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Cyber Security Architect I Salary in the United States

How much does a Cyber Security Architect I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cyber Security Architect I in the United States is $107,818 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

However, a Cyber Security Architect I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $126,460
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,768 to $117,576
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $90,528
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Cyber Security Architect I Salaries

A Cyber 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.

How Experience Level Affects Cyber Security Architect I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cyber 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:

  • Cyber Security Architect I (2-4 years): $107,818
  • Cyber Security Architect II (4-7 years): $133,601
  • Cyber Security Architect III (7+ years): $154,276
  • Cyber Security Architect IV (7-10 years): $181,846
  • Cyber Security Architect V (10-12 years): $212,550
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cyber Security Architect I2-4 years$107,818
Cyber Security Architect II4-7 years$133,601
Cyber Security Architect III7+ years$154,276
Cyber Security Architect IV7-10 years$181,846
Cyber Security Architect V10-12 years$212,550
View as Graph

How Do Cyber Security Architect I 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 Cyber Security Architect Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $119,376.
  • California: $118,923.
  • Massachusetts: $117,338.

Top Paying Cities for Cyber Security Architect Is

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: $135,991
  • San Francisco: $134,502
  • Oakland: $131,667

What Skills Can Increase a Cyber Security Architect I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.87% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Security Architecture (Mentioned in 2.06% Job Postings): Security architecture forms the foundation of a good cyber security strategy. It is a type of security design composed of multiple components, including the tools, processes, and technologies used to protect your business from external threats.
  • Application Security (Mentioned in 1.72% Job Postings): Application security is the process of developing, adding, and testing security features within applications to prevent security vulnerabilities against threats such as unauthorized access and modification.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.87%
Security Architecture 2.06%
Application Security 1.72%
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 a Cyber Security Architect I's salary.

  • Container: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Planning: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Container $112,131
4%
Planning $112,131
4%
Commitment $111,053
3%
Get Latest Data

Cyber Security Architect I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cyber 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 $120,491. While startup companies pay approximate $101,923.

Cyber Security Architect I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $101,923
Growth Stage 51~500 $107,794
Established 501~5000 $116,350
Enterprise 5000+ $120,491

Cyber Security Architect I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cyber 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, Cyber Security Architect positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cyber Security Architect I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cyber Security Architect I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$131,538$63.022%
Biotechnology$129,382$62.020%
Aerospace & Defense$120,756$58.012%
Insurance$118,600$57.010%
Energy & Utilities$116,443$56.08%

Cyber Security Architect I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cyber 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 September 01, 2026
$98,768
Average $107,818/year
$117,576
$8,231
Average $8,985/month
$9,798
$1,899
Average $2,073/week
$2,261
$47
Average $52/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $117,576 $9,798 $2,261 $57
Average $107,818 $8,985 $2,073 $52
25th Percentile $98,768 $8,231 $1,899 $47

Cyber Security Architect I Salary Growth & Career Path

Cyber Security Architect I

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Advancement

For a Cyber Security Architect I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cyber Security Architect II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $133,601 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Cyber Security Architect I

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

Common company salaries for Cyber Security Architect I

Here are companies hiring for Cyber Security Architect I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Cyber Security Architect I

1. Where can a Cyber Security Architect I earn the most?

A Cyber Security Architect I'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 Security Architect I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cyber Security Architect I is $135,991.

2. What is the highest pay for Cyber Security Architect I?

The highest pay for Cyber Security Architect I is $126,460.

3. What is the lowest pay for Cyber Security Architect I?

The lowest pay for Cyber Security Architect I is $90,528.

4. What are the responsibilities of Cyber Security Architect I?

Plans and designs security solutions and capabilities that enable the organization to identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover from cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Defines and develops security requirements using risk assessments, threat modeling, testing, and analysis of existing systems. Develops security integration plans to protect existing infrastructure and to incorporate future solutions. Creates action plans for policy creation and governance, system hardening, monitoring, incident response, disaster recovery, and emerging cybersecurity threats. Utilizes security information and event management (SEIM), data loss prevention (DLP), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and other tools in action plan designs. Reviews current architectures and systems to ensure consistency and compliance with the organization's guidelines, policies, and standards. Keeps abreast of the latest cyber threat information. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering. May require Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). May require Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Cyber Security Architect I?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Cyber Security Architect I roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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