What Information Security Analysts do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Information Security Analysts this way: "Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Train users and promote security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency"; "Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs"; "Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes"; "Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems"; "Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for Information Security Analysts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 192,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 233,400 in 2035, an increase of 40,500 jobs (+21%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 14,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $129,180, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Information Security Analysts earn the most
Across the 6 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $135,731 in New York to $148,950 in District of Columbia, a gap of $13,219 (1.10 times). 6 of those 6 states average above the BLS national median of $129,180 and 0 average at or below it.
Maryland employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 24,280, which is 22.8% of the 106,350 counted across them. Virginia follows with 20,870.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($148,950), West Virginia ($147,883) and Maryland ($144,603) lead the ranking, while New York ($135,731) and New Jersey ($138,261) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Information Security Analysts: pay against the cost of living
We compare 6 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $86,724. The smallest margin is $58,679 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 6 of the 6 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 11.9% and 32.9% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Information Security Analysts
Computer Systems Analysts belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (15-1000) include Software Developers, Computer Network Architects, Web and Digital Interface Designers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.
Frequently asked questions about Information Security Analysts
How much do Information Security Analysts earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $129,180. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $135,731 to $148,950.
Which state pays Information Security Analysts the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $148,950. West Virginia is next at $147,883.
Is Information Security Analysts a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 21% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 14,100 openings a year.
What education do Information Security Analysts need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.
Where can Information Security Analysts afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $86,724 on a median wage of $148,950.