Report Highlights Large Compensation Gaps, Limited Career
Growth, and Return to Office Mandates Create Hiring and Retention
Challenges in the Cybersecurity Talent Market
BOSTON, Feb. 20,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IANS Research and
Artico Search released the 2025 Cybersecurity Staff
Compensation Benchmark Report, providing a comprehensive look at
cybersecurity staff compensation, job satisfaction, and hiring
trends.
As cybersecurity teams take on broader responsibilities, infosec
professionals are working across multiple security domains. The
report finds that 61% of cybersecurity staff dedicate at least 30%
of their time to multiple functions, with common overlaps in
SecOps, GRC, and AppSec. This shift reflects the growing demand for
cross-functional expertise, often driven by resource constraints
and organizational efficiencies.
Meanwhile, amidst fierce talent competition, organizations
with compensation gaps, limited career growth, and strict
return to office mandates will face hiring and retention
challenges, straining security team development. As cybersecurity
roles expand and evolve, companies that do offer competitive
salaries, prioritize leadership development and career growth, and
ensure work arrangement flexibility will be best positioned to
attract and retain top professionals.
"This year's data reinforces a critical truth—cybersecurity
professionals often feel stuck in demanding roles without
opportunities for meaningful career growth," said Nick Kakolowski, Sr. Research Director at IANS
Research. "With more than 60% of cybersecurity professionals
considering a job change, the key challenge for CISOs isn't just
compensation—it's creating opportunities for staff to progress in
their careers. In a market where staff are expected to wear
multiple hats, those who see clear paths to leadership and
specialization are the most likely to stay."
Key Findings from the 2025 Cybersecurity Staff
Compensation Benchmark Report:
- Cybersecurity salaries remain highly competitive.
Security architects and engineers continue to earn top-tier
salaries, with average annual cash compensation of $206,000 and $191,000, respectively.
- IT backgrounds dominate among security
professionals. Over 70% of security engineers and more
than 50% of security analysts and security architects say their IT
backgrounds were essential to landing their current roles.
- Regional pay differences vary considerably. The U.S.
West region offers the highest cybersecurity salaries, followed by
the Northeast. The Southeast and Central U.S. report lower
salaries. The annual compensation disparity between the highest and
lowest regions is $61,000
Canada consistently lags behind
all U.S. regions.
- Specialized skills drive premium
salaries. Cybersecurity professionals with deep expertise
in cloud security, application security, and threat intelligence
earn significantly more, reinforcing the value of
specialization.
- Employee satisfaction remains low. Only one-third
of cybersecurity professionals would recommend their employer. Low
satisfaction coincides with perceptions of limited career growth,
with fewer than 40% of respondents satisfied with their advancement
opportunities and more than 45% expressing frustration over slow
progression. While compensation remains a factor, the ability to
develop new skills and advance within an organization has a greater
impact on retention.
"In today's competitive hiring market, companies win top
cybersecurity talent when they offer competitive salaries and clear
growth potential in the organization," said Steve Martano, IANS Faculty member and partner
at Artico Search. "CISOs who create growth opportunities for their
high-performing team members through leadership training,
mentorship, and skill development have a far greater ability to
attract and retain top security professionals."
The 2025 Cybersecurity Staff Compensation Benchmark Summary
Report is now available for download, offering a high-level
look at salary trends, job satisfaction data, and recommendations
for CISOs to attract and retain staff.
Survey Methodology
The 2025 Cybersecurity Staff
Compensation Benchmark Report is based on the annual Cybersecurity
Staff Compensation and Career Survey, conducted jointly by IANS
Research and Artico Search. Data was collected between June 2024 and December
2024, with responses from over 500 cybersecurity
professionals representing a broad range of industries, company
sizes, and organizational structures across the U.S. and
Canada.
About Artico Search
Founded in 2021, Artico
Search specializes in recruiting senior go-to-market and security
executives for growth venture, private equity, and public
companies. The firm's dedicated security practice focuses on
finding top CISOs and other senior-level information security
professionals across a wide range of industries.
About IANS Research
For security leaders
navigating complex threats and business demands, IANS Research
provides expert-driven insights and practical guidance. Our network
of experienced practitioners, the IANS Faculty, offers on-demand
expertise and support through our research, peer community, and
tailored consulting services. Learn more
at www.iansresearch.com.
Media Contact:
Angelique Faul
Silver Jacket Communications
513.633.0897
390499@email4pr.com
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SOURCE IANS Research
