | $121,057 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Security Architect II roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
A security architect is typically positioned at a management level, responsible for securing an organization's entire network. With the increasing demand for cybersecurity, their expertise is crucial. Salaries for this role range from $121,190 to $149,890, with a mid-level salary of $135,590, reflecting the importance and complexity of their responsibilities.
Security architecture is a highly valuable career path, playing a crucial role in cybersecurity teams. With salaries ranging from $121,190 to $149,890, it offers significant financial rewards. Whether you're new to the field or have experience, aiming for a security architect position can be a fulfilling and lucrative goal to pursue.
Security architecture is a highly valuable career path, essential for any cybersecurity team. With a salary range from $121,190 to $149,890, it offers significant financial rewards. Whether you're new to cybersecurity or have experience, aiming for a security architect role can be a fulfilling and lucrative goal to pursue.
With a CompTIA Security+ certification, you can expect to earn a salary ranging from approximately $121,190 to $149,890, with a mid-range salary of about $135,590. This positions you competitively within the IT security field, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in cybersecurity.
The highest-paying jobs in technology include roles like IT Security Architect, with salaries ranging from $121,190 to $149,890. These positions demand a blend of extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and strong leadership capabilities, making them highly sought after in the industry.
The primary difference between Architect 1 and Architect 2 lies in their experience, with Architect 1 having 5 years and Architect 2 having 8 years. In terms of salary, an IT Security Architect typically earns between $121,190 and $149,890, with a mid-range salary of $135,590. This reflects the varying levels of expertise and responsibilities associated with their roles.
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