Cyber security salaries in pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a conducive environment for cyber security careers, with a robust job market, diverse industries, educational resources and strategic location, making it an attractive destination for individuals seeking opportunities in the field.
Pennsylvania's proximity to major metropolitan areas on the East Coast, such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the greater New York City area, enhances career prospects for cyber security professionals by providing access to a diverse range of employers, networking opportunities and professional events. The state also has a growing technology and innovation ecosystem, with companies involved in software development, IT services and emerging technologies.
Cyber security specialists are integral to securing digital platforms, software applications and technology infrastructure against cyber attacks. Along with a prime environment for cyber security careers comes the possibility of earning equally promising pay. Here's what cyber security salaries look like in the state of Pennsylvania.
Quick stats on cyber security salaries in Pennsylvania
There are roughly 4,510 people employed as information security analysts in Pennsylvania. Given the size of the state, this isn't a considerable number, translating into less than one person per 1,000 working as an information security analyst, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But reframing this information may mean that there is opportunity for those who wish to work in cyber security in the state. The median wage per hour is $53 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 28.5%.
Pennsylvania has a diverse economic landscape spanning industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, government and defense, and the state faces a growing need for cyber security professionals across these industries in various capacities:
- In the financial sector, cyber security specialists are crucial for safeguarding sensitive financial data, protecting against fraudulent activities and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
- Within the healthcare industry, cyber security professionals are essential for protecting patient records, medical information and healthcare infrastructure from cyber threats and data breaches.
- In technology, cyber security experts play a pivotal role in securing digital platforms, software application, and technology infrastructure against cyber attacks, ensuring the integrity and reliability of digital services and products.
- Pennsylvania's government agencies, military installations and defense contractors require cyber security professionals to defend against cyber threats, protect sensitive information and safeguard national security interests.
Here are just five employers in the state that utilize the skills and expertise of cyber security professionals:
- PNC Financial Services Group, Pittsburgh, PA:
- PNC Financial Services Group is one of the largest banks in the United States, with a significant presence in Pennsylvania. They utilize cyber security professionals to protect customer financial data, secure online banking platforms, detect and prevent fraud and ensure compliance with regulatory standards such as PCI-DSS.
- UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), Pittsburgh, PA:
- UPMC is a leading integrated healthcare provider with hospitals, clinics and research facilities across Pennsylvania. Cyber security professionals at UPMC are responsible for safeguarding patient medical records, protecting healthcare infrastructure from cyber threats, implementing security measures to comply with HIPAA regulations and ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive healthcare data.
- Comcast Corporation, Philadelphia, PA:
- Comcast Corporation, headquartered in Philadelphia, is one of the largest telecommunications and media companies in the world. They utilize cyber security professionals to protect their digital infrastructure, including networks, systems and customer data, from cyber threats such as phishing attacks, malware and data breaches.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation, King of Prussia, PA:
- Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global aerospace and defense company with operations in Pennsylvania, including a significant presence in the Greater Philadelphia area. Cyber security professionals at Lockheed Martin work on projects related to defense and national security, developing and implementing advanced cyber security solutions to protect critical infrastructure, sensitive government information and defense systems from cyber threats and espionage.
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA:
- The University of Pennsylvania is a prestigious research university with a strong emphasis on cyber security research and education. They employ cyber security professionals to conduct research, develop innovative cyber security technologies, teach cyber security courses and provide expertise and guidance on cyber security best practices to students, faculty and staff across various departments and disciplines.
Salary statistics for Pennsylvania
While the median salary for cyber security professionals—a category that includes information security analysts, security engineers and architects, penetration testers and incident responders, QA testers, data analysts, information systems managers and a number of other tech fields—is $124,910 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned, and your level of education.
Compare national salaries for different cyber security fields below:
Median cyber security analyst salary in PA
The median annual salary for information security analysts in Pennsylvania is $110,230, lower than the national average. It's important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state, as well as cost of living, which in the case of Pennsylvania is lower than the national average, so salaries may go further.
10%$62,270
25%$79,670
50%$110,230Median
75%$137,900
90%$169,390
Median Hourly Wage$53
Job growth28.5%
Total Employment4,420
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| State College, PA | $137,730 | $87,520 | $187,550 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $124,270 | $74,510 | $174,610 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $119,580 | $76,460 | $172,550 |
| Reading, PA | $105,800 | $73,620 | $187,530 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $105,280 | $59,800 | $153,700 |
| Lancaster, PA | $104,560 | $64,850 | $149,930 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $103,470 | $64,490 | $156,530 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $102,750 | $61,850 | $163,950 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $84,070 | $49,080 | $166,640 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Ranges for cyber security salaries in Pennsylvania
Median salary ranges for cyber security careers in Pennsylvania may vary depending on factors such as experience, education, industry and location within the state. Please note that these figures are approximate and serve as a general guideline for cyber security salaries in the state. According to the BLS and its subsidiary, O*NET, here are salary ranges for some common cyber security job titles:
| Penetration tester: | Entry-Level: $58,310 Mid-Level: $102,330 Senior-Level: $161,140 |
| Information security manager: | Entry-Level: $99,830 Mid-Level: $161,570 Senior-Level: $225,350 |
| QA tester: | Entry-Level: $58,130 Mid-Level: $93,600 Senior-Level: $132,210 |
Pay by metro area in Pennsylvania
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. Cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas, and if your city is an industry hub, such as Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, which have hospitals, universities and research facilities, pay may be more competitive. The BLS lumps Pennsylvania's Jersey City into the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro area, which ranks as the fifth highest paying metro area in the country because of the New York-New Jersey connection. There are no other Pennsylvania cities or metro areas in the BLS top 10. That said, here's what they report as the highest paying metro areas in the U.S.
And here is the BLS's top 10 highest employers of information security analysts by metro area. As you can see, the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro area also ranks for employment numbers due to the connection to New York and New Jersey metro areas:
PA salary growth and job outlook
The job outlook for cyber security jobs in Pennsylvania appears positive, reflecting a growing demand for cyber security professionals across various industries. While economic conditions can fluctuate, Pennsylvania has a diverse economy that includes thriving sectors such as finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing and education, all of which rely heavily on cyber security to protect their digital assets and operations. Despite occasional economic challenges, Pennsylvania has shown resilience and continues to attract investments and create job opportunities, particularly in industries that are experiencing growth and innovation.
The BLS estimates the field will grow 28.5% over the next decade, much, much faster than the national average for all other careers combined.
Factors affecting cyber security salaries
Several factors can impact cyber security salaries in Pennsylvania, including:
- Experience and time in the field:
- Experienced cyber security professionals may command higher salaries compared to those with less experience. Employers typically value candidates with a proven track record of success, including hands-on experience in cyber security specialties such as cloud security, threat intelligence, penetration testing, and with a history of effectively addressing security challenges.
- Education and industry certifications:
- Advanced degrees, certifications and specialized training or bootcamps may also impact cyber security salaries. Professionals with advanced degrees such as master's degrees or doctorates, particularly in cyber security or related fields, may qualify for higher-paying positions. Additionally, industry-recognized certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) may enhance earning potential and open doors to higher-paying jobs.
- Industry and sector:
- Salaries in cyber security can vary depending on the industry and sector in which professionals are employed. Industries such as finance, healthcare, technology and government tend to offer competitive salaries for talent due to the sensitive nature of the data and the urgency of cyber security measures. Additionally, companies in high-profile industries or those facing heightened security risks may offer higher salaries to attract talent and skillsets.
- Location:
- Geographic location within Pennsylvania can impact cyber security salaries due to differences in cost of living, demand for talent, and local industry dynamics. Metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may offer higher salaries compared to rural areas within the state, partly due to the higher cost of living and increased demand for these specific career skills.
How do I know if I am paid fairly as a cyber security professional?
By following these steps, you may be able to increase your chances of securing fair pay for a cyber security position in Pennsylvania and ensure that your compensation aligns with industry standards, your qualifications and the value you bring to the role.
- Research salary benchmarks: Conduct thorough research to understand the average salary ranges for cyber security roles in Pennsylvania. Utilize online resources, industry reports, salary surveys and job postings specific to the region to gather information on average compensation levels for roles similar to yours.
- Evaluate your skills and experience: Honestly assess your qualifications, skills and experience to determine your value in the cyber security field. Consider factors such as your level of expertise, certifications, specialized skills and relevant work experience when evaluating your worth on the job.
- Gather in-person insights: Network with other professionals, industry peers and recruiters in Pennsylvania or your metro area to gain insights into salary trends, employer expectations and average earnings for commensurate skills.
- Understand job requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific job requirements and responsibilities of the role you are performing. Ensure that you have a clear understanding of the skills, qualifications and experience expected by employers for the position to accurately assess your fit and negotiate fair compensation. Ask yourself if your job duties have expanded since you were hired, but you are still working under the same expectations or job title. See where you have gone above and beyond the role you were initially hired to do.
- Prepare to negotiate: Prior to salary negotiations, prepare your case for fair pay based on your qualifications, skills and research. Highlight the relevant experience, certifications, achievements and contributions that demonstrate your value to your employer.
- Consider total compensation: When evaluating salary, consider the entire compensation package beyond base salary. Factor in additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses, stock options, professional development opportunities and work-life balance to assess the overall value of the offer.
- Seek legal advice as a last resort: If you believe you are being unfairly compensated or discriminated against based on factors such as gender, ethnicity or age, consider seeking legal advice from employment law professionals or advocacy organizations to understand your rights. Learn about Pennsylvania's fair wage law by visiting the state's Department of Labor & Industries website.
Education and training for PA
Pennsylvania is home to leading universities and colleges offering cyber security programs, certifications, bootcamps and training courses. Institutions such as Penn State, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, among others, provide a pipeline of skilled cyber security programs to meet the growing demand in the state.
In Pennsylvania, as in most other states in the country, the educational requirements for cyber security jobs can vary depending on the specific role, employer preferences and industry standards. While some cyber security positions may require a bachelor's degree as a minimum qualification, others may place greater emphasis on certifications, specialized training or relevant work experience. Here's a breakdown of the typical educational requirements for different cyber security jobs:
- Cyber security analyst:
- A bachelor's degree in cyber security, computer science, information technology or a related field is commonly required. Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) may be preferred or required depending on the employer.
- Security engineer:
- A bachelor's degree in cyber security, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a related field is often required. Advanced degrees such as a master's degree in cyber security or a related discipline may be preferred for senior-level positions. Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) may be beneficial.
- Incident responder:
- Bachelor's degree in cyber security, computer science, IT or a related field is typically required. Specialized training in incident response, digital forensics and incident handling methodologies is highly desirable. Certifications such as GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Certified Incident Handler (ECIH), or Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) may be advantageous.
- Penetration tester:
- A bachelor's degree in cyber security, computer science, information security or a related field is commonly required. Hands-on experience in ethical hacking, penetration testing and vulnerability assessment is essential.
Certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) are valued in the field. - Security architect:
- A bachelor's or master's degree in cyber security, computer science, information systems or a related field is typically required. Extensive experience in designing, implementing and managing security solutions is essential.
Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) may be preferred for senior-level positions.
Cost of living considerations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a lower cost of living—4% lower—compared to the national average, and some of its hub cities are also lower overall. Housing is 17% lower than the national average, and healthcare is also 7% lower, says RentCafe, which may help compensate for information security analyst salaries being lower than the national median.
Allentown is the highest cost of living city—at 5% over the national average—while some of the cyber security industry hub cities fare better:
| Pennsylvania city | % higher/lower than the national average cost of living |
|---|---|
| Pittsburgh | 2% lower |
| Philadelphia | 2% higher |
| Reading | 1% higher |
| Scranton | 8% lower |
| Erie | 12% lower |
Associations for cyber security professionals to join in PA
Cyber security professionals in Pennsylvania have access to a variety of groups and associations dedicated to fostering networking opportunities, professional development, and collaboration within the cyber security community.
- Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)–Pittsburgh Chapter:
- ISSA is a global organization dedicated to cyber security professionals. The Pittsburgh Chapter serves cyber security professionals in the central region of the state, offering networking opportunities, professional development events and resources to support members in advancing their careers and staying updated on the latest trends and best practices in cyber security.
- InfraGard Central Pennsylvania Members Alliance (InfraGard PA):
- InfraGard is a partnership between the FBI and members of the private sector, including cyber security professionals, aimed at sharing information and intelligence to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. InfraGard Central Pennsylvania Members Alliance provides networking opportunities, training and collaboration opportunities for cyber security professionals in Pennsylvania.
- (ISC)2–Pittsburgh Chapter:
- (ISC)2 Pittsburgh is the local chapter of (ISC)², the largest not-for-profit membership body of certified information security professionals worldwide. The Pittsburgh Chapter organizes local events, workshops and conferences to bring together cyber security professionals, industry experts and thought leaders to share knowledge, discuss emerging trends and address cyber security challenges facing organizations in the region.
- ISACA Pittsburgh Chapter:
- ISACA is a global association focused on information governance, risk management and cyber security. The Pittsburgh Chapter of ISACA serves cyber security professionals in the Pittsburgh area, offering professional development events, certification training and networking opportunities to support members in their careers and professional growth in the field of cyber security.
Explore cyber security salary guides for select states
Wrapping up
In Pennsylvania, cyber security professionals may enjoy competitive salaries reflective of the state's diverse economy and growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. However, one consistent pathway to achieving career goals and earning better pay in cyber security is through education. Pursuing advanced degrees, industry certifications and specialized training not only enhances one's knowledge and skills but may also increase marketability and earning potential.
Education equips cyber security professionals with the expertise needed to navigate complex cyber threats, implement effective security measures and contribute to organizational resilience. Furthermore, ongoing education ensures professionals stay updated on evolving technologies, trends and regulations, positioning them for continued success in cyber security careers in Pennsylvania's evolving landscape.
This cyber security salary guide for Pennsylvania aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Published: April 2, 2024
Written and reported by:
Cyber Security Education Staff