Cyber Security Manager Salary (2025)
Most U.S. cyber security managers earn ~$128K–$150K base with total comp around $170K–$190K, depending on industry, scope, and location. Benchmarks from Indeed, ZipRecruiter, PayScale, Glassdoor, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics are summarized below.
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Salary Snapshot (United States, 2025)
Indeed ->Average base ->$133,048 (range ~$84,726–$208,931). Indeed
ZipRecruiter ->National average (base) & percentiles ->$132,962 avg. ZipRecruiter
PayScale ->Median (base) ->$128,218; typical $89K–$165K. Payscale
Glassdoor -> Total pay estimate -> $180,017 median; typical $145K–$226K. Glassdoor
BLS (benchmark) ->Median all Computer & IS Managers$171,200. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why numbers differ: Job boards usually show base salary; Glassdoor’s figure includes base + bonus/equity, so it trends higher. Use both when you negotiate.
What Actually Moves Your Pay Band
1) Industry and business model
Heavily regulated, margin-rich sectors (finance, pharma, large SaaS) pay a premium versus government/public sector. Use BLS’s “computer and information systems managers” benchmark when your role straddles IT and security. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Your play: In interviews, tie your impact to audit readiness, revenue protection, or platform reliability. The levers those industries value.
2) Scope and ownership
Owning a program (budget, roadmap, KPIs) pays more than owning a single tool. Show artifacts: KPI dashboards, risk treatment plans, policy approvals, and post-incident reviews that translate to business outcomes.
3) Location and geo-banding
Onsite metro bands (e.g., NYC, DC, Bay Area) tend to be higher; remote roles often map you to a geo pay band. Ask which band the offer uses and request the nearest top-tier band if your remit is multi-region.
4) Credentials that clear filters
Managers in ISC2’s U.S. data average $149K base; leadership-aligned certifications like CISSP/CISM help you clear HR screens and justify higher bands. Stack CCSP for cloud-heavy programs.
Offer Anatomy (what “good” looks like in 2025)
Base: mid-market $130K–$160K; enterprise $150K–$185K; consistent with Indeed/ZipRecruiter/Payscale medians.
Bonus: 10–20% target (finance may be higher).
Equity/RSUs: Common in tech/SaaS, bringing total comp near Glassdoor’s $180K median. Glassdoor
Perks: Certification reimbursement, training budget, on-call stipend (for SOC-heavy roles).
Call to Action: Lock in Your Certification Plan
Becoming a manager is faster when your résumé passes filters and your skills match the seat.
Download “The Ultimate Guide to Cyber Security Leadership Certifications” and get a printable matrix of leadership-aligned certs, study timelines, and selection criteria for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a realistic range right now?
Expect $128K–$150K base for many markets, with total comp ~ $170K–$190K at mid-large firms. Validate with current postings in your metro and use Glassdoor’s total-pay median as the top-of-band anchor.
Do certifications really impact pay?
They help you pass HR filters and justify higher bands. ISC2 reports U.S. managers average $149K base; CISSP/CISM/CCSP remain the most recognized for leadership paths. ISC2
How does this compare to broader IT management?
BLS shows Computer & IS Managers at a $171,200 median, useful when your remit includes IT platforms alongside security. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Next Step
If your goal is to earn top-of-band, combine proof of business impact with the right credential for your target seat.
Bookmark this post, share it with your team, and, most importantly, download the guide so you can take action on the path that propels you from practitioner to cyber security leader.
