Average Cybersecurity Jobs Salaries in 2025
Published by Christopher Porter on April 28, 2025
Cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. command some of the highest salaries in tech with an estimated total pay of $150,726 per year and an average salary of $111,473 (as per the latest Glassdoor data). Companies also face a shortage of skilled professionals where many are willing to pay top dollar to attract and retain talent. Meanwhile, remote work has seen cybersecurity professionals land high-paying roles in 2025 regardless of location, particularly those who possess the skills to tackle AI-driven challenges.
This article provides an in-depth look at cybersecurity jobs salary data for 2025, exploring how U.S. salaries vary by job role, experience level, and certifications, along with practical tips on how to maximize your earnings in a highly competitive market. Curious to see how your salary stacks up? Keep reading to find out.
Are Cybersecurity Jobs in Demand?
Driven by the increase in investment from companies looking to protect their digital assets, cybersecurity remains one of the most in-demand (and highest-paying) tech fields in 2025. In fact, employment in cybersecurity jobs is expected to grow by 33% for the period 2023-2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts around 17,300 openings for information security analysts each year, on average, over the decade.
Top Paying Companies for Cybersecurity Jobs in 2025
$164k – $272k/yr
$160k – $272k/yr
$157k – $251k/yr
$150k – $253k/yr
$148k – $240k/yr
However, individual job outlook will vary by profession as highlighted in the latest research published by EC-Council. The report highlights specialized cybersecurity roles, like information security analysts, security engineers, network security architects, and penetration testers, as some of the most in-demand positions for 2025. Even mid-tier roles like incident responders are well-compensated (around $85–$120K) because incident response capabilities are in high demand.
Demand is also high for specialists in cloud security as organizations migrate to cloud platforms and need to secure their software supply chains. Cloud security engineers rank among the highest-paid non-managerial cybersecurity roles (often around the $120K–$160K range), given the premium placed on cloud expertise and the shortage of skilled talent.
Cybersecurity Jobs Salaries in 2025
What kind of cybersecurity compensation can you expect in 2025? Landing a high-paying cybersecurity job will depend heavily on your specialization, experience, and certifications.
Below is a comparison of average cybersecurity salaries for a wide range of cybersecurity jobs, including senior roles. Note: Exact pay will vary by location and individual qualifications.
Average Cybersecurity Salaries by Role (2025)
| Cybersecurity Role | Average Annual Salary (US) |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Analyst (InfoSec Analyst) | $102,000 – $208,000 |
| Executive (CISO, CSO, CIO, etc.) | $193,250 – $245,000 |
| Information Security Manager | $150,000 – $225,000 |
| Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker) | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | $116,000 – $208,000 |
| Incident Responder | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| Security Consultant | $110,000 – $150,000 |
| Network Security Engineer | $92,000 – $172,000 |
| Application Security Engineer | $146,000 – $177,000 |
| Cloud Security Engineer | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center) | $70,000 – $90,000 |
As seen in the table above, a few “junior” roles like an analyst or pentester can earn near (or into) a six-figure salary. A mid-level cybersecurity job salary (for engineers or architects) is often in the low-to-mid six figures.
At the top end, a CISO at big corporations can average around $500k annually, including bonuses and stock. A median salary of a cybersecurity engineer around $120k means many engineers earn less (or more) depending on their experience and the company size. A cybersecurity analyst in a smaller city might make around $90k, whereas in a major tech hub such as in San Francisco and Austin, or with several years of experience, they might earn $120k+.
Generally, more specialized or senior roles command higher pay. We’ll discuss senior and leadership salaries more below.
Cybersecurity Salaries by Seniority
Cybersecurity is a skills-driven field, where employers value seniority and practical experience. This can mean rapid salary growth early in your career.
Entry-level
$60,000 – $80,000
For roles such as cybersecurity specialist, junior analyst, junior IT auditor, or associate security engineer. Many entry-level cybersecurity jobs (especially in smaller markets) begin below six figures, though hitting the $80k+ range is possible in high-cost cities.
Mid-level
$80,000 – $120,000
Once you have three to five years in the field, you can command 20–30% higher pay moving into mid-tier roles. Common job titles here include Security Analyst II, network security engineer, or penetration tester. Many mid-level cybersecurity professionals break into the six-figure range, especially if they have highly sought-after specialties (like cloud expertise or application development).
Senior (10+ years)
$130,000+
At this level, you are often managing security initiatives or departments, which comes with higher compensation (mid-to-high six figures). Senior engineers, security managers, and architects tend to earn in the $130k – $180k range. A Senior Network Security Engineer can earn a median pay of $148,700 in the U.S., and a Cybersecurity Manager can average about $170k.
Executive
$180,000 – $250,000+
For top leadership positions, such as CISOs and Directors of Security. Many CISOs receive well over $200k when bonuses and stock are factored in, especially at large enterprises. In some cases, total compensation for a Fortune 500 CISO can reach $500k or more. Other C-suite or director-level roles (e.g. Chief Security Architect, Security Director) also land in the high $100k to $200k+ range.
Senior analysts, engineers, and architects not only have the expertise to handle advanced threats but also often take on leadership, mentoring, or design responsibilities that justify higher pay. There’s also a supply-and-demand factor: there are far fewer professionals with 10+ years of cyber experience, so they command a premium in the job market.
Pro Tip
In some cases, changing companies can maximize your salary growth as you gain experience and build your skillset. Internal raises are great, but often in the range of 3–5% annually or ~10% with a promotion. Before job hopping, set realistic expectations by researching current market rates on job sites. Some companies or regions also pay more competitively than others.
Cybersecurity Certifications Can Boost Salaries
While cybersecurity entry-level salaries may start modestly, those who earn industry-recognized credentials or specialized cloud security certifications can boost their earning potential into six-figure territory.
However, earning a certification does not necessarily guarantee an immediate salary raise at your current job – though some companies may offer bonus incentives. Certifications help to increase your earning potential by opening doors to new opportunities. Having respected credentials on your resume positions you for higher-paying roles, whether through internal promotions or by moving to another organization.
A key finding in the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study revealed that 90% of respondents found earning a cybersecurity certification highly valuable for their career. Many of the highest paid cybersecurity jobs require or prefer certain certifications – for example, a CISM for management roles, or a CEH for penetration testing jobs. With the uncertainty surrounding AI technologies in 2025, certifications like CISSP also help reassure employers that your skills remain current.
Let’s look at some of the top-paying certifications in 2025 and the average cybersecurity salaries associated with them:
Top-Paying Cybersecurity Certifications (2025)
| Certification | Average Annual Salary (US) |
|---|---|
| AWS Certified Security – Specialty | ~$203,600 |
| Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) | ~$159,500 |
| Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security) | ~$168,200 |
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | ~$164,600 |
| Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) | ~$158,500 |
| Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | ~$155,900 |
Looking at this data, a few key trends stand out. Cloud and network security certifications are among the highest paying credentials, reflecting strong industry demand. Management and risk-oriented certifications such as CISSP, CRISC, and CISM consistently align with salaries averaging between $155,000 and $170,000 since they require substantial professional experience.
To maximize your certification’s value, negotiate salaries by showcasing your latest credentials and actively seek responsibilities that align with your expertise. Certifications will help validate your skills, making you more credible in salary discussions.
Pro Tip
Entry-level certifications, such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), provide important foundational knowledge early in your cybersecurity career. While these certifications alone might not secure six-figure salaries, they help you qualify for high-paying entry-level roles like security analyst or junior SOC analyst positions. From there, you can position yourself for more advanced certifications such as the CISSP, which requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience.
Read more
Transform Your Cybersecurity Career Today
The demand for skilled professionals will continue to grow in 2025 as companies increasingly rely on data and technology, which will help to drive generous salaries across all levels. We explored that cybersecurity job salaries vary by role and by seniority. We also discussed how getting certified can make a difference in advancing your career and accessing higher pay grades, even if a certification itself isn’t an instant raise.
With organizations worldwide facing talent shortages and more sophisticated threats, there’s never been a better time if you’re considering a move into cybersecurity or aiming to level up your position. Many professionals are finding that with the right credentials (like a CISSP or other top cert) and a proactive career strategy, they can significantly out-earn their peers in other tech fields. By investing in yourself and staying current with the latest security skills, you’ll put yourself on the fast track to earning a higher salary bracket.
Ready to boost your earning potential?
Training Camp’s cybersecurity courses help you earn certifications that are highly-valued by employers such as CISSP, CISM, Security+, and more. Our experts will guide your growth from beginner to expert across a variety of cybersecurity roles.
References
[1] Glassdoor.com – Cyber Security Salaries
[2] ISC2.org – How Much Do U.S. Cyber Professionals Make?
[3] Insight.skillsoft.com – IT Skills and Salary Report 19th Edition | 2024
