As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Security Specialist in the United States is $93,969 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Network Security Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Network Security 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 Network Security 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 |
|---|---|
| Network S... Level Network Security Specialist | $76,642 |
| Network S... Level Network Security Specialist | $93,826 |
| Network S... Level Network Security Specialist | $117,732 |
| Network S... Level Network Security Specialist | $136,037 |
| Network S... Level Network Security Specialist | $154,540 |
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 Network Security Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 12.93% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.78% |
| Operating System | 1.49% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
System Requirements
|
$107,124 |
14%
|
|
Java
|
$106,185 |
13%
|
|
Agile
|
$104,305 |
11%
|
|
Software Development
|
$104,305 |
11%
|
|
Business Requirements
|
$103,366 |
10%
|
|
Test Plans
|
$103,366 |
10%
|
For Network Security Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Network Security Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Network Security Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $122,159 | $59.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $117,461 | $56.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $112,763 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $108,064 | $52.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $103,366 | $50.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Network Security 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Network Security Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $92,542 in 2023 to around $89,707 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Network Security Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $92,542 |
| 2024 | $91,655 |
| 2025 | $89,707 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Network Security Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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