IT Security Analyst Salary.
Across 30 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
$114,000
Washington DC, DC
Lowest Paying
$97,000
Pittsburgh, PA
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 Washington DC 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
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.