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Cyber Security Operations Lead Salary in the United States

How much does a Cyber Security Operations Lead make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cyber Security Operations Lead in the United States is $164,153 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $188,714
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $150,771 to $177,009
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $138,587
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Cyber Security Operations Lead Salaries

A Cyber Security Operations Lead'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 Operations Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cyber Security Operations Lead'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $210,595
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $130,173
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $163,208
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $189,438
  • Expert (over 8 years): $210,713
Levels Salary
Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security Operations Lead$210,595
Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security Operations Lead$130,173
Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security Operations Lead$163,208
Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security Operations Lead$189,438
Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security Operations Lead$210,713
View as Graph

How Do Cyber Security Operations Lead 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 Operations Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $181,750.
  • California: $181,061.
  • Massachusetts: $178,648.

Top Paying Cities for Cyber Security Operations Leads

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: $207,046
  • San Francisco: $204,779
  • Oakland: $200,464

What Skills Can Increase a Cyber Security Operations Lead's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.21% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • CISSP (Mentioned in 3.16% Job Postings): Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification for security analysts. It was created by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC).
  • Cybersecurity (Mentioned in 2.11% Job Postings): Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.21%
CISSP 3.16%
Cybersecurity 2.11%
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 Operations Lead's salary.

  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Courage: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Dedication $170,719
4%
Insight $170,719
4%
Courage $170,719
4%
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Cyber Security Operations Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cyber Security Operations Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cyber Security Operations Lead positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cyber Security Operations Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cyber Security Operations Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$213,399$103.030%
Internet$205,191$99.025%
Software & Networking$205,191$99.025%
Energy & Utilities$196,984$95.020%
Financial Services$196,984$95.020%

Cyber Security Operations Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cyber Security Operations Lead'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
$150,771
Average $164,153/year
$177,009
$12,564
Average $13,679/month
$14,751
$2,899
Average $3,157/week
$3,404
$72
Average $79/hour
$85
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $177,009 $14,751 $3,404 $85
Average $164,153 $13,679 $3,157 $79
25th Percentile $150,771 $12,564 $2,899 $72

Most common benefits for Cyber Security Operations Lead

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

Common company salaries for Cyber Security Operations Lead

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

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FAQ about Cyber Security Operations Lead

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Cyber Security Operations Lead?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Cyber Security Operations Lead roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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.)

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