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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cyber Security Lead in California is $180,320 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $87.
However, a Cyber Security Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cyber Security Lead Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $193,645 | $16,137 | $3,724 | $93 |
| Average | $180,320 | $15,027 | $3,468 | $87 |
| 25th Percentile | $164,000 | $13,667 | $3,154 | $79 |
Pacific Life - Newport Beach, CA
ThinkBAC Consulting - San Francisco, CA
HealthCare Talent - Irvine, CA
Strong Network | Now Part Of Citrix. - San Ramon, CA
A Cyber Security 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cyber Security 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security Lead | $234,138 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security Lead | $144,726 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security Lead | $181,453 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security Lead | $210,616 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Security Lead | $234,270 |
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 Security Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Cyber Security 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 Lead positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cyber Security Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $234,415 | $113.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $225,399 | $108.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $225,399 | $108.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $216,383 | $104.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $216,383 | $104.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Cyber Security 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $193,645 | $16,137 | $3,724 | $93 |
| Average | $180,320 | $15,027 | $3,468 | $87 |
| 25th Percentile | $164,000 | $13,667 | $3,154 | $79 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cyber Security Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Lawrence Berkeley Lab
Berkeley, CA
Lawrence Berkeley Lab | Berkeley, CA
Cyber Security EngineerThe National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is inviting applica... more
4 Days Ago
Biolink360
National City, CA
Biolink360 | National City, CA
A leading medical device company in California is seeking a Director of Cyber Security to develop and execute Cyber Security strategies.This pivotal role i... more
4 Days Ago
Year Up United
Pleasant Hill, CA
Year Up United | Pleasant Hill, CA
At Year Up, we are committed to creating a pathway to success for young adults with our unique one-year training programs. We are seeking a Cyber Security ... more
1 Day Ago
Innoflight LLC
San Diego, CA
Innoflight LLC | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY. Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing... more
2 Days Ago
SAIC
San Diego, CA
SAIC | San Diego, CA
SAIC is seeking a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to support Navy communication systems within the DoD. The role emphasizes hands-on security engineering,... more
1 Day Ago
Fisica, Inc
San Leandro, CA
Fisica, Inc | San Leandro, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Senior Specialist, Cyber Information Systems Security Officer. Job Location. San Leandro, CA. (This position i more
2 Days Ago
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