Cybersecurity analyst salary

Introduction

A cybersecurity analyst is an integral part of a cybersecurity team. The cybersecurity analyst works to ensure that the organization they work for is safe from cyberthreats. To do this they perform a number of highly skilled duties, including involvement in designing and implementing secure networks — which involves analyzing those networks for threats and risks.

Cybersecurity analysts typically have a master’s degree. However, they can enter the profession via internships in computer security and build up their experience, qualifications and expertise that way.

Typical qualifications and certifications that make a cybersecurity analyst attractive to an employer include:

• Degree in computer science, mathematics or a physical science like physics
• Master’s degree in information security

Certifications such as:

• CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker
• ECSA: EC-Council Certified Security Analyst

How much does a cybersecurity analyst make?

Salaries are dependent on a number of factors, including experience, qualifications and responsibility level. According to Indeed, the average salary for a security analyst is around $78,000 in the U.S.

The range of cybersecurity analyst salaries, however, varies across different countries too. Below, we’ve shown the typical hourly salaries of different levels of cybersecurity analyst in several countries and also in two U.S. states. Data from PayScale.

Cybersecurity analyst with three relevant certifications

Entry-level cybersecurity analyst

• London                    $35,400
• Seattle, USA           $75,300
• New York USA       $77,300
• Sydney, Australia    $51,700

Junior cybersecurity analyst: Five years’ experience

• London                    $43,000
• Seattle, USA           $99,600
• New York USA       $96,800
• Sydney, Australia    $55,800

Senior cybersecurity analyst: 10 years’ experience

• London                    $59,400
• Seattle, USA           $109,000
• New York USA       $116,500
• Sydney, Australia    $69,000

Cybersecurity analyst with a master’s degree and three relevant certifications

Entry-level cybersecurity analyst

• London                    $46,200
• Seattle, USA           $80,700
• New York USA       $84,900
• Sydney, Australia    $57,600

Junior cybersecurity analyst: Five years’ experience

• London                    $53,200
• Seattle, USA           $103,200
• New York USA       $105,700
• Sydney, Australia    $57,600

Senior cybersecurity analyst: 10 years’ experience

• London                    $61,300
• Seattle, USA           $119,900
• New York USA       $125,300
• Sydney, Australia    $69,500

 

The difference between having qualifications in terms of salary is around 15% more when you hold advanced qualifications.

What are the benefits of becoming a cybersecurity analyst?

Salary prospects are good for the cybersecurity analyst. However, this is not the only consideration when choosing a career. Choosing a job that requires dedication, as the role of cybersecurity analyst will, is a big decision. 

The job is a responsible one and, as such, it will be challenging at times. Because of this, it will also be incredibly rewarding. You will be at the forefront of protecting your company against ever-increasing cyberthreats. Your knowledge and experience will be rewarded by a good salary, but your sense of value and worth will add intangible value to your life.

 

Sources

1. Information Security Analyst Salaries in the United States, Indeed