Cybersecurity SME Salary in California
How Much Does a Cybersecurity SME make?
Cybersecurity SME made a median salary around $151,860 in April, 2025.
The best-paid 25 percent made $168,026 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $136,104.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out
Cybersecurity SME
jobs in
California
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Best-Paying Cities for Cybersecurity SME
The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Cybersecurity SME profession are San Jose
, Santa Clara
, Sunnyvale
, Los Gatos
, Milpitas
.
| San Jose, CA | $173,654 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $173,654 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $173,654 |
| Los Gatos, CA | $173,654 |
| Milpitas, CA | $173,654 |
Best-Paying States for Cybersecurity SME
The states and districts that pay Cybersecurity SME the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $152,438)
, California (around $151,860)
, Massachusetts (around $149,836)
, Washington (around $149,285)
, and New Jersey (around $149,230)
.
| District of Columbia | $152,438 |
| California | $151,860 |
| Massachusetts | $149,836 |
| Washington | $149,285 |
| New Jersey | $149,230 |
What is the Career Path of Cybersecurity SME?
A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.
For Cybersecurity SME, the upper level is
Cyber Security Architect III
, and then progresses to VP of Cyber Security Architecture
Besides, Cybersecurity SME can also turn to other related jobs, including
Technical SME
,
Acquisition SME
,
Cyber Security Sme
and
Cloud Security SME
.
Frequently Asked Questions for Cybersecurity SME
Q:
What is the salary range of Cybersecurity SME in California?
A:
In 2025
, the lowest-paid Cybersecurity SME in California earned an average annual salary of $136,104
, while the highest-paid made $168,026.
Q:
What is the salary for a Cybersecurity SME in California?
A:
Cybersecurity SME employed in California earned an average salary of $151,860 in 2025.
Average Cybersecurity SME Pay vs. Other Jobs
Cybersecurity SME earned an average salary of $151,860 in 2025.
Other jobs related to Cybersecurity SME earned the following average salary in April, 2025.
Technical SME
made $98,362
,
Acquisition SME
made $175,955
,
Cyber Security Sme
and
Cloud Security SME
made $147,089
and $143,851 respectively
.
Relevant Jobs of Cybersecurity SME
A Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) is responsible for providing in-depth technical expertise and guidance on a specific area or technology within a company. This role involves staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, and using this knowledge to advise and support the development and implementation of technical solutions. The Technical SME may also be involved in training and mentoring other team members, as well as collaborating with other departments to ensure that technical solutions align with business objectives and requirements. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for this role, as the Technical SME often acts as a liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
There is currently no job description for Acquisition SME, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Acquisition SME.
There is currently no job description for Cyber Security Sme, be the first to
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the job responsibilities for Cyber Security Sme.
There is currently no job description for Cloud Security SME, be the first to
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the job responsibilities for Cloud Security SME.
There is currently no job description for Electronic Warfare SME, be the first to
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the job responsibilities for Electronic Warfare SME.