How Much Do Information Security Risk Analysts Make?: A Breakdown of the Salary

How Much Do Information Security Risk Analysts Make?: A Breakdown of the Salary

As the awareness of data breaches grows, more and more businesses are looking for skilled Information Security Risk Analysts to safeguard their confidential information from cyber threats. Finding out how much these professionals make, what their job duties are, and what education and skills they need are necessary if you want to pursue a career as an Information Security Risk Analyst. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much Information Security Risk Analysts make.

What is an Information Security Risk Analyst?

An Information Security Risk Analyst analyzes potential security risks to an organization’s data systems and develops strategies and plans for minimizing those risks. They work with IT managers, network administrators, and other cybersecurity professionals to identify vulnerabilities within an organization’s computer network and develop protocols to address them. Information Security Risk Analysts also conduct regular security audits and tests to ensure that security measures remain effective.

What is the Salary of an Information Security Risk Analyst?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual median salary for Information Security Risk Analysts was $103,590 in May of 2020. The salary may vary depending on the size of the organization, the industry, and geographical location. In addition to the base salary, Information Security Risk Analysts may receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

Factors Affecting Information Security Risk Analyst Salaries

Several factors can impact the salaries of Information Security Risk Analysts. One of the major factors is educational qualifications. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to become an Information Security Risk Analyst, but many professionals in this field hold advanced degrees. Other factors that can affect salaries include work experience, certifications, and job responsibilities.

Entry-Level Salary for Information Security Risk Analysts

The average starting salary for an entry-level Information Security Risk Analyst is around $60,000 per year. Those with experience and additional qualifications can expect to make more. As a starting analyst, you can expect to work under the supervision of a more experienced analyst until you gain sufficient experience to work independently.

Senior-Level Salary for Information Security Risk Analysts

Information Security Risk Analysts with 5-10 years of experience can make an average salary of around $114,000 a year. Those with over ten years of experience can earn around $139,000 a year or more. Senior Information Security Risk Analysts are often responsible for developing and implementing strategic security plans and providing guidance to junior analysts.

Certifications Impact on Information Security Risk Analyst Salaries

Information Security Risk Analysts with certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) can expect to earn higher salaries than those without certifications. Many organizations require and pay for their employees’ certification to ensure that they have the necessary skillset and knowledge to safeguard their networks.

Conclusion

Information Security Risk Analysts play a vital role in preventing cyber-attacks and data breaches within organizations. They earn a competitive salary, and it increases with experience, education, and certifications. Companies value Information Security Risk Analysts because of their knowledge, skills, and ability to safeguard the business from cyber threats. Pursuing a career in this field can be both challenging and rewarding.