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IT Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in the United States

How much does an IT Cybersecurity Specialist make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Cybersecurity Specialist in the United States is $106,769 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.

However, an IT Cybersecurity Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $126,212
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,224 to $116,946
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $90,444
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out IT Cybersecurity Specialist Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence IT Cybersecurity Specialist Salaries

An IT Cybersecurity Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects IT Cybersecurity Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an IT Cybersecurity Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $104,648
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $129,673
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $149,740
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $176,500
  • Expert (over 8 years): $206,301
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
IT Cybersecurity Specialist less than 1 year $104,648
Cyber Security Architect II 1-2 years $129,673
Cyber Security Architect III 2-4 years $149,740
Cyber Security Architect IV 5-8 years $176,500
Cyber Security Architect V over 8 years $206,301

How Do IT Cybersecurity Specialist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract IT Cybersecurity Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $118,215.
  • California: $117,766.
  • Massachusetts: $116,197.

Top Paying Cities for IT Cybersecurity Specialist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $134,668
  • San Francisco: $133,193
  • Oakland: $130,386

IT Cybersecurity Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For IT Cybersecurity Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, IT Cybersecurity Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Cybersecurity Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an IT Cybersecurity Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet $130,258 $63.0 22%
Biotechnology $128,123 $62.0 20%
Aerospace & Defense $119,581 $57.0 12%
Insurance $117,446 $56.0 10%
Energy & Utilities $115,311 $55.0 8%

IT Cybersecurity Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an IT Cybersecurity Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$98,224
Average $106,769/year
$116,946
$8,185
Average $8,897/month
$9,746
$1,889
Average $2,053/week
$2,249
$47
Average $51/hour
$56
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $116,946 $9,746 $2,249 $56
Average $106,769 $8,897 $2,053 $51
25th Percentile $98,224 $8,185 $1,889 $47

Most common benefits for IT Cybersecurity Specialist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for IT Cybersecurity Specialist

Here are companies hiring for IT Cybersecurity Specialist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next IT Cybersecurity Specialist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current IT Cybersecurity Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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    Local CDL

    C.R. England | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. C.R. England is Now Urgently Hiring Local Dedicated CDL-A Truck Drivers. \n. Dedicated Local Fleet - Home Daily - Competitive Pay* - Full ... more

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FAQ about IT Cybersecurity Specialist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for IT Cybersecurity Specialist?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Cybersecurity Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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