CISSP Salary: Boost Your Cyber Security Career

The CISSP Certifications are managed by the worldwide renowned organisation (ISC)². The CISSP certifications prove the candidate's capability to control, manage, and attain security architectures for their organisation.    

As of July 2022, 156,054 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (ISC)2 members are continually growing. Currently, a score of 70% is needed to pass and receive certification. The approximate pass rate for the CISSP exam is 20%.  

The average median CISSP Salary ranges from one country to the other. Globally, the estimated median salary for CISSPs (Certified Information Systems Security Professionals) ranges from £80,901 to £107,844.   

There is a high demand for Cyber Security workers across the world. A recent study conducted by (ISC)² shows a 3,432,476 Global Cyber Security Workforce Gap. 

Table of Contents

1) What is CISSP Certification?

2) What does a CISSP professional do?

3) CISSP Salary based on job roles

4) CISSP Salary based on location 

5) CISSP Salary based on experience level

6) Why is there a high demand for CISSP-certified professionals?

7) Conclusion

What is CISSP Certification 

The (ISC)² CISSP Certification is one of the most recognised and in-demand credentials in the field of Information Security. This certification proves the CISSP holders' efficiency in managing and designing the security architecture required for the organisation's safe functioning.   

The Exams are administered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² to test and certify the individuals' capabilities in demonstrating the knowledge & skills required for Information Security.   

To become a certified CISSP holder, the candidates must prove their subject-matter knowledge in all eight CISSP domains. The eight domains that comprise the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) contain every aspect of Information Security.  Candidates need to renew their CISSP certification after 3 years.

Further, let us examine the salary prospects of CISSP-certified professionals.
 

What does a CISSP professional do?

A CISSP professional is an expert in Information Security who ensures that every aspect of an enterprise environment is secure and compliant. It includes the organisation’s responsibilities, statements of work, and audit and monitoring processes. A CISSP professional’s main task is to strengthen the latest Information Security systems to protect data from unauthorised access and breach. They do this by identifying and assessing potential vulnerabilities, developing and implementing Risk Management plans, applying appropriate security measures, monitoring frameworks for anomalies, taking corrective actions, collecting security metrics, and creating security reports to provide real-time situational awareness and facilitate decision-making.

CISSP Salary based on job roles

 The earning potential as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can differ based on your chosen job role. Here’s a glimpse into the potential earnings across various job roles:
 

Cyber Security Analyst

Cyber Security Analysts are responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to Cyber threats that could affect the Information Systems of an organisation. They also perform risk assessments, vulnerability scans, and security audits to ensure compliance with security policies and standards. On average, Cyber Security Analysts in the UK might earn between £49,700 and £148,300 per year with an average of £98,987 per year. Those with advanced skills and experience in Cyber Security Analysis might earn higher incomes.

Cyber Security Engineer

Cyber Security Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the security solutions that protect the Information Systems of an organisation. They also troubleshoot and resolve security issues, test and evaluate security products, and provide technical guidance and support to other security staff. On average, Cyber Security Engineers in the UK might earn between £60,500 and £177,200 per year with an average of £118,862 per year. Those who have demonstrated their expertise and knowledge in Cyber Security engineering might earn higher incomes.

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data and information of an organisation. They also analyse the security needs and requirements of the organisation, develop and implement security policies and procedures, and provide training and awareness to other staff. On average, Information Security Analysts in the UK might earn around £10,200 to £176,800 per year with an average annual salary of £93,5032. Those with specialised skills and certifications in Information Security might earn higher incomes.

Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers are responsible for overseeing the Information Security strategy and program of an organisation. They also manage the Information Security team, budget, and resources, coordinate with other stakeholders and external parties, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. On average, Information Security Managers in the UK might earn between £81,900 and £174,300 per year with an average of £128,083 per year. Experienced Information Security Managers with leadership skills and a proven track record might earn higher incomes.

Chief Information Security Officer

Chief Information Security Officers are responsible for leading the Information Security vision and direction of an organisation. They also establish and maintain the Information Security governance framework, align the Information Security objectives with the business goals, and report to the senior management and board of directors. On average, Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) in the UK might earn between £106,700 and £253,700 per year, with an average of £180,216 per year. Those who have established themselves as experts in Information Security management and strategy might command higher fees.

Security Engineers are responsible for applying engineering principles and practices to ensure the security of the Information Systems of an organisation. They also design and develop secure systems and applications, conduct testing and verification activities, and provide technical support and troubleshooting. On average, Security Engineers in the UK might earn between £70,100 and £151,000 per year, with an average of £110,566 per year. Those who have specialised skills and certifications in Security Engineering might earn higher incomes.

Security Architect, IT

Security Architects are responsible for creating and maintaining the Security Architecture of the Information Systems of an organisation. They also define the security standards and guidelines, evaluate and recommend security solutions, and ensure alignment with the business needs and requirements. On average, Security Architects in the UK might earn between £90,800 and £193,400 per year, with an average of £142,095 per year. Those who have demonstrated their skills and knowledge in Security Architecture might earn higher incomes.

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CISSP Salary based on the location 

The earning potential as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can differ based on your location. Here’s a glimpse into the potential earnings across various countries:

UK

The UK is one of the leading countries in Cyber Security, with a high demand for CISSP-certified professionals. The average salary for a CISSP in the UK is £101,000 per year. The salary range can vary from £37,266 to £180,216 per year depending on the experience, job role, industry, and skills of the CISSP holder. The highest-paying cities for CISSPs in the UK are London, Edinburgh, and Manchester

India

India is one of the fastest-growing markets for Cyber Security, with a huge gap between the demand and supply of CISSP-certified professionals. The average salary for a CISSP in India is ₹19,20,000 per year. The salary range can vary from ₹10,00,000 to ₹50,00,000 per year depending on the experience, job role, industry, and skills of the CISSP holder. The highest-paying cities for CISSPs in India are Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi.

Australia

Australia is one of the most developed countries in Cyber Security, with a strong need for CISSP-certified professionals. The average salary for a CISSP in Australia is A$152,000 per year. The salary range can vary from A$77,000 to A$227,000 per year, depending on the experience, job role, industry, and skills of the CISSP holder. The highest-paying cities for CISSPs in Australia are Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.

USA

The USA is one of the most advanced countries in Cyber Security, with a huge demand for CISSP-certified professionals. The average salary for a CISSP in the USA is $125,470 per year. The salary range can vary from $69,000 to $182,000 per year, depending on the experience, job role, industry, and skills of the CISSP holder. The highest-paying states for CISSPs in the USA are California, New York, and Virginia.

UAE

The UAE is one of the emerging countries in Cyber Security, with a growing need for CISSP-certified professionals. The average salary for a CISSP in the UAE is AED 360,000 per year. The salary range can vary from AED 180,000 to AED 540,000 per year, depending on the experience, job role, industry, and skills of the CISSP holder. The highest-paying cities for CISSPs in the UAE are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

Canada

Canada is one of the most stable countries in Cyber Security, with a steady demand for CISSP-certified professionals. The average salary for a CISSP in Canada is C$ 111,000 per year. The salary range can vary from C$ 56,000 to C$ 166,000 per year, depending on the experience, job role, industry, and skills of the CISSP holder. The highest-paying provinces for CISSPs in Canada are Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

Singapore

Singapore is one of the most dynamic countries in Cyber Security, with a rising demand for CISSP-certified professionals. The average salary for a CISSP in Singapore is S$120,000 per year. The salary range can vary from S$60,000 to S$ 180,000 per year, depending on the experience, job role, industry, and skills of the CISSP holder. The highest-paying areas for CISSPs in Singapore are Central Region, East Region, and North Region.

CISSP Salary based on experience level

While the CISSP Salary range can vary greatly, it's helpful to break down the range into tiers for a clearer picture:  
 

Entry Level

Entry-level CISSP professionals are those who have less than one year of relevant work experience in the field of Information Security. They are usually required to have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field and pass the CISSP exam. Entry-level CISSP professionals often work as Security Analysts, Security Engineers, or Security Consultants. They are responsible for performing basic security tasks such as monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents, conducting vulnerability assessments and audits, and implementing security policies and procedures. The average salary for an entry-level CISSP professional in the UK is £60,900 per year.

Mid-Level

Mid-Level CISSP professionals are those who have one to four years of relevant work experience in the field of Information Security. As discussed above, they are usually required to have a bachelor’s degree in Computer science, Information systems, or a related field and pass the CISSP exam. Mid-Level CISSP professionals often work as Security Analysts, Security Engineers, or Security Consultants. They are responsible for performing intermediate security tasks such as designing, implementing, and maintaining security solutions, troubleshooting and resolving security issues, testing and evaluating security products, and providing technical guidance and support to other security staff. The average salary for a mid-level CISSP professional in the UK is £74,614 per year.

Mid senior level

Mid-senior level CISSP professionals are those who have five to nine years of relevant work experience in the field of Information Security.  Mid-senior level CISSP professionals often work as Security Managers, Security Architects, or Security Engineers. They are responsible for performing advanced security tasks such as developing and implementing security strategies and programs, managing the security team, budget, and resources, coordinating with other stakeholders and external parties, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The average salary for a mid-senior level CISSP professional in the UK is £ 101,000 per year.

Experienced

Experienced CISSP professionals are those who have 10 to 19 years of relevant work experience in the field of Information Security.  Experienced CISSP professionals often work as Chief Information Security Officers (CISO), Security Directors, or Security Architects. They are responsible for performing expert-level security tasks such as leading the Information Security vision and direction of an organisation, establishing and maintaining the Information Security governance framework, aligning the Information Security objectives with the business goals, and reporting to the senior management and board of directors. The average salary for an experienced CISSP professional in the UK is £125,470 per year.

Why is there a high demand for CISSP-certified professionals?

A CISSP professional is an expert in Information Security who protects data and systems from Cyber threats. CISSP-certified professionals are in high demand because:

1) They have advanced skills and knowledge to defend and improve security measures.

2) Many organisations require them to comply with regulations and standards.

3) They earn higher salaries and have more career opportunities.

Technology is constantly evolving, and so are the Cyber threats that businesses face. CISSP-certified professionals can help secure data and systems from unauthorised access and breaches. They can also lead and direct the security strategy and vision of an organisation. That is why they are highly valued and sought after in the IT and Cyber Security industry
 

Conclusion 

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification opens doors to a world of opportunities in the field of Cyber Security. With the ever-growing demand for skilled professionals in this domain, CISSP holders can enjoy competitive salaries and promising career prospects. As our discussion has revealed, CISSP Salary is impressive and reflects the value of this certification. So, if you're considering a career in Cyber Security, obtaining your CISSP Certification is a smart investment in your future

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