How Much Does a Data Security Analyst Make? (2025)
A data security analyst is a professional responsible for protecting an organization's data and information systems from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats. They play a critical role in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data. Their work involves monitoring, analyzing, and implementing security measures to manage and safeguard digital assets.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 33% growth in data security analyst employment from 2023 to 2033, significantly faster than average. Around 17,300 job openings are expected annually due to workforce turnover, including retirements and career changes.
Here are more details on data security analysts salary trends, the highest-paying industries, career advancement prospects, and common questions about pursuing this job title.
Average Data Security Analyst Salary
As of February 1, 2025, the average annual salary for data security analysts in the U.S. is $75,013. Information security analyst salary ranges generally between $63,501 and $88,323, depending on factors such as experience, location, and required skills.
2025 Data Security Analyst Salary: $75,013 per year ($36 per hour)
Based on data from Salary.com, the average monthly salary for information security analysts is $6,251, with an average weekly pay of $1,443. The typical hourly wage for employees in this role is around $36.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $31 | $1,221 | $5,292 | $63,501 |
| 25th Percentile | $33 | $1,327 | $5,749 | $68,987 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $36 | $1,443 | $6,251 | $75,013 |
| 75th Percentile | $39 | $1,577 | $6,832 | $81,980 |
| 90th Percentile | $42 | $1,699 | $7,360 | $88,323 |
Data Security Analyst Salaries State by State
Salaries for data security analysts can vary significantly by state, with factors such as local economic conditions, cost of living, business presence, and demand for skilled professionals being key contributors. Experienced analysts typically earn higher salaries in states where the cost of living is elevated and the demand for skilled workers is strong.
The District of Columbia ($83,490), California ($82,740), and New Jersey ($82,215) are the highest-paying states for data security and compliance analysts, while Mississippi has the lowest average salary at $66,911.
Below are the average annual salaries for information security analysts across leading industries in different states in the U.S. as of February 1, 2025.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $83,490 |
| California | $82,740 |
| New Jersey | $82,215 |
| Alaska | $81,690 |
| Massachusetts | $81,615 |
| Washington | $80,865 |
| Connecticut | $80,565 |
| New York | $79,964 |
| Hawaii | $78,389 |
| Rhode Island | $78,314 |
| Maryland | $77,339 |
| Illinois | $76,738 |
| Minnesota | $76,738 |
| Colorado | $76,513 |
| New Hampshire | $76,288 |
| Oregon | $76,213 |
| Delaware | $76,138 |
| Nevada | $75,313 |
| Virginia | $75,238 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,863 |
| North Dakota | $74,263 |
| Wisconsin | $74,113 |
| Michigan | $74,038 |
| Vermont | $73,587 |
| Texas | $73,437 |
| Ohio | $73,362 |
| Arizona | $73,062 |
| Maine | $72,987 |
| Indiana | $72,762 |
| Georgia | $72,537 |
| North Carolina | $72,012 |
| Iowa | $71,787 |
| Missouri | $71,487 |
| Kansas | $71,412 |
| Louisiana | $71,337 |
| Utah | $71,337 |
| Florida | $71,262 |
| South Carolina | $70,812 |
| Nebraska | $70,662 |
| Kentucky | $70,587 |
| Montana | $70,061 |
| Idaho | $69,986 |
| Tennessee | $69,461 |
| Oklahoma | $69,386 |
| New Mexico | $69,161 |
| Alabama | $68,936 |
| Arkansas | $68,336 |
| West Virginia | $67,511 |
| South Dakota | $67,436 |
| Mississippi | $66,911 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Data Security Analyst?
Just like state-level variations, personal information security analyst salaries can vary greatly by city, driven by factors such as the cost of living, education, local demand, and the job market.
For example, cities in California, such as San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, offer some of the highest average annual salaries for data security analysts, making them attractive destinations for professionals in the field.
| Cities | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $94,144 |
| San Francisco, CA | $93,769 |
| Oakland, CA | $91,518 |
| New York, NY | $87,617 |
| Queens Village, NY | $87,017 |
| Paramus, NJ | $86,416 |
| Passaic, NJ | $86,341 |
| Bergenfield, NJ | $86,266 |
| Stamford, CT | $86,116 |
| Huntington, NY | $85,516 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $84,991 |
| Newark, NJ | $84,766 |
How Experience Affects Data Security Analyst Salary?
The salary for information security analysts also rises with experience. According to the report, entry-level data security analysts earn approximately $73,078 annually. After 1 to 2 years of experience, the salary increases slightly to $73,748.
Information security analysts with 2 to 4 years of experience typically earn around $75,330, while senior analysts with 5 to 8 years of experience make about $75,646. Those with over 8 years of experience can expect a median salary of $75,857.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Data Security Analyst | $73,078 |
| Intermediate-Level Data Security Analyst | $73,748 |
| Senior-Level Data Security Analyst | $75,330 |
| Specialist-Level Data Security Analyst | $75,646 |
| Expert-Level Data Security Analyst | $75,857 |
How to Increase Salary as a Data Security Analyst?
For job seekers aiming to boost their salary as a data security analyst, there are several strategies that can enhance earning potential:
- Gain more experience: As you progress from entry-level to intermediate, senior, and expert-level positions, your salary will naturally rise. With more experience, you can command higher pay. Senior data security analysts, for example, can expect to earn over $75,000 annually.
- Pursue certifications: Obtaining certifications, such as CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or other specialized credentials in cybersecurity, can make you more competitive and lead to higher-paying opportunities.
- Specialize in high-demand areas: Focus on specialized areas like cloud platform, system security, or cybersecurity. These niches often come with higher pay due to the specialized expertise required.
- Work in higher-paying locations: Salaries for data security analysts can vary greatly by location. Moving to cities like San Jose, CA ($94,144) or New York, NY ($87,617) can significantly increase your earning potential, driven by the higher cost of living and increased demand for skilled professionals.
- Take on leadership or supervisory roles: Transitioning into roles like a lead analyst or team manager often comes with a salary increase. These positions involve more responsibility but offer greater compensation and career growth opportunities.
Data Security Analyst Skills
Data security analysts with specialized, in-demand skills have the potential to significantly increase their earnings. According to the Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, professionals with expertise in Cloud Platform can see a salary increase of 12.94%, while those skilled in Cybersecurity may experience a salary boost of 6.23%.
Here are some key skills for data security analysts and the potential salary increases that come with mastering them:
| Skill | Demand | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Platform | 14.13% | 12.94% |
| Cybersecurity | 33.04% | 6.23% |
| Linux | 16.04% | 5.61% |
| System Security | 22.01% | 5.24% |
| Operating System | 16.26% | 4.85% |
| IT Security | 19.71% | 4.77% |
Data Security Analyst Salary FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about data security analysts:
What do data security analysts do?
Information security analysts generally perform the following tasks:
- Monitor organizational networks for security breaches and investigate incidents when they occur.
- Utilize and maintain software, including firewalls and data encryption programs, to safeguard sensitive information.
- Identify vulnerabilities in computer and network systems.
- Stay updated on the latest trends in information technology (IT) security.
- Prepare reports documenting key metrics, attempted attacks, and security breaches.
- Develop security standards and best practices for the organization.
- Advise management or senior IT staff on security enhancements.
- Assist computer users in installing and understanding new security products and procedures.
What is the highest salary for data security analysts?
The top salary for information security analysts is estimated at approximately $88,323, generally awarded to experienced professionals with specialized skills, extensive experience, or roles at larger employers in high-demand sectors.
What qualifications do I need to be a data security analyst?
Data security analysts usually require a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field like engineering or mathematics. However, some individuals may enter the profession with just a high school diploma, along with relevant industry training and certifications.
