How Much Does an Information Security Specialist Make? (2025)
The demand for information security specialists has grown significantly as organizations prioritize protecting their systems and sensitive data. For job seekers, understanding salary trends and job responsibilities is crucial for navigating this field.
In 2025, the average information security specialist salary in the United States is $74,880 annually, according to Salary.com data. The role offers competitive pay and opportunities for advancement, particularly as companies emphasize cybersecurity to combat evolving digital threats.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Information security analysts is projected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations
This guide explores the core aspects of being an information security specialist, including their responsibilities, salary factors, required skills, and frequently asked questions about the job.
What is the Average Information Security Specialist’s Salary?
As of January 2025, the average annual salary for an information security specialist in the United States is $74,880 per year. Salaries typically range from $63,417 to $88,062, depending on factors such as employees' skills, experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.
Information Security Specialist Salary: $74,880 per year ($36 per hour)
According to Salary.com, the average monthly salary for information security specialists is $6,240, with an average weekly salary of $1,440. The hourly wage for an Information Security Specialist is typically $36.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30 | $1,220 | $5,285 | $63,417 |
| 25th Percentile | $33 | $1,325 | $5,740 | $68,880 |
| 50th Percentile | $36 | $1,440 | $6,240 | $74,880 |
| 75th Percentile | $39 | $1,573 | $5,815 | $81,780 |
| 90th Percentile | $42 | $1,694 | $7,339 | $88,062 |
Information Security Specialist Salaries State by State
Salaries for information security specialists can vary significantly by state, influenced by factors such as local demand, cost of living, and industry presence. Below is a table outlining the average annual salaries for information security specialists across various states as of January 2025:
The District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for information security specialists at $83,280. On the lower end, Mississippi has the lowest average salary at $66,780.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $68,780 |
| Alaska | $81,480 |
| Arizona | $72,880 |
| Arkansas | $68,180 |
| California | $82,580 |
| Colorado | $76,384 |
| Connecticut | $80,380 |
| Delaware | $75,980 |
| District of Columbia | $83,280 |
| Florida | $71,080 |
| Georgia | $72,380 |
| Hawaii | $78,180 |
| Idaho | $69,880 |
| Illinois | $76,580 |
| Indiana | $72,580 |
| Iowa | $71,680 |
| Kansas | $71,280 |
| Kentucky | $70,480 |
| Louisiana | $71,180 |
| Maine | $72,880 |
| Maryland | $77,180 |
| Massachusetts | $81,480 |
| Michigan | $73,880 |
| Minnesota | $76,580 |
| Mississippi | $66,780 |
| Missouri | $71,380 |
| Montana | $69,880 |
| Nebraska | $70,480 |
| Nevada | $75,180 |
| New Hampshire | $76,080 |
| New Jersey | $82,080 |
| New Mexico | $68,980 |
| New York | $79,780 |
| North Carolina | $71,880 |
| North Dakota | $74,080 |
| Ohio | $73,180 |
| Oklahoma | $69,280 |
| Oregon | $76,080 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,680 |
| Rhode Island | $78,180 |
| South Carolina | $70,680 |
| South Dakota | $67,280 |
| Tennessee | $69,280 |
| Texas | $73,280 |
| Utah | $71,180 |
| Vermont | $73,480 |
| Virginia | $75,080 |
| Washington | $80,680 |
| West Virginia | $67,380 |
| Wisconsin | $73,980 |
| Wyoming | $71,780 |
Best-Paying Cities for Information Security Specialists?
Salaries for information security specialists vary widely by location, largely influenced by cost of living, cybersecurity demand, and industry presence.
For instance, San Jose, CA, San Francisco, CA, and Oakland Ca are among the top-paying locations for information security specialists, with salaries exceeding $90,000 per year. These cities have a high demand for cybersecurity analysts to provide security standards, respond to threats, and verify vulnerabilities in complex information systems.
For professionals looking to advance their careers, moving to one of these high-paying cities can significantly boost pay and career growth opportunities
| City | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $93,980 |
| San Francisco, CA | $93,580 |
| Oakland, CA | $91,280 |
| New York, NY | $87,380 |
| Queens Village, NY | $86,780 |
| Paramus, NJ | $86,280 |
How Experience Affects Information Security Specialist Salary
Experience plays a significant role in determining the salary of an Information Security Specialist. As professionals gain more experience, they can expect their compensation to increase accordingly.
An entry-level information security specialist typically starts with an annual salary of around $73,117. With 1 to 2 years of experience, professionals can expect a slight increase, earning approximately $73,792 as they develop essential cybersecurity skills and gain hands-on experience in security operations.
As information security analysts progress in their careers, those with 2 to 4 years of experience can command salaries of about $75,381, reflecting their growing expertise in data protection, network security, and security management. Senior-level analysts with 5 to 8 years of experience see their pay rise to roughly $75,699.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Information Security Specialist | $73,117 |
| Intermediate Level Information Security Specialist | $73,792 |
| Senior Level Information Security Specialist | $75,381 |
| Specialist Level Information Security Specialist | $75,699 |
| Expert Information Security Specialist | $75,911 |
How to Increase Salary as an Information Security Specialist?
To enhance earning potential, information security specialists can consider the following strategies:
- Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can make professionals more competitive and eligible for higher-paying roles.
- Gain Experience: Accumulating years of relevant experience can lead to senior positions with higher salaries. For example, an entry-level Information Security Specialist earns around $73,117 per year, while an expert-level professional with over eight years of experience can command a salary of approximately $75,911, particularly in high-demand industries and organizations.
- Consider Geographic Location: Working in states or cities with higher demand for Information Security Specialists can result in better pay. For example, New York, NY ($87,380),Queens Village, NY ($86,780), and Paramus, NJ ($86,280) rank among the top-paying states. Additionally, San Jose California ($93,980), San Francisco CA. ($93,580), and Oakland, CA ($91,280) offer some of the highest salaries for cybersecurity professionals.
Information Security Specialist Skills
For information security specialists, having the right skills can make a significant difference in earning potential. Employers prefer professionals with expertise in cybersecurity, system security, and IT security, as these skills are essential for protecting data, responding to threats, and implementing security standards.
According to real-time job market data, specialists who enhance their expertise in high-demand areas can see a notable salary boost. For example, professionals skilled in cyber security can earn 6.23% more, while those with system security experience may see an increase of 5.24%.
| Skill | Demand | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security | 33.04% | +6.23% |
| System Security | 22.01% | +5.24% |
| IT Security | 19.71% | +4.85% |
| Operating System | 16.26% | +4.85% |
| Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) | 22.72% | +4.26% |
| Information Security | 53.59% | +4.19% |
What are FAQs About Information Security Specialists?
Here are the common questions about information security specialists:
How much do information security specialists make?
As of January 2025, the average information security specialist salary is $74,880 per year, with hourly rates averaging $36 per hour. Salaries range from $63,417 to $88,062, depending on location, experience, and certifications.
Are information security specialists in demand?
Yes, the demand for cybersecurity specialists is high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 35% growth rate for related roles, such as information security analysts, between 2021 and 2031. This is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all jobs.
Do information security specialists need a degree?
Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in information security, cybersecurity, or a related field. Advanced certifications and degrees can further improve career opportunities and earning potential.
What certifications are valuable for information security specialists?
Certifications such as CISSP, CompTIA Security+, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are highly regarded in the field and often required for advanced positions.
Do you need strong technical skills to succeed as an information security specialist?
Yes, strong technical skills in areas like network security, vulnerability management, and data protection are critical. Specialists should also have expertise in systems monitoring, incident response, and security implementation.
