AI Cybersecurity Specialist.
Minneapolis.
$187,000
median salary, 7% above the national average
$139,000 to $244,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
A AI Cybersecurity Specialist in Minneapolis earns a median of $187,000 in 2026. That is 7% above the national average. The range runs from $139,000 to $244,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate. Pay correlates strongly with clearance level and industry sector.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $168,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$122,000
to $150,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$159,000
to $196,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$206,000
to $243,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$234,000
to $290,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $78,000 to the total package.
Base
$187,000
Equity
$47,000
Bonus
$20,000
Signing
$11,000
Estimated total: $265,000
How Minneapolis compares
Minneapolis, MN
$187,000
Cost of living: 5% above average
National Average
$175,000
Minneapolis is $12,000 above
AI Cybersecurity Specialist salary by city
Salary by role in Minneapolis
What you should know
Here is what the AI Cybersecurity Specialist market actually looks like in Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a Fortune 500 powerhouse with Target, UnitedHealth Group, Best Buy, and 3M headquartered in the metro. The city's strong corporate base creates consistent demand across finance, healthcare, retail tech, and supply chain roles. Quality of life is high, and employers offer competitive salaries to offset the cold winters. Pay correlates strongly with clearance level and industry sector. Defense contractors and financial institutions pay the highest rates. Specialists building threat detection models, anomaly detection systems, and automated incident response tools earn premiums. CISSP or similar certifications add further value.
Junior security data analysts start around $105,000. Senior AI cybersecurity specialists earn $160,000 to $200,000. CISOs with AI expertise or directors of security AI at enterprises reach $260,000 to $350,000 with bonuses. In Minneapolis, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Cybersecurity bonuses range from 10% to 20% with additional premiums for on-call availability. Defense sector roles may include clearance bonuses. Bug bounty programs at some companies provide supplemental income opportunities. And on the tax side: minnesota's top income tax rate is 9.85%, one of the highest state rates. There is no city income tax in Minneapolis, but the state burden significantly reduces take home pay. When someone quotes you $187,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Emphasize retention risk when negotiating. Minneapolis employers know that remote opportunities from warmer, lower tax states are a constant competitive threat. The range for AI Cybersecurity Specialists in Minneapolis runs from $139,000 to $244,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A AI Strategist in Minneapolis earns $186,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Minneapolis is Chief AI Officer at $329,000
Common questions.
AI Cybersecurity Specialist salary in other cities
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