How Much Does a Career in Cybersecurity Pay? A Comprehensive Guide
The world of cybersecurity has witnessed a tremendous upswing in recent times, mainly due to the increase in cyber threats and data breaches. According to various industry reports, there will be a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals by 2023, with up to 3.5 million vacant positions. With such a demand-supply gap, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, leading to a rise in their salary packages. In this article, we will take a look at the comprehensive guide on how much a career in cybersecurity pays.
Entry-Level Salaries
As per Glassdoor, the average entry-level salary for a cybersecurity professional in the US is around $69,123 per annum. The salary package varies based on factors such as educational qualifications, industry certifications, and relevant experience. Many entry-level cybersecurity jobs require a combination of basic knowledge in cybersecurity, information technology (IT), database management, and network security.
Mid-Level Salaries
Typically, cybersecurity professionals with five to ten years of experience fall under the mid-level category. According to ZipRecruiter, the median salary of a mid-level cybersecurity professional in the US is around $117,000 per annum. Apart from the above-mentioned factors, mid-level cybersecurity professionals with additional certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can command higher salaries.
Senior-Level Salaries
Senior-level cybersecurity professionals, with over a decade of experience and high-level certifications, can command the highest salaries. As per Indeed, the average salary of a senior-level cybersecurity professional in the US is around $152,000 per annum. Industry certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), CISSP, CISM, and certification in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) can further augment the earning potential of a senior professional.
Industry-Wise Salary Variations
The salaries of cybersecurity professionals also vary based on the industry they work in. For instance, government agencies, military organizations, and finance companies pay higher salaries than other industries. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals working for the federal executive branch have the highest average annual salary of $123,160 per annum. In comparison, cybersecurity professionals working in the manufacturing industry have an average annual salary of $92,500.
Global geographical salary variations
Salary variations occur not only based on the industry but also the geographical location of the job. As per Payscale, cybersecurity professionals working in Switzerland, the United States, or the United Kingdom can expect higher salaries. Switzerland has the highest average salary of CHF 134,244 (USD 141,316) per annum for cybersecurity professionals. In contrast, in countries like India, where the cost of living is lower, the average annual salary of cybersecurity professionals is around INR 680,766 (USD 9,200).
Conclusion
The cybersecurity industry is rapidly growing and so are the salaries of professionals in the field. As this article mentioned, the salaries of cybersecurity professionals vary depending on the geographical location of the job, level of experience, industry certifications, and industry sector. Keeping abreast of the latest trends in the cybersecurity industry and continuously updating skills and knowledge can lead to further lucrative opportunities for a cybersecurity professional.
