Security architect salary

October 11, 2023 by

Fakhar Imam

A cybersecurity architect is an IT professional responsible for designing, building and overseeing the implementation of computer and network security for a company. In addition to defense-related activities, a security architect also assesses costs and risks, provides technical guidance and establishes security policies and procedures. Due to the multifaceted nature of the job, a cybersecurity architect earns a generous salary in the IT marketplace. 

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How much money can a cyber security architect make?

Since the cybersecurity architect job role is complex and mostly requires in-house hours, cybersecurity architect salaries fall between $91,000 and $181,000. In terms of an average salary, we can calculate a running average for 2023. Below are some of the national averages reported by the most popular job salary websites:

• PayScale - $134,438

• ZipRecruiter - $147,660

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - $102,600

• Salary.com - $154,562

We can calculate a national average of $134,815 based on these averages.  The average national salary in the U.S. is $97,962, meaning the average cybersecurity architect's salary is more than 26% above the national average.

Other factors impacting cybersecurity architect salary

While the average cybersecurity architect salary will give you a good picture of what you can expect for an average salary as a cybersecurity architect, there are some other factors we can insert into the equation that will give us an even more accurate number should the factors be relevant.

Career level

The point of your career that you are at as a cybersecurity architect will have a significant impact on what can be expected for an average cybersecurity architect's salary. Below is the average cybersecurity architect's salary at different career levels.

• Entry level - $78,192

• Early career - $99.763

• Mid-career - $125,378

• Late-career - $142,904

• Experienced - $148,296

Location

Another factor that will have a sizable effect on your cybersecurity architect's salary is the physical location that you are located in. For example, the average security manager's salary will be higher in a larger metropolitan area than in a smaller metropolitan area. Below are the average cybersecurity architect salaries in some major cities in the United States.

• San Francisco, CA - $64,711

• Chicago, IL - $129,422

• Memphis, TN - $152,340

• Austin, TX - $133,467

• Seattle, WA - $67.408

• Boston, MA - $67,408

What are the degree requirements for an advanced-level cyber security architect?

The more job experience and educational requirements you have, the more career opportunities with high salaries will be offered. To meet the degree requirements, you must have a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, computer science or related fields. 

In addition, many employers especially demand advanced-level cybersecurity certifications, including Certified Information Systems and Security Professionals (CISSP), GIAC®️ Security Certifications (GSEC/GCIA/GCIH), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or/and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

How to make the most money as a security architect 

Security architects are one of the leading managerial roles in the IT department of any organization. They are responsible for designing, building, implementing and overseeing the security architecture of enterprises. 

The cybersecurity architect job role incorporates a variety of entry-level, median-level and advanced-level information security positions, which include chief architect, data architect, application security architect, security network architect and more. Cybersecurity architects with extensive experience, bachelor’s degrees, and/or information security certifications can win employers' trust and command a large salary.

Sources

1. How to Become a Security Architect, Cyber Degrees

2. How to Become a Security Architect, Cyber Security Education

3. Cyber Security Architect Salary, ZipRecruiter

4. Average Security Architect, IT Salary, PayScale

5. Information Security Analysts, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.