How Much Does Cybersecurity Make in a Year? 

The rise of cyberattacks, data breaches, and online threats has made cybersecurity professionals some of the most in-demand experts in today’s workforce. With businesses, governments, and individuals relying heavily on technology, companies are willing to pay top salaries to those who can protect their systems. But the big question remains: how much does cybersecurity make a year?

The short answer: cybersecurity is one of the highest-paying IT careers in 2025, but salaries vary widely depending on experience, role, industry, certifications, and location. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how much you can expect to earn in cybersecurity, which jobs pay the most, and how to increase your earning potential.

Why cybersecurity salaries are increasing

Cybersecurity experts go beyond IT. Cybersecurity experts are more than just IT professionals.

• Cybercrime is on the rise: Cybercrime attacks are getting more sophisticated – from identity theft and ransomware to ransomware.
• More digital info: Businesses now operate entirely online, and protection of sensitive data has become essential.
• There are millions of cybersecurity positions unfilled worldwide. The result is higher salaries for qualified employees.
• High risk: Cybersecurity mistakes cost companies millions, so they pay extra to reduce risks.

Organizations are investing heavily in cybersecurity talent for these reasons.

Average Cybersecurity Salary in 2025

What is the average annual salary of cybersecurity professionals? This general breakdown depends on your position and location.

• Entry-Level Analyst: $55,000 – $80,000
• Mid-Level Specialist/Engineer: $85,000 – $120,000
• Manager, Senior Professional: $120,000 – $160,000
• Director of CISO or Director: $170,000 – $250,000+

By 2025, the average salary for a cybersecurity professional in the U.S. will be about $115,000. Senior leadership positions such as Chief Information Security officers can easily surpass $250,000.

Job roles and salaries in cyber security

Here are the most popular cybersecurity roles and their salaries:

1. Cybersecurity Analyst

• What are they? They monitor network, analyze threats and fix vulnerability.
• Salary range: $60,000
• Perfect entry-level role for beginners.

2. Hacker Ethical (Penetration tester)

• What are they? They simulate systems to test for vulnerabilities.
• Salary range: $80,000 – $130,000
• High-paying tech jobs are very popular amongst tech enthusiasts.

3. Cybersecurity Expert

• What are they doing? They develop and maintain secure software systems.
• Salary Range: $90,000 – $140,000 – $140,000

4. Incident Responder

• What are they doing? They respond to cyber-attacks and investigate breaches.
• Salary range: $85,000 – $125,000

5. Cloud Security Engineer

• What are they? Protecting cloud-based platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Salary range: $100,000 to $150,000.

6. Security Architect

• What are they? They create secure networks and frameworks for companies.
• Salary range: $120,000 – $160,000

7. Chief Information Security Office (CISO)

• What are they? Lead a cybersecurity strategy for an entire organization.
• Salary range: $175,000 up to $300,000.

What factors affect cybersecurity salaries?

Salary in cybersecurity is not the same. Salaries are based on many factors.

1. Experience

• Beginner (0-2 years): $55,000 – $75,000
• Intermediate (3-7 years): $85,000 – $120,000
• Senior (8+ years): $130,000 – $200,000

2. Education

The more money you earn, the better.

3. Certifications

Certifications can increase your income. Here are the top certifications.

• CISSP
• CEH
• CISM
• OSCP
• CompTIA Security+ (great for beginners)

Certified professionals make 15-25% more than those who are not certified.

4. Industry

Some industries place greater value on cybersecurity due to the sensitive nature of their data

• Banking & Finance: $130,000 – $200,000
• Healthcare: $100,000 – $150,000
• Government & Defense : $110,000 – $180,000
• Tech Companies: $120,000 – $180,000

5. Location

Your workplace can make a huge difference in your life.

• San Francisco & Silicon Valley: $140,000 – $200,000
• New York City: $120,000 to $280,000
• Texas/Midwest: $90,000.
• Europe UK pays one of the highest rates in the world.

Careers in Cybersecurity and Other Tech Careers

What other IT fields have gained popularity?

• Software Developers Earn Up to $105,000 per year
• Data scientists – Earn as much as $120,000 per year
• Cybersecurity professionals: $125,000 to $115,000 per annum

Careers in cyber security can be as rewarding as careers in software and data science, with a similar growth potential.

Cybersecurity 2025: Is it a Good Career?

Cybersecurity has become one of the safest careers today. Why?

• Job security: Companies urgently need cybersecurity experts.
• High salaries Salaries consistently higher than average for IT positions
• Opportunities to grow: Specializations like AI security, ethical hacking, and cloud computing security have boomed.
• Do your work with a purpose. You will play a critical role in protecting people and organizations against cybercrime.

How to Increase Your Cybersecurity Salary

You can maximize your earnings potential by:

1. Get certified – Focus on CISSP and CEH certifications.
2. Keep up with the latest Learn all about the latest hacking tools and methods
3. Specialize — Cloud computing, AI, and penetration testing pay the most.
4. Gain real-world experience Work on projects, internships, or bug bounty programs.
5. Negotiate smartly Research the average salary of your area before accepting an offer.

 

Final Answer: How Much Does Cybersecurity Make a Year?

In 2025, cybersecurity professionals make between $55,000 and $250,000+ per year, depending on their role, skills, and location. The average sits around $115,000 annually.

If you’re considering entering this field, now is the perfect time. Cybersecurity offers high salaries, long-term job stability, and exciting opportunities in protecting the digital world. With the right skills and certifications, you can climb the salary ladder quickly.

 

FAQs About Cybersecurity

Does cyber security pay well? Cybersecurity is among the most lucrative IT careers. Many roles earn six-figure salaries.

What is the average salary of a cyber security professional?
Depending on their role and experience, they can earn between $55,000 to $250,000 annually.

What country is number one? Cyber security is the number one priority for the United States.

What is your annual salary for cyber security?
Entry level roles begin at around $55,000, while executive positions can exceed $250,000 annually.

Are cyber security jobs 9-5?
While many cybersecurity roles have standard 9-5 hours, some may require extended or on-call hours in the event of an incident.

Will AI Replace Cyber Security Jobs?
AI is a great tool for cybersecurity but will not replace experts. It will instead create new roles that require human judgment.

Does cybersecurity represent a dying field?
It’s not. Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding field, with a growing global demand for qualified professionals.

Can cyber security be difficult to learn?
Cybersecurity is challenging but beginners can master the subject with certifications and practice.

Which jobs will AI not replace?
Jobs needing creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making–like cybersecurity leadership–are safe.