The modern world is almost entirely dependent on technology and its underlying data. As a result, practically every industry now grapples with an ever-changing, consistently relevant piece of internal infrastructure — cyber security.
As digital threats evolve to target an increasingly remote workforce, the need for cyber security professionals is at an all-time high. In fact, security analyst employment alone is expected to grow at a rate of 31 percent by 2029!
What’s more, top cyber security jobs positions in the field have become remarkably lucrative. Security-based roles for ethical hackers, information security engineers, cyber security sales engineers, chief information security officers (CISO), and cyber security architects all earn six-figure annual salaries.
If you have already concluded your formal cyber security education — whether through traditional college studies, a self-guided venture, or a cyber security bootcamp — you are probably eager to find employment in this promising industry. Read on for a closer look at several of the highest-paying cyber security jobs in the U.S.
The Five Highest-Paying Cyber Security Jobs in the United States
Cyber security has grown into an industry of specialized, high-paying roles; each of which represents a different need, skillset, or professional vantage point. Your educational experience and personal preferences will ultimately define your career trajectory — though it certainly won’t hurt to aim for one of the particularly lucrative roles listed below!
Ethical Hacker
Average annual wage: $119,289
Average annual wage in NYC: $123,510
Also known as “bug bounty hunters,” ethical hackers are some of the most crucial and well-paid cyber security professionals worldwide. These white-hatted hackers have become more prominent in the last decade, as major companies like Tesla have begun employing them to help fortify their cyberinfrastructure.
Ethical hackers strive to identify flaws in a cyber security network by simulating threats as a type of practical auditing. By utilizing these professionals, companies can preemptively shore up their systems ahead of actual attacks.
Naturally, given the nature and structure of this type of work, freelance hacking positions can be hard to generalize financially. Still, ZipRecruiter reports a national average cyber security salary of $119,289 — with New York City producing figures just above this average. That said, it is possible to make far more. Some top-tier freelancers reportedly make a cyber security salary of up to $500,000 per year.
Information Security Engineer
Average annual wage: $105,106
Average annual wage in NYC: $126,534
Information security engineers wear many hats — but their core responsibilities are planning, implementing, and upgrading security measures for their clients’ computer systems and networks. Security engineers also ensure the safe transmission of network data via the fortification of firewalls and the application of pre-designed security controls.
However, information security engineers aren’t just proactive planners. They also monitor and respond to real-time security breaches, including viruses, hacker intrusions, and other malicious attacks. Should a breach occur, security engineers perform forensic investigations to determine when and how the situation arose, as well as provide critical insights to help prevent similar violations in the future.
Annual pay for information security engineers is high. Nationally, those in the profession earn around $105,106 per year. In New York City, rates are even better — local compensation stands at over $20,000 higher than the national average.
Security Sales Engineer
Average annual wage: $97,282
Average annual wage in NYC: $117,115
Though most of the highest paying cyber security jobs are focused primarily on defense-related coding and auditing, IT sales roles are equally vital to the industry (and financially advantageous for you). This career path arose as companies in sectors dependent on sensitive consumer data (i.e., healthcare, finance) raced to update or adapt their network security protocols.
Cyber security sales engineers are responsible for selling security-centric goods and services. Individuals serving in this role are expected to familiarize themselves with market statistics, gather information to define customer needs accurately, and exhibit extensive knowledge of a product’s design or technical characteristics. An occupational license may be required to begin work as a cyber security sales engineer in some states.
Security sales engineers are well paid for their efforts. ZipRecruiter reports that the national average pay for the role is $97,282. New York City-based professionals earn about 12 percent more, clocking in at $117,115 per year.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Average annual wage: $145,667
Average annual wage in NYC: $175,364
Chief information security officers (CISOs) are invaluable senior-level executives and some of cyber security’s highest-paid professionals.
CISOs merge their business management skills with technological prowess to simultaneously lead security teams, aid in incident response and system fortification, and oversee company data management and general security compliance. Success in this position is synonymous with versatility, organizational skills, and rapid adaptability to internal and external hazards.
These professionals are well-compensated for their extensive responsibilities. According to ZipRecruiter, CISOs in the U.S. earn an average of $145,667 annually. Those in New York City earn slightly more — $177,556 per year.
Network Security Architect
Average annual wage: $130,302
Average annual wage in NYC: $156,857
Network security architects are primarily responsible for building, implementing, and testing networks to ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
Beyond that, architects are typically responsible for constructing local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), extranets, intranets, and other similar data networks. Additionally, these professionals regularly make recommendations for network improvements, maintain contingency plans to prevent or resolve breaches, and analyze data to fix various operational problems.
While several years of industry experience are typically required to land an architect position, some companies offer apprenticeships through which aspiring coders can combine instruction with on-the-job experience.
Employment in this role is expected to grow slightly faster than the national average. U.S.-based network security architects enjoy a lofty annual wage of $130,302. In New York City, the average yearly salary sits much higher, at $156,857.
How Much Do Cyber Security Professionals Make in New York City From Starting Salary to Highest Pay?
At the end of the day, averages can only tell you so much. If you’re applying for a job, you need to know what cyber security starting salary you can reasonably negotiate for based on the role’s demands, your prior experience, and your location.
Let’s break down the five highest paying cyber security jobs again — but this time, keeping in mind to how different experience levels can impact your expected pay if you live in New York City.
Ethical Hacker
Entry Level: $67,147
Mid-Career: $100,000
Senior Level: $114,783
Keep in mind that these figures exclude single payments from one-off freelance projects and bug bounties, which can lead to significantly higher annual wages.
Information Security Engineer
Entry Level: $67,650
Mid-Career: $97,428
Senior Level: $119,043
To qualify for cyber security engineer jobs, professionals typically need a few years of experience in roles such as cyber security specialist, cyber crime analyst, or incident responder.
Cyber Security Sales Engineer
Entry Level: $60,701
Mid-Career: $80,662
Senior Level: $90,364
Cyber security engineer jobs are advanced roles.Successful candidates typically spend at least a few years gaining experience as cyber security analysts, cyber security consultants, or penetration testers.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Entry Level: $106,176
Mid-Career: $129,420
Senior Level: $167,464
Like engineers, CISOs are senior-level positions. Applicants must have several years of experience in applicable entry- to intermediate-level roles (or, in some cases, equivalent preparation as assessed by the employer).
Cyber Security Architect
Entry Level: $78,612
Mid-Career: $119,306
Senior Level: $131,227
Architect roles also typically require a few years of prior job experience in relevant security roles, these roles include cyber security engineer, cyber security analyst, cyber security consultant, and penetration tester.