How much do entry-level cybersecurity analysts make?

Cybersecurity analyst starting salaries outpace most entry-level technology roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) reports that the bottom 10% of information security analysts earn approximately $60,000, while the median across all experience levels is $120,360. Entry-level positions, typically classified as SOC Analyst Tier 1, fall in the $70,000 to $95,000 range depending on location and employer.

Certifications directly impact entry-level pay. According to CompTIA (2024), professionals holding Security+ earn more at the entry level than those without certifications. Candidates with both Security+ and practical SIEM experience (Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel) are particularly competitive. The CySA+ certification signals intermediate blue team skills and can push starting offers above $85,000.

Employer type matters. Federal government positions use the GS pay scale (typically GS-7 to GS-9 for entry-level cybersecurity, $50,000 to $75,000 base plus locality pay). Defense contractors typically pay $75,000 to $100,000 for entry-level analysts with a security clearance. Private sector tech companies often offer the highest starting salaries, especially in major metro areas.

Within 2 to 3 years, cybersecurity analysts with good performance and additional certifications can expect salaries in the $100,000 to $120,000 range. DecipherU's salary guides track real compensation data across experience levels, locations, and employer types so you can benchmark your offers accurately.