In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, credentials matter. Among these esteemed credentials, the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification holds a distinguished position. It is widely recognized and respected all over the world, serving as a testament to an individual’s expertise and knowledge in the field.
However, beyond its power to elevate one’s cybersecurity career, this certification offers another benefit: the enhanced earning potential of CISSP-certified professionals. But how much do they really make?
In this article, we delve into the average annual salary of a CISSP-certified professional, examine the factors that influence these figures, and explore why CISSPs are in demand.
Let’s get started!
CISSP Average Salary: An overview
Before we discuss the average salary of a CISSP-certified individual, it’s important to highlight a key point: CISSPs often have higher salaries than those without this certification. The rationale behind this pay disparity is deeply rooted in the profound knowledge, advanced skills, and comprehensive training that CISSP professionals have.
Recognizing the value and expertise of these professionals, employers often reward them with a compensation package that reflects their unique skill set. Apart from these, several factors come into play when determining the salary:
- Experience: As with many professions, experience plays an integral role. A newly certified CISSP might not command the same salary as someone with a decade of experience in the field, even if they hold the same certification.
- Location: Salaries can widely vary based on geography. For example, a CISSP in San Francisco might earn more than one in a smaller city, owing to the higher cost of living and concentration of tech companies in the former.
- Specializations: CISSP offers different specializations, and certain niches might have higher demand, leading to increased salaries.
- Employer type: Working for a multinational corporation might come with a different pay scale compared to a government agency or local startup.
The benefits of CISSP certification go beyond just increasing your salary potential. This also offers career advancement, as well as recognition in the cybersecurity field. With a CISSP certification under your belt, you're not just another professional in the industry; you're an individual who has demonstrated a deep understanding and commitment to ensuring the safety and security of digital realms.
The CISSP certification, thus, not only enhances your earning potential but also paves the way for a rewarding and impactful career in the world of cybersecurity.
How much does a CISSP make? (Based on location, job role, and years of experience)
Although various factors influence the average salary of CISSP-certified professionals, numerous reports offer valuable insights, presenting ballpark figures tailored to location, job role, and years of experience. These comprehensive studies provide a more granulated understanding of the earning potential of these cybersecurity experts.
While it's essential to note that individual outcomes may differ, drawing upon these reports can offer a clearer picture of what one might anticipate in terms of financial compensation. Let’s take a look at them.
Note: The average salary listed below is based on the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, while the breakdown based on the job role and years of experience comes from Payscale’s data.
CISSP Salary - USA
Average salary: $120,552
Job role | Average | < 1 yr. | 1-4 yrs | 5-9 yrs. | 10-19 yrs. | 20+ yrs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chief Information Security Officer | $173,726 | $106K | $131K | $138K | $177K | $188K |
Security Architect, IT | $137,078 | $79K | $98K | $126K | $145K | $151K |
Information Security Manager | $124,248 | $72K | $99K | $121K | $130k | $131k |
Information Security Analyst | $76,979 | $63K | $72K | $87K | $98K | $107K |
CISSP Salary - Canada
Average salary: C$162,032
Job role | Average | 1-4 yrs | 5-9 yrs. | 10-19 yrs. | 20+ yrs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chief Information Security Officer | C$156,752 | C$152K | C$150K | C$165K | C$161K |
Security Architect, IT | C$114,530 | C$106K | C$115K | C$117K | C$121K |
Information Security Manager | C$109,705 | C$99K | C$109K | C$117K | C$117K |
Information Security Analyst | C$73,325 | C$69K | C$79K | C$92K | C$102K |
CISSP Salary - UK
Average salary: £64,155
Job role | Average | 1-4 yrs | 5-9 yrs. | 10-19 yrs. | 20+ yrs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chief Information Security Officer | £100,629 | £73K | £83K | £102K | £120K |
Security Architect, IT | £61,277 | £48K | £61K | £69K | £81K |
Information Security Manager | £55,029 | £48K | £55K | £63K | £64K |
Information Security Analyst | £31,683 | £31K | £44K | £37K | £41K |
CISSP Salary - Australia
Average salary: AU$87,548
Job role | Average | 1-4 yrs | 5-9 yrs. | 10-19 yrs. | 20+ yrs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chief Information Security Officer | AU$183,704 | AU$140K | AU$169K | AU$186K | AU$217K |
Security Architect, IT | AU$153,102 | AU$144K | AU$147K | AU$165K | AU$152K |
Information Security Manager | AU$145,795 | AU$125K | AU$138K | AU$150K | AU$152K |
Information Security Analyst | AU$87,938 | AU$85K | AU$97K | AU$110K | Cell |
CISSP Salary - India
Average salary: ₹4,733,534
Job role | Average | 1-4 yrs | 5-9 yrs. | 10-19 yrs. | 20+ yrs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chief Information Security Officer | ₹2,601,472 | ₹1M | ₹2M | ₹3M | ₹3M |
Security Architect, IT | ₹2,199,643 | ₹700K | ₹2M | ₹3M | ₹3M |
Information Security Manager | ₹1,680,272 | ₹900K | ₹1M | ₹2M | ₹2M |
Information Security Analyst | ₹604,640 | ₹537K | ₹940K | ₹1M | Cell |
CISSP Salary - Other countries
The data below is based on the 2021 IT Skills and Salary Report – Salary and Certifications by Global Knowledge:
Region | Average salary (USD) |
|---|---|
Globally | $119,170 |
Asia Pacific | $91,631 |
Europe, Middle East & Africa | $100,538 |
Latin America | N/A |
North America | $138,647 |
CISSP Salary - Entry Level
Individuals without the prerequisite experience can still take the CISSP exam and, upon passing, earn the title "Associate of ISC2". While they won't immediately hold the full CISSP designation, this status grants them a 5-year window to complete the required experience. In such cases, these Associates often start at entry-level positions in the cybersecurity field.
Their salaries, though generally lower than experienced CISSP holders, tend to be higher than those without any certification at all. The Associate status showcases their foundational knowledge and commitment to the profession, making them more appealing to employers. As they accrue experience, their salary potential and job prospects can increase significantly.
Why CISSP professionals are in demand
In today's hyper-connected digital age, the threats posed by cybercriminals, state-sponsored hackers, and even insider threats have become increasingly sophisticated and persistent. This ever-changing environment highlights the need for skilled professionals who can mitigate these threats, safeguarding the integrity and security of data and digital infrastructures.
Here's why CISSP-certified professionals stand out and are in such high demand:
- Comprehensive Knowledge: CISSP is renowned for its rigorous curriculum that spans eight domains of information security. To pass the test, candidates must go through extensive CISSP certification training, which equips them with an overall understanding of the diverse facets of cybersecurity.
- Credibility & Recognition: The CISSP certification is globally recognized. This recognition is evident from CISSP success stories and CISSP certification statistics that showcase the vast number of professionals elevating their careers post-certification. Organizations, aware of the rigorous examination and continuous learning requirements for CISSP, place immense trust in these professionals.
- Experience Requirement: To obtain the CISSP certification, candidates must not only pass a challenging exam but also demonstrate relevant work experience. This ensures that CISSP-certified professionals bring both theoretical knowledge and practical insights to the table.
- Ethical Commitment: CISSP certification mandates adherence to a stringent code of ethics. Organizations can be assured that hiring a CISSP professional means bringing on board an individual who is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
- Continuous Learning: CISSP certification requires professionals to pursue continuing professional education (CPE) credits. This ensures that they remain updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.
CISSP Exam FAQs
CISSP professionals own more than Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) holders, according to Payscale’s data. On average, CISSPs earn $125k per year, while CISAs earn $113k per year.
A CISSP certification can significantly boost your salary, often resulting in a 10-25% increase compared to non-certified counterparts, depending on location, experience, and job role.
As of March 2023, there are 159,679 ISC2 members holding the CISSP certification all over the world.
Choosing between CISSP and a Master's degree depends on career goals. CISSP is industry-focused, offering practical skills for cybersecurity roles. A Master's degree provides broader knowledge, which may be suited for research or higher academic pursuits in cybersecurity.
No, CISSP is a professional certification, not an academic degree. While it's highly respected and demonstrates expertise in cybersecurity domains, it doesn't replace the broad academic curriculum and theoretical foundation provided by a formal degree program. However, some employers or roles might consider CISSP as a significant qualification alongside or even in place of a degree, depending on the specific job requirements.
Increase your salary potential with a CISSP certification
In the competitive landscape of information security, holding a CISSP certification can be the distinguishing factor that elevates your career trajectory. Not only does it affirm your expertise, but it also significantly boosts your earning potential.
If you’re planning to take the CISSP examination, an excellent way to prepare is to enroll in a CISSP MasterClass. At Destination Certification, we offer a specialized training platform that adapts to your current level of knowledge, focusing on any gaps that you may have.
On top of that, you’ll get a CISSP personal mentoring to answer any questions that you may have with the overall process, exam preparation, or anything else that might help you get the certification easily.
Ready to elevate your cybersecurity career? Destination Certification is here to support you every step of the way.
