Top-paying states for cybersecurity analysts

Cybersecurity analysts rank among the highest-paying tech careers. Nationally, cybersecurity jobs report a median salary of $124,910 based on May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

But which states pay the highest salaries for information security jobs? By digging into salary data and adjusting for cost of living, our research reveals the top-paying states for cybersecurity jobs.

The highest-paying states for cybersecurity analysts when adjusted for cost of living

If you're thinking about becoming a cybersecurity analyst, now is a great time to enter the field. In addition to six-figure median salaries, cybersecurity analysts also benefit from a 29% projected job growth rate from 2023-33 according to BLS. That's much faster than the 3% job growth for all occupations.

By raw numbers, Washington and California report the highest cybersecurity salaries. Indiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma pay the least. Check out the map to learn more about the median salary for cybersecurity jobs near you.

1. Washington

Home to Microsoft, Amazon, and other top tech companies, Washington reports the highest salaries for cybersecurity analysts. Even when adjusted for the state's above-average cost of living, cybersecurity analyst salaries rank 6th in the country.

Where do Washington cybersecurity specialists work? Out of the 6,830 information security analysts in the state, 4,490 work in the greater Seattle area. That's around two out of three cybersecurity jobs in Washington.

• Median annual salary: $142,920
• Salary adjusted for cost of living: $131,648 (6th)

2. California

It's not surprising that California, the state known for Silicon Valley, appears high on the list of top cybersecurity salaries. California, which reports a median pay of over $140,000, also employs more information security analysts than any other state. Those working in Silicon Valley earn an even higher median pay of $175,520.

In addition to Silicon Valley tech jobs, cybersecurity professionals can find opportunities at research institutions like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Additionally, you can find state government roles in cybersecurity at places like the California Cybersecurity Integration Center.

• Median annual salary: $140,660
• Salary adjusted for cost of living: $124,941 (15th)

3. Maryland

Maryland employs 8,770 cybersecurity analysts, almost 2,000 more cybersecurity jobs than Washington state.

Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C. may explain the huge number of cybersecurity jobs. The state is home to several federal agencies that employ many cybersecurity professionals, including the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command.

• Median annual salary: $140,480
• Salary adjusted for cost of living: $135,122 (2nd)

4. New Jersey

Home to many financial institutions, New Jersey cybersecurity analysts protect private financial data and prevent data breaches. Banks and insurance companies in Jersey City and Newark account for many cybersecurity jobs in New Jersey.

Cybersecurity professionals also work for pharmaceutical companies, healthcare companies, and biotech organizations in addition to the public sector. As a key logistics hub, New Jersey needs cybersecurity expertise to keep its ports and transportation systems running smoothly. Access to nearby New York, which ranks in the top 10 for cybersecurity salary, also offers additional opportunities.

• Median annual salary: $135,390
• Salary adjusted for cost of living: $124,344 (16th)

5. Delaware

Delaware reports around 630 cybersecurity jobs, a relatively small number of roles compared to other states. However, they rank among the top five states for cybersecurity salaries.

Where do cybersecurity specialists work in Delaware? The state's strong financial services industry requires cybersecurity support, and the greater Philadelphia area also reports strong employment numbers.

• Median annual salary: $134,050
• Salary adjusted for cost of living: $135,059 (3rd)

Cybersecurity analyst salaries by state

Does your state pay more or less than the national median cybersecurity salary of around $125,000? Find out where your state ranks on our list of median pay by state and salaries when adjusted for cost-of-living.

Source: BLS 2024, BEA 2023

Note: Cost-of-living adjustments compare purchasing power across states using the BEA’s Regional Price Parity index, which accounts for price differences in goods, services, and housing relative to the national average. Colorado’s wage data was excluded due to non-reporting by the BLS.

Methodology and limitations

This analysis utilizes the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) median annual salary data for Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051) as of May 2024. Salaries were adjusted for cost-of-living differences across states using the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities (RPPs) for 2023, following the formula: Adjusted Salary = (Nominal Salary / RPP) × 100. The RPP index accounts for variations in the prices of goods, services, and housing relative to the national average (100). Colorado's wage data was excluded due to non-reporting by the BLS.