Top 6 Highest Paying Cybersecurity Jobs in 2024

Ransomware and other forms of malware are becoming increasingly common, making cybersecurity a top priority for every internet-connected business. The bigger the organization, the more of a target they become.

Thus, whether you are already working in cybersecurity or are looking to launch a new profession, now is the time to do it.

What would the lowest and highest cyber security salaries be in the year 2024? We have collected data on the six highest paying cybersecurity jobs to assist you on your path.

6 Highest Paying Cybersecurity Jobs in 2024

According to salary, these are the top six cybersecurity jobs.

1. Chief Information Security Officer Salary & Requirements

• Average Salary: $218,127
• Average Low-High Range: $155,805 – $280,450

The CISO is responsible for directing the company’s overall security operation to protect sensitive data from both within and outside interference. To enable and advance the company’s objectives, this executive in the C-suite establishes rules and procedures to prevent these security risks and data breaches.

Salary range for a chief information security officer (CISO) in the United States is from $218,617 (the low end) to $275,578 (the high end), with a typical annual income of $243,943 (Salary.com). Earnings range from $155,805 for an entry-level position to $280,450 for a senior-level chief information security officer, according to SalaryExpert.com’s compensation projections. The average CISO salary is $225,224.

As far as cyber security salaries go, this is the top one currently available.

Requirements To Become Chief Information Security Officer

• Minimum requirement: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, cybersecurity, or a related field.
• With a minimum of five years of managerial experience.
• Possessing extensive knowledge of various security techniques and technology.
• Understanding of the industry regulations.

2. Director of Information Security Salary

• Average Salary: $180,949
• Average Low-High Range: $97,030 – $264,869

A director of information security, similar to a chief information security officer (CISO), is a senior-level position within an organization’s information security function. When it comes to protecting the company’s data, it’s crucial. The director of information security oversees the day-to-day operations of the program, which include conducting risk assessments, implementing and maintaining security measures, and handling cybersecurity incidents.

According to Salary.com, a director of information security in the United States can expect to earn a median yearly salary of $192,121, with a range of $173,905 to $212,390. That puts it in the top tier of cyber security occupations in terms of salary. The range of salaries reported by Indeed.com is $97,030 to $264,869, with an average pay of $160,313.

Requirements To Become Director of Information Security

• BS in database administration, information technology security, or computer science.
• Five to ten years of expertise in managing IT systems and cybersecurity.

3. Cybersecurity Architect

• Average Salary: $153,750
• Average Low-High Range: $92,000-$215,000

A cybersecurity architect, sometimes known as a security architect, is an executive-level position responsible for the organization’s computer and network security architecture planning, design, testing, implementation, and maintenance. Being well-versed with the company’s inner workings and the technologies it employs to run its operations is essential for this role.

Predicting and defending against cyber threats requires a cybersecurity architect to think like a hacker. A cybersecurity architect’s job is to find security holes in a company’s systems by doing tests, including penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, and ethical hacks.

From $92,000 to $215,500 is a typical salary range for a cybersecurity architect. The highest paid cybersecurity architects can expect to earn $215,500 per annum, according to ZipRecruiter, while the average compensation is $149,349 per annum. The wage range for a cybersecurity architect, however, is $92,000 to $179,000, according to Zippia.com.

Requirements for Cybersecurity Architect

• Degree of bachelor’s level in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
• Five to ten years of relevant expertise in information technology, preferably in areas such as business planning, systems analysis, and application development.
• Three to five years of experience focused on security.

4. Cybersecurity Engineer Salary

• Average Salary: $142,500
• Average Low-High Range: $110,000 – $175,000

Cybersecurity engineers, who are also called information security engineers, are responsible for finding and fixing security holes in a business’s computer networks and systems. In preparation for potential cyberattacks, the cybersecurity engineer puts security measures in place to protect company data. This person reports directly to management and works with the company’s IT team.

According to Salary.com, the average compensation for a cybersecurity engineer falls somewhere between $119,853 and $148,692. The typical yearly compensation for a cybersecurity engineer in the United States, according to Talent.com, is between $110,000 and $175,000.

Requirements for Cybersecurity Engineer

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, systems engineering, or information technology is required.
• Familiarity with a variety of endpoint security measures, including firewall operation and maintenance.
• Expertise with Power Shell, Ruby, Python, Node.js, C++, Ruby, and Java.

5. Application Security Engineer Salary

• Average Salary: $147,070
• Average Low-High Range: $81,942 – $212,198

An application security engineer’s job is to make sure all the apps, whether they’re on the cloud or running on premises, are safe. These experts find security flaws in the apps their companies make and release and fix them. In order to safeguard applications that have already been released, they collaborate with development teams to set up security controls at various points in the software development lifecycle.

According to salary.com, an application security engineer can expect an average yearly pay of $104,106, with a range of $81,942 to $127,425.

Application security engineers can expect to earn an average salary of $138,075, with a range of $89,844 to $212,198 per year, according to Indeed.com.

Requirements for Application Security Engineer

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a closely related discipline.
• Two to four years of relevant work experience on the ground.

6. Cybersecurity Manager Salary

• Average Salary: $123,500
• Average Low-High Range: $57,000 – $190,000

Keeping an organization’s information systems safe, detecting potential dangers, and countering cyberattacks are all part of a cybersecurity manager’s job description. Creating a strategy that the company can follow in the case of a cyberattack is another duty of the cybersecurity manager.

The person in this role implements security measures for the organization’s computer systems and data. Choosing, installing, and overseeing the most effective virtual private networks (VPNs) and antivirus software for the company’s network architecture are additional responsibilities of the cybersecurity manager.

Employee training on these security measures may also be a responsibility of the cybersecurity manager. Therefore, people are able to safely use their equipment. The person in this function may be responsible for supervising other security professionals due to the managerial nature of the employment.

Managers in the cybersecurity field can expect to earn an average of $132,962 a year, with a range of $57,000 to $186,000. This information is sourced from ZipRecruiter. A salary range of $84,000 to $190,000 is reported for this position on Payscale.com, with an average income of $136,749 per year.

Requirements for Cybersecurity Manager

• Get a bachelor’s degree in information technology with a concentration in cybersecurity, computer science, or an associated field.
• Having worked in computer security or network administration for five to ten years is a must.

How to Climb the Cyber Security Salary Top Range?

Dr. Michelle Moore, Academic Director of the Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations program at the University of San Diego, has stated that there is an extreme shortage of qualified cybersecurity experts.

The Cybersecurity Employment Growth Report from the University of San Diego revealed:

• Even if they aren’t actively seeking employment, recruiters contact 46% of cybersecurity experts on a weekly basis.
• Top executives and professional bug bounty hunters have the ability to earn a cyber security salary of half a million dollars.

It takes a lot of work and expertise to reach the level of experience that qualifies for the maximum compensation in cyber security, even though it seems profitable.

The Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering program’s Academic Director and Professor of Practice at the University of San Diego, Chuck Bane, stated:

“Strong cybersecurity capabilities have become absolutely essential for all organizations today. Unfortunately, an industry-wide talent shortage is making it extremely hard for employers to find qualified professionals. The result is an unprecedented opportunity for current and aspiring cybersecurity professionals to earn high salaries performing important and meaningful work.”

According to Fortinet’s 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, most leaders place a high value on having highly specialized technical knowledge and abilities.

• According to 82% of people who took the survey, cybersecurity qualifications would be beneficial for their company.
• 90% say they would foot the bill for a cybersecurity certification for an employee.

Even though acquiring a degree from a top cybersecurity school and completing top-notch cyber security classes can put you ahead of the competition for high-paying cybersecurity jobs, self-education is an ongoing process.

“Bane” from San Diego said:

“Technology is moving so fast that just because you go and get a certification or get a degree doesn’t mean you are done. You can’t be stagnant. You have to stay up to date and stay current with it; keep learning, especially within your area of expertise.”

The Bottom Line

Businesses across all sectors are actively recruiting cybersecurity experts to fill open positions. The issue lies in the dearth of suitably qualified candidates.

As a result, there is a severe shortage of qualified applicants for cybersecurity jobs, leaving thousands—if not tens of thousands—open.

Therefore, if you want to start a career in cybersecurity or advance your current one, your prospects are strong if you put in the work, shoot for the moon, and apply for these high-paying positions.