Cyber Security Salary by Role and Experience Level

Digital technology is integral to the way we live our lives. It's ubiquitous and assists us in everything from banking to fitness via its ability to gather, process, and understand vast amounts of data. Yet, the same benefit of digital technology, namely its ubiquity and information-gathering powers, makes it a key resource to be exploited by hackers and cybercriminals.

Personal data can be sold on the dark web for high prices or exploited to pull off even bigger hacks, but the reality is that a hack of any size can cost businesses big. For example, a recent IBM study shows the cost of a data breach has risen 12% over the past five years and now costs $3.92 million on average.

So, organizations obviously understand how important it is to protect their business, partners, and customers from malicious actors. As a result, they're willing to pay top-dollar for cybersecurity specialists to keep their data safe from cybercriminals.

Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand as companies try to fight back against cyber theft, IP and financial infringement, fraud, and increasingly aggressive cyber-crime. Cybersecurity engineers, analysts, specialists, consultants, and architects are among the jobs that organizations are eager to fill. What follows is the current average cybersecurity salary by role and the salary range from entry level to veteran, pulled from the 2021 Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report:

Cyber Security / IT Security

Average US Salary: $132,163
Dependent upon experience, salaries can range from $62,348 – 141,927

Cyber Security Engineer

Average US Salary: $132,941
Dependent upon experience, salaries can range from $120,000 – $210,000

Cyber Security Analyst

Average US Salary: $99,357
Dependent upon experience, salaries can range from $95,000 – $160,000

These base salaries can vary widely depending on the individual's additional skills, education, and certifications. For example, senior leadership, military specialists, or individuals who work in major cities can feasibly earn six figures in cybersecurity. Due to the population density in cities, more highly skilled people concentrate their, driving up competition and salaries.

Cybersecurity is at the top of the list for the most in-demand IT jobs. Learn why here, with this blog detailing the 10 most in-demand IT jobs.

Want to learn more about IT skills and salaries? Click here to read the IT Skills and Salary report for free.

Technology and its capabilities never stop evolving, so cybersecurity specialists are always learning. This reality has caused an increasing talent gap in the last five years. The sad truth is that the talent pool in competitive areas isn't big enough. New hires are not the ultimate solution for managers because both new and incumbent hires both need ongoing and consistent training to keep their skills relevant.

Here are some effects of and challenges caused by the skills gap:

With additional training and certification, you can fill the cyber security talent gap and become a top earner. Skillsoft has the content to help you, or your teams get there and get certified in various ways. Sharpen your skills, upgrade your cyber security career, and find the right learning path for you with plenty of hands-on practice.

We have virtual and in-person training courses for highly critical technology roles. Live, certified instructors can tailor the training to the class or individual to reinforce the specific skills needed, allowing employees to use their new or refreshed skills to solve challenges immediately.

Explore our cybersecurity learning and development programs today!