As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cyber Incident Response Manager in the United States is $138,202 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Cyber Incident Response Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cyber Incident Response Manager'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 a Cyber Incident Response Manager'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 Incident Response Specialist IV | 7+ years | $142,476 |
| Cyber Incident Response Specialist V | 7-10 years | $164,391 |
| Cyber Incident Response Manager | 10+ years | $138,202 |
| Cyber Incident Response Senior Manager | 10+ years | $167,492 |
| Cyber Incident Response Director | 10+ years | $184,752 |
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 Cyber Incident Response Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Cyber Incident Response Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $154,578. While startup companies pay approximate $130,727.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $130,727 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $138,264 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $149,274 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $154,578 |
For Cyber Incident Response Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Cyber Incident Response Manager positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cyber Incident Response Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $172,752 | $83.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $172,752 | $83.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $165,842 | $80.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $158,932 | $76.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $158,932 | $76.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Cyber Incident Response Manager'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 a Cyber Incident Response Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cyber Incident Response Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $167,492 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
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A Cyber Incident Response Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Cyber Incident Response Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cyber Incident Response Manager is $174,314.
The highest pay for Cyber Incident Response Manager is $161,355.
The lowest pay for Cyber Incident Response Manager is $118,599.
Manages the team responsible for investigating and responding to cyber incidents. Administers all aspects of technical incident response from initiation to conclusion. Assesses the nature of the incident and determines what resources are needed to resolve the situation. Manages and coordinates all efforts to contain and resolve the incident. Reviews reports and other documentation to make recommendations on improvements to eliminate risks. Ensures established policies, procedures, and methodologies are being followed. Collaborates with stakeholders to establish and ensure consistent response practices and prioritization of security events. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Cyber Incident Response Manager roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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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