Security and Risk Analyst Salary and Career Opportunities

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As a security and risk analyst, you'll have a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The median annual salary for security and risk analysts is around $102,600, with top earners making over $160,000. This salary range is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and online job postings.

With experience and certifications, security and risk analysts can move into leadership roles or specialize in areas like cybersecurity or compliance. Many companies also offer professional development programs to help analysts advance their careers.

Security and risk analysts often work in high-stress environments, but they also have the opportunity to make a significant impact on their organization's security and risk management.

Average Salaries and Outlook

Cybersecurity and information security analysts can earn an average annual salary of $124,740 per year.

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Information risk security analysts expect to make an average of $112,398 in the United States annually, which is more than double the national average.

The average salary for information security risk analysts is expected to grow at a rate of 3.2% per year, with a projected salary of $130,383 by 2027.

Information security analysts received a median salary of $112,000 in May 2022, and the hourly equivalent is about $53.85 per hour.

The job prospects in the information security field are expected to grow rapidly in the next decade, with a projected growth rate of 32% from 2022 to 2032.

By 2037, assuming a 3.2% growth rate, the average salary for a cybersecurity risk analyst will rise to $166,353.

Salary by Category

The salary for information security risk analysts is quite impressive. On average, they can expect to make $112,398 in the United States annually.

This is more than double the national average salary for all jobs, which is $53,490. The average salary for an information risk analyst is a reflection of how vital they are in today's world.

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The salary outlook for information risk analysts is strong, with an average salary growth of 3.2% year over year. This growth rate is significant and indicates a bright future for those in this field.

In fact, the projected job growth for information risk analysts is equally strong, with a 35% increase expected from 2021 to 2031. This means more job opportunities and higher salaries for those in this field.

Here's a comparison of information security analyst salaries with other IT jobs:

As you can see, information security analysts tend to earn higher salaries than other IT professionals.

Career Advancement

To advance your career as a security and risk analyst, you'll want to focus on building a strong foundation through education and experience. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field like cyber security can help you develop strong foundational skills.

Education never ends in the field of cybersecurity, and earning a master's degree can increase your qualifications and help you climb the ladder. Consider pursuing a post-bachelor's certificate or post-master's certificate program to further enhance your skills.

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Certifications can also play a significant role in your career advancement. For example, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) certifications are highly valued in the industry. Here are some key certifications to consider:

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Experience is also crucial, and the value of your first entry-level job comes in your personal and professional development earned through on-the-job experience. As you gain more experience, you'll have many more options for certifications and can consider earning a master's degree in a relevant field.

How to Get Paid More and Advance Your Career

To get paid more and advance your career as an information risk analyst, your education is key. A bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or a related field can help you build strong foundational skills. You can potentially advance to a master's degree in cybersecurity in the future and increase your qualifications to continue climbing the ladder.

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Certification is also important, as it can help you improve your qualifications for the job you're looking for. Some employers may require certain certifications to consider you for an interview. For example, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certifications are highly valued in the industry.

Experience is also crucial, as professional experience can speak volumes in an interview for a senior position. Much of the value of your first entry-level job comes in your personal and professional development earned through on-the-job experience. According to recent salary trend data, the average salary growth for information risk analysts is 3.2% per year, which can lead to significant increases in salary over time.

Here are some key certifications to consider at different levels of your career:

  • Entry-level: Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) offered by ISC2
  • Mid-level: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  • Senior: Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM)

By focusing on education, certification, and experience, you can advance your career and increase your earning potential as an information risk analyst.

What Does an Analyst Do?

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As you explore career advancement opportunities, you might be wondering what a specific job entails. Let's take a closer look at the role of an information security analyst.

Information security analysts protect an organization's computer networks, systems, and databases from cyberattacks and data breaches. This is a critical task, especially for companies that handle sensitive data.

An information security analyst's job description includes detecting, monitoring, and mediating various aspects of security. This can involve physical security, software security, and network security.

One of the key responsibilities of an information security analyst is performing compliance control testing. This ensures that an organization's security measures are up to par.

Information security analysts also develop recommendations and training programs to minimize security risk in the company. This involves staying aware of evolving threats in the cybersecurity space.

To stay on top of these threats, information security analysts often communicate with external sources. They also collaborate with other teams and management within a company to implement best security practices.

Professionals analyzing financial charts in a corporate setting.
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Here are some key tasks that an information security analyst performs:

  • Detecting, monitoring, and mediating various aspects of security
  • Performing compliance control testing
  • Developing recommendations and training programs to minimize security risk
  • Communicating with external sources to stay aware of evolving threats
  • Collaborating with other teams and management to implement best security practices

Information security analysts are needed in almost any field, including business, governance, technology, finance, energy, and many more.

Job Market and Hiring

Companies are eager to secure their information and hire cybersecurity risk analysts with the right skills, making it a wonderful time to enter the field and enjoy the lucrative rewards of this fulfilling career.

The job market for information security analysts is booming, with a median salary of $112,000 in May 2022, according to the BLS.

Job prospects in the information security field are expected to grow rapidly in the next decade, with a 32 percent growth rate from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Information security analysts can expect to earn an hourly equivalent of about $53.85 per hour.

Krystal Bogisich

Lead Writer

Krystal Bogisich is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a versatile writer capable of tackling a wide range of topics. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including finance, where she has developed a particular interest in actuarial careers.

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