Information Security Analyst Salary Guide

Here's what the national average hides about Information Security Analyst pay: The national median salary for Information Security Analysts in 2026 is $128,290, with entry-level positions averaging $92,369 and senior roles reaching $182,172. But those numbers flatten a reality with enormous geographic variation — Santa Clara pays a median of $238,794, while other markets fall well below the national average. We tracked 288 cities to build the complete picture.

A career as a Information Security Analyst sits at the intersection of Technology and Technology. Most professionals enter with Bachelor's in CS/cybersec, and the field is characterized by very high demand. The work itself is hybrid/remote. Understanding that context matters: it explains why certain markets pay premiums and others lag.

$139,256 separates the highest and lowest-paying cities. A Information Security Analyst in Santa Clara, California earns a median of $238,794 — $139,256 more than their counterpart in Toledo, Ohio ($99,538). That gap alone is more than many cities' annual rent. Cost-adjusted, this occupation outearns its reputation.

The salary distribution for Information Security Analysts reveals a $89,803 spread from entry to senior. At $128,290, the median sits $47,923 above the national median household income of $80,367. That's a strong baseline — and it only includes individual earnings, not household. The P10 floor of $92,369 represents early-career or part-time positions, while the $182,172 ceiling captures experienced professionals in premium markets.

The pay gap between the top and bottom markets is dramatic: $226,036 (average of the top 3 cities) versus $101,985 (average of the bottom 3). That $124,051 delta is real money — $10,338/month before taxes. But the highest-paying cities tend to be the most expensive. The cost-adjusted comparison below tells the more important story.

At the state level, Hawaii leads with an average Information Security Analyst median of $162,967 across 1 cities, followed by California ($146,421) and Massachusetts ($141,152). The state breakdown adds another layer. The lowest-paying states — Mississippi, Arkansas, Nebraska — offer medians between $101,704 and $113,981. But state averages mask city-level variation that's often just as large.

When you adjust the top-paying cities for cost of living, the ranking reshuffles. Santa Clara ($238,794 nominal, 198 cost index) delivers $120,603 in purchasing power — maintaining its lead even after cost adjustment. This is the metric that matters for anyone considering a geo-based career move.

Career economics for Information Security Analysts: entry level averages $92,369, mid-career hits $128,290, and experienced professionals reach $182,172. That's a 2.0× multiplier from start to peak. The path typically requires Bachelor's in CS/cybersec, and the work is hybrid/remote. The outlook: very high demand. Cost-adjusted, this occupation outearns its reputation.