As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cyber Specialist in the United States is $110,169 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, a Cyber Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cyber Specialist'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 Specialist'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 Spe... Level Cyber Specialist | $110,864 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Specialist | $137,363 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Specialist | $158,612 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Specialist | $186,952 |
| Cyber Sec... Level Cyber Specialist | $218,517 |
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 Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.87% |
| Security Architecture | 2.06% |
| Application Security | 1.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Container
|
$114,576 |
4%
|
|
Planning
|
$114,576 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$113,474 |
3%
|
|
API
|
$113,474 |
3%
|
|
Security Architecture
|
$113,474 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$112,372 |
2%
|
For Cyber Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Cyber Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cyber Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $134,406 | $65.0 | 22% |
| Biotechnology | $132,203 | $64.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $123,389 | $59.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $121,186 | $58.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $118,983 | $57.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Cyber Specialist'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Cyber Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $108,250 in 2023 to around $107,201 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cyber Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $108,250 |
| 2024 | $109,153 |
| 2025 | $107,201 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Cyber Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.
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