Cyber Security Salary in United Kingdom during 2024

Salary details

The average Cyber Security salary lies between USD 27,375 and USD 83,875 in the United Kingdom. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Cyber Security roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Cyber Security job listings are Compliance, Cloud and Computer Science. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 2195 jobs Cloud | 1930 jobs Computer Science | 1717 jobs CISSP | 1584 jobs Monitoring | 1460 jobs NIST | 1338 jobs Vulnerabilities | 1302 jobs Incident response | 1275 jobs Risk management | 1171 jobs Clearance | 1084 jobs SIEM | 1067 jobs Strategy | 1063 jobs Firewalls | 998 jobs Governance | 889 jobs Risk assessment | 865 jobs CISM | 836 jobs Linux | 835 jobs Windows | 791 jobs Audits | 789 jobs Azure | 784 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Cyber Security roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Cyber Security job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 2556 jobs Health care | 1435 jobs Flex hours | 1223 jobs Team events | 1175 jobs Competitive pay | 989 jobs Startup environment | 681 jobs Insurance | 632 jobs Equity / stock options | 568 jobs Flex vacation | 531 jobs Salary bonus | 488 jobs Medical leave | 466 jobs Parental leave | 453 jobs 401(k) matching | 403 jobs Wellness | 340 jobs Relocation support | 141 jobs Fitness / gym | 128 jobs Conferences | 107 jobs Transparency | 93 jobs Home office stipend | 70 jobs Flexible spending account | 65 jobs

Salary Composition in Cyber Security Roles

In the United Kingdom, the composition of a cyber security salary can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base amount, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can be influenced by the cost of living in different regions, with London and the South East generally offering higher salaries compared to other parts of the UK.

In addition to the base salary, bonuses are a common component, often tied to performance metrics or company profitability. These bonuses can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company's bonus structure and the individual's role within the organization. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries, such as finance or technology, may offer more substantial bonuses.

Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or other benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions, and professional development allowances. These benefits can add significant value to the overall compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from a cyber security position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills. Specializing in high-demand areas such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers.

• Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, potentially leading to higher pay.

• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to increase your visibility and learn about new opportunities.

• Advanced Education: Pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cyber security or a related field, can open doors to higher-level positions.

• Negotiation: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, be prepared to negotiate your salary based on your skills, experience, and market rates.

Educational Requirements

Most cyber security roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent experience in lieu of formal education, but a degree is often preferred. For more advanced roles, a master's degree in cyber security or a related discipline can be advantageous.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cyber security industry and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a solid understanding of security principles and practices and are often required or preferred by employers.

Required Experience

Entry-level positions may require 1-2 years of experience in IT or a related field, with a focus on security. For mid-level roles, 3-5 years of experience in cyber security is typically expected. Senior positions may require 5-10 years of experience, along with proven leadership skills and a track record of managing security projects or teams.

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