Cybersecurity continues to be one of the fastest-growing fields in tech, with strong demand for skilled professionals across industries. Among the most sought-after roles is that of a Cyber Security Analyst, a position critical to protecting organizations against cyber threats. In 2025, this role is not only in high demand but also offers competitive compensation and long-term career stability.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down:
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The average cyber security analyst salary in 2025
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Key salary influencers including experience, certifications, and location
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Career outlook and job growth
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Benefits of becoming a cyber security analyst
What Is the Average Cyber Security Analyst Salary in 2025?
As of 2025, the average cyber security analyst salary in the United States is approximately $103,000 per year, according to industry data and employment reports.
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Entry-level (0–2 years): $70,000 – $85,000
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Mid-level (3–5 years): $90,000 – $110,000
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Senior-level (6–10+ years): $115,000 – $140,000+
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Lead/Specialist roles: $145,000 – $160,000+
This range varies depending on various factors, which we explore below.
Key Factors Influencing Cyber Security Analyst Salaries
1. Experience Level
Experience is one of the biggest determinants of salary. Entry-level analysts with strong foundational skills can expect competitive starting salaries, but with just a few years under your belt, the earning potential increases significantly.
2. Certifications
Holding industry-recognized certifications often leads to better-paying roles:
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CompTIA Security+ – entry-level boost
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Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – mid to senior-level roles
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Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – useful for penetration testing-focused positions
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GIAC Certifications – particularly valuable in enterprise environments
3. Education
A bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Information Technology is typically required. However, professionals with master’s degrees or specialized training may command higher salaries.
4. Industry
Some sectors offer better compensation:
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Finance & Banking: Higher average salaries due to risk management needs
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Healthcare: Growing demand due to patient data protection requirements
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Defense & Government: Often higher security clearance requirements, and better pay
5. Location
Salaries are higher in regions with a strong tech presence or high cost of living:
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San Francisco, CA: $130K+ average
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New York, NY: $120K+ average
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Austin, TX: ~$105K average
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Remote roles: Vary widely depending on employer and expertise
Salary Comparisons with Related Roles
| Role | Average Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Penetration Tester | $112,000 |
| Cybersecurity Consultant | $118,000 |
| SOC Analyst (Level 1) | $75,000 |
| Security Engineer | $125,000 |
| Security Architect | $150,000+ |
Take-Home Pay for a $103K Salary
For a salary of $103,000 annually, here’s a rough breakdown of monthly take-home pay after federal taxes (assuming standard deductions and no state tax):
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Gross Monthly Salary: ~$8,583
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Federal Tax & Deductions: ~$1,800 – $2,200
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Net (Take-Home) Pay: ~$6,400 – $6,800 per month
Additional deductions may apply for health insurance, 401(k), or other employer-provided benefits.
Job Market Trends in 2025
The cybersecurity job market is booming. With cyber threats increasing in sophistication and frequency, organizations are allocating more resources to cyber defense.
Key Trends:
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Remote and hybrid positions remain popular
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AI and automation influence skill requirements
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Greater demand for professionals with cloud security and zero-trust architecture experience
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Shortage of qualified talent drives up salaries and competition
Benefits of a Cyber Security Analyst Career
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High job security in a growing field
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Competitive salaries and bonuses
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Flexible work arrangements, including remote options
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Clear career progression into roles like Security Engineer, Consultant, or CISO
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Access to cross-industry opportunities (finance, healthcare, government, etc.)
How to Boost Your Salary as a Cyber Security Analyst
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Earn certifications relevant to your career goals
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Learn cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
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Gain experience with SIEM tools like Splunk or IBM QRadar
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Build skills in threat hunting, incident response, and penetration testing
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Stay current with trends in AI in cybersecurity and zero-trust security