AI Cybersecurity Specialist Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$175,000
national median salary
$130,000 to $228,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$237,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$182,000
Seattle, WA
Lowest Paying
$138,000
Wichita, KS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average AI Cybersecurity Specialist salary in the United States is $175,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $130,000 at the 25th percentile to $228,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $237,000, while Seattle offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Pay correlates strongly with clearance level and industry sector.
AI Cybersecurity Specialist salary by city
Skills that increase AI Cybersecurity Specialist pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for AI Cybersecurity Specialists based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $24,500 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$24,500 per year
≈ +$22,750 per year
≈ +$21,000 per year
≈ +$19,250 per year
≈ +$17,500 per year
≈ +$17,500 per year
≈ +$17,500 per year
≈ +$15,750 per year
What you should know
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.
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.