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Cyber Security Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cyber Security in the United States is $136,710 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $156,057
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $128,891 to $146,837
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $121,772
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Cyber Security Salaries

A Cyber Security'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 Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cyber Security'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): $109,726
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $135,966
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $157,007
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $185,065
  • Expert (over 8 years): $216,312
Levels Salary
Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security$109,726
Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security$135,966
Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security$157,007
Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security$185,065
Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security$216,312
View as Graph

How Do Cyber Security 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 Securities. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $151,365.
  • California: $150,791.
  • Massachusetts: $148,781.

Top Paying Cities for Cyber Securities

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: $172,432
  • San Francisco: $170,544
  • Oakland: $166,950

What Skills Can Increase a Cyber Security's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.88% 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 2.07% 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 4.88%
Security Architecture 2.07%
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's salary.

  • IT Management: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
IT Management $142,178
4%
Commitment $142,178
4%
Innovation $140,811
3%
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Cyber Security Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cyber Security 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, Cyber Security positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cyber Security as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cyber Security

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$191,394$92.040%
Pharmaceuticals$177,723$85.030%
Financial Services$164,052$79.020%

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

Understanding how a Cyber Security'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
$128,891
Average $136,710/year
$146,837
$10,741
Average $11,393/month
$12,236
$2,479
Average $2,629/week
$2,824
$62
Average $66/hour
$71
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $146,837 $12,236 $2,824 $71
Average $136,710 $11,393 $2,629 $66
25th Percentile $128,891 $10,741 $2,479 $62

Most common benefits for Cyber Security

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

Common company salaries for Cyber Security

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

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FAQ about Cyber Security

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Cyber Security roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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