Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Is information security analysts a good career?
It scores 67/100 and ranks #17 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($129,180 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+28.5% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
- Often needs prior experience (less than 5 years)
What information security analysts earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. information security analysts earn between $97,810 and $163,500 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live information security analysts jobs
How to become an information security analyst
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Information security analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or math. However, some workers enter the occupation with a high school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have information security certification. Some of these certifications are for workers at the entry level; others, are designed for experienced information security workers. Certification in specialized areas, such as systems auditing, also is available.
Advancement
Information security analysts may advance to become chief security officers or another type of computer and information systems manager. Information security analysts also may advance within the occupation as they gain experience. For example, they may lead a team of other information security analysts or become an expert in a particular area of information security.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Information security analysts study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine improvements for security policies and protocols.
Communication skills. Information security analysts must be able to explain information security needs and potential threats to technical and nontechnical audiences within their organizations.
Creative skills. Information security analysts must anticipate information security risks and implement new ways to protect their organizations’ computer systems and networks.
Detail oriented. Because cyberattacks may be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay careful attention to computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance.
Problem-solving skills. Information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks.
Related occupations
How much do information security analysts make?
The national median wage is $129,180 a year, with the middle half earning between $97,810 and $163,500 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is information security analysts a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 67 of 100 and ranks #17 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +28.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a information security analyst?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, usually with less than 5 years.
Where do information security analysts earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($154,940). Local pay for every state and metro is below.