Where to Find Top Paying Cybersecurity Jobs

Where to Find Top Paying Cybersecurity Jobs

With cyber attacks on the rise and hackers becoming more and more sophisticated, the need for highly qualified information security professionals is skyrocketing. From network administrators to chief information officers, there are thousands of open positions—and some of the highest paying IT jobs are in cybersecurity. According to a Burning Glass Technologies report, cybersecurity positions command 9% more salary than other IT positions. Sounds great, right? We took a deeper dive into the Burning Glass database to discover where to find top paying cybersecurity jobs.

1. Washington, D.C.

Median salary for a security analyst: $96,000
Average time to fill position: 43 days
Major industries: government, education, tourism
Major employers: CACI, ManTech International Corp., CGI Group, Unisys, Allied Technology Group

Washington, DC, isn’t just for politicians—it also has the highest demand for nearly all of the top-paying cybersecurity jobs. And while the cost of living is above average, salaries tend to be a bit higher here as well. For example, the average salary is higher than Boston and Los Angeles, and the cost of living is lower. That’s a winner if you’re willing to relocate in order to land your dream job.

2. New York, NY

Median salary for a security analyst: $99,000
Average time to fill position: 44 days
Major industries: finance, media, communications
Major employers: NTT Data, Expinfo Inc., Infosys, Amtex Systems, Iron Mountain Inc.

The Big Apple is the stuff that dreams are made of…and that includes those who dream of finding a job in cybersecurity. New York City has very high demand for cybersecurity positions, as well as some of the highest cybersecurity salaries, second only to San Francisco. And with New York’s diverse portfolio of industries, you’ll have plenty of options when deciding where to work. Whether you’re entry-level or experienced, NYC remains the land of opportunity.

3. Los Angeles, CA

Median salary for a security analyst: $89,000
Average time to fill position: 47 days
Major industries: entertainment, aerospace, tourism
Major employers: ManTech International Corp., Infosys, Cisco Systems Inc., ACS Services, CGI Group

Los Angeles may be known for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but the city is also a hub for some unexpected industries: away from the red carpet, aerospace and international trade take the spotlight. Nearly 50 international corporations have their U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles, so you’ll find cybersecurity jobs that are not only high-paying, but also prestigious. To top it all off, you might even have a celebrity sighting from time to time. Welcome to Las Angeles!

4. Chicago, IL

Median salary for a security analyst: $82,000
Average time to fill position: 49 days
Major industries: finance, engineering, publishing
Major employers: CDW Corporation, Allscripts, Infosys, Iron Mountain Inc., Avanade Inc.

The coasts are great, but when you’re looking for the best-paying IT security jobs, don’t overlook the middle of the country. Chicago has more green space than New York, excellent public transit, incredible food, and even 29 miles of beautiful beach (yes, beach!) to match its California rivals. Chicago can run with the big cities when it comes to your cybersecurity career, too—the finance industry here is a powerhouse, and its need for information security is growing.

5. Dallas, TX

Median salary for a security analyst: $81,000
Average time to fill position: 44 days
Major industries: technology, finance, defense
Major employers: The Active Network, Computer Sciences Corp., Infosys, Cisco, HCL America

Dallas is the land of big hats, big hair—and big ideas. Its three major industries all have strong cybersecurity needs, from protecting financial information to guarding government secrets. Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and has a distinctly up-and-coming atmosphere of young professionals. But never fear: you’ll still find a relatively low rate of competition in the cybersecurity industry, with an average time of 44 days to fill positions.

6. Boston, MA

Median salary for a security analyst: $80,000
Average time to fill position: 58 days
Major industries: Education, biotechnology, finance
Major employers: MITRE Corp., NetApp, Cisco, Abacus Technology Corp., Sirius Computer Solutions

Boston may not have quite the prestige of New York City, but when it comes to lucrative industries like biotechnology and finance, you’ll find plenty of top-paying cybersecurity jobs. Plus, Boston sees the longest length of time to fill positions of any city on our list—meaning competition is low and there are plenty of open positions up for grabs. Those with the right credentials and experience will find that doors swing wide open in Boston.

7. San Francisco, CA

Median salary for a security analyst: $100,000
Average time to fill position: 51 days
Major industries: finance, technology, medical sciences
Major employers: Workday Inc., Ellie Mae, Informatica, Asana, Mentor Graphics Corp.

You’ll find many of cybersecurity’s best-paying jobs in California, and it’s no surprise where: Silicon Valley and the rest of the Bay Area. San Francisco has some of the highest salaries for information security jobs in the country; it also has a high cost of living. For those who want to live and work in one of the world’s most exciting and cutting-edge cities for technology, however, the trade-off is worth it.

8. Atlanta, GA

Median salary for a security analyst: $79,000
Average time to fill position: 37 days
Major industries: finance, technology, telecommunications
Major employers: Fiserv, Computer Sciences Corp., Change Healthcare, Greenway Health, Charter Global Inc.

Perhaps it’s the warm weather, Southern hospitality, and award-winning restaurants that make Atlanta one of the most competitive cities on our list. Or maybe it’s the fact that it’s home to corporate giants like Equifax, IBM, and AT&T, and enjoys a low cost of living, making it a magnet for young professionals. All we know is that ATL is a city on the rise—and cybersecurity is a great way to be a part of it.

9. Philadelphia, PA

Median salary for a security analyst: $81,000
Average time to fill position: 47 days
Major industries: bioscience, finance, tourism
Major employers: Computer Enterprises, Vistronix, VIVA USA, Cerner, CapTech Ventures

Philadelphia is perfect for those just starting out, with both a low cost of living and big-city lifestyle (plus a central location between the more expensive metropolises of New York and Washington, D.C.). That means you can live large on an entry-level cybersecurity salary. But Philly isn’t just for beginners: competition is relatively low, and exciting industries like bioscience are growing. If you find yourself drawn to the fast-paced cities of the Northeast, this might be your perfect place.

10. Denver, CO

Median salary for a security analyst: $85,000
Average time to fill position: 38 days
Major industries: aerospace, telecommunications, technology
Major employers: Total System Services, Zayo Group, Perficient, ProKarma, Tribridge

Denver is another modern boomtown, growing its population by nearly 3% in 2016, yet enjoying an overall unemployment rate of just 2.2%, one of the lowest in the country. Denver is creating and filling jobs at breakneck speed, including in the thriving cybersecurity industry, where salaries are the highest you’ll find outside the major coastal cities. And with the fresh mountain air and year-round outdoor activities, your quality of life is sure to rise along with your salary.

Wherever you choose to pursue your career, the most in-demand cybersecurity job requirements include project management, SQL, and systems design and implementation. And while the cybersecurity field can allow you to make a high salary without a degree, certifications like CISSP and CISA will definitely help you succeed. Because no matter which city is home to the perfect job for you, keeping your skills and knowledge up to date will always get you the best-paying cybersecurity jobs.