IT Security Analyst Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$110,000
national median salary
$82,000 to $148,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$146,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$115,000
Baltimore, MD
Lowest Paying
$87,000
Charleston, WV
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 IT Security Analyst salary in the United States is $110,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $82,000 at the 25th percentile to $148,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $146,000, while Baltimore offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Analysts specializing in compliance frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS earn steady premiums in regulated industries.
IT Security Analyst salary by city
Skills that increase IT Security Analyst pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for IT Security Analysts based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $22,000 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$22,000 per year
≈ +$16,500 per year
≈ +$12,100 per year
≈ +$11,000 per year
≈ +$9,900 per year
≈ +$8,800 per year
≈ +$8,800 per year
≈ +$7,700 per year
What you should know
Analysts specializing in compliance frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS earn steady premiums in regulated industries. Those who combine audit and assessment skills with hands-on vulnerability scanning and SIEM management command 15 to 20% above pure compliance roles. Government and defense contractors pay top rates for cleared analysts.
Help desk or junior IT staff start at $50,000 to $65,000, advancing to security analyst at $82,000 to $148,000 in three to five years. Senior security analysts earn $140,000 to $170,000, while security managers or directors of information security reach $175,000 to $240,000.
Annual bonuses of 8 to 12% are common, with certification reimbursement covering CompTIA Security+, CEH, and CISA exams. Some employers offer retention bonuses of $5,000 to $15,000 given the high turnover rate in security operations roles.