As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cyber Defense Analyst in the United States is $94,625 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Cyber Defense Analyst's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cyber Defense Analyst'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 Cyber Defense Analyst'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 Inc... Level Cyber Defense Analyst | $81,272 |
| Cyber Def... Level Cyber Defense Analyst | $95,349 |
| Cyber Inc... Level Cyber Defense Analyst | $129,613 |
| Cyber Inc... Level Cyber Defense Analyst | $145,827 |
| Cyber Inc... Level Cyber Defense Analyst | $168,246 |
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 Cyber Defense Analysts. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.07% |
| SIEM | 2.15% |
| Linux | 1.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$98,409 |
4%
|
|
Insight
|
$97,463 |
3%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$96,517 |
2%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$96,517 |
2%
|
|
Project Management
|
$96,517 |
2%
|
|
Team Management
|
$96,517 |
2%
|
For Cyber Defense Analyst roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 37% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Cyber Defense Analyst positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cyber Defense Analyst as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $108,818 | $52.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $105,979 | $51.0 | 12% |
| Biotechnology | $104,087 | $50.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $104,087 | $50.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $102,194 | $49.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Cyber Defense Analyst'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 Cyber Defense Analyst can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $98,719 in 2023 to around $97,203 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cyber Defense Analyst salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $98,719 |
| 2024 | $98,666 |
| 2025 | $97,203 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Cyber Defense Analyst roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
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