As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cybersecurity Expert in the United States is $174,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $84.
However, a Cybersecurity Expert's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cybersecurity Expert'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 Cybersecurity Expert'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cyber Sec... Level Cybersecurity Expert | $129,937 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cybersecurity Expert | $150,042 |
| Cybersecu... Level Cybersecurity Expert | $176,853 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cybersecurity Expert | $206,713 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cybersecurity Expert | $127,792 |
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 Cybersecurity Experts. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.53% |
| Security Controls | 2.41% |
| Computer Science | 1.97% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$187,036 |
7%
|
|
Initiative
|
$183,540 |
5%
|
|
Cloud Security
|
$183,540 |
5%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$183,540 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$183,540 |
5%
|
|
Identity and Access Management
|
$181,792 |
4%
|
For Cybersecurity Expert roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 5% above the average. In contrast, Cybersecurity Expert positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cybersecurity Expert as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $183,540 | $88.0 | 5% |
| Business Services | $183,540 | $88.0 | 5% |
| Construction | $183,540 | $88.0 | 5% |
| Energy & Utilities | $183,540 | $88.0 | 5% |
| Healthcare | $183,540 | $88.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Cybersecurity Expert'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, 2026Salaries for a Cybersecurity Expert can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $159,862 in 2023 to around $160,303 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cybersecurity Expert salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $159,862 |
| 2024 | $162,114 |
| 2025 | $160,303 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Cybersecurity Expert roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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