This is how much an information security analyst earns in Spain, US, Canada, and the UK
In today's digital landscape, cyberattacks and data breaches have evolved from rare occurrences to near-daily headlines. As businesses rapidly embrace digital transformation, they find themselves in a constant race against increasingly sophisticated threats, scrambling to shield their valuable data and systems.
For many HR leaders and hiring managers, the real challenge is locking down the right compensation packages to attract in-demand information security analysts who can ward off these threats. But in a global economy, how do you benchmark the going rates for specific roles across different countries?
Fluctuating currencies, vastly different costs of living, and localized skill shortages make it tough to assess competitive salaries around the world.
Atlas is aiming to clear away the fog and guesswork. Our new Global Salary Calculator provides HR teams with crystal-clear insights on what information security analysts and other critical roles can expect to earn in key regions like the US, Canada, Spain and the UK.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what an information security analyst does and how to ensure they’re being compensated appropriately.
What Does an Information Security Analyst Do?
When organizations prioritize bulking up their cyber defenses, many likely envision a lone information security analyst: continually monitoring network borders, scrutinizing lines of code, hunting for anomalies.
But beyond these stereotypes, what responsibilities actually fill the workdays of those on the frontlines safeguarding companies from breaches and attacks?
In short, information security analysts continuously identify vulnerabilities and strengthen cyber fortifications across all infrastructure – from cloud to endpoints. On a daily basis, they proactively hunt for security gaps before attackers can exploit them. Using specialized monitoring tools, analysts set up alerts flagging unusual user behavior or potential intrusions for prompt investigation – this typically involves interpreting unusual activity in system logs or watching for malicious code signatures. Their quick response and containment abilities prove crucial for mitigating damages when cybersecurity incidents do transpire.
Outside of these regular security measures, some higher-level analysts are responsible for establishing security policies, procedures, baselines, and guidelines. This can encompass everything from performing risk assessments, developing incident response plans, and even designing cybersecurity training modules for new employees.
Key Cybersecurity Skills and Certifications
Succeeding as an information security analyst requires both technical know-how and sharp analytical abilities.
While hands-on skills can be learned on the job, certain credentials provide analysts with specialized expertise along with credibility in the field. Top certifications include:
Certificate | Description |
|---|---|
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | CEH trains cybersecurity experts in using hacking tools and techniques so they can find weaknesses in networks, applications, and systems—but in an authorized, lawful manner. Understanding where and how hackers might breach defenses allows analysts to implement more robust roadblocks. |
CompTIA Security+ | Considered an entry point for cybersecurity careers, Security+ confirms foundational understanding of threats and defenses including compliance, endpoint protection, access controls and governance—these are key prerequisites before an analyst advances to more specialized certifications. |
GIAC Intrusion Analyst (GCIA) | GIAC offers over 30 role- and skill-specific certifications including penetration testing, forensics, cloud security, and critical infrastructure protection. GIAC’s certifications dive deep into various domains that security analysts looking to build niche expertise would benefit from. |
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | This credential is more suited for senior analysts and managers. It covers subject matter ranging from security engineering and risk management to communications, asset security, and governance. Considered a gold-standard certification in the field, the CISSP demonstrates mastery of both technical and managerial topics making professionals well-equipped to design and oversee security operations. |
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | CISM focuses more on strategy, governance, program development and management—knowledge suited for those in senior analyst or CISO roles tasked with establishing enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives beyond daily system administration activities. |
Information Security Analyst Salaries by Country
If you’re interested in hiring or applying for an information security analyst position, you’ll want a general idea of how salaries break down across the globe.
Here are some of the average pay ranges you can expect in Spain, The United States, Canada, and The United Kingdom based on Atlas’s global salary calculator. For this breakdown, we’ll be listing all of the salaries below in euros, however, you can access several global currencies via the Atlas global salary calculator.
Infosec Roles in Spain
Spain offers a strong talent pipeline and competitive hiring costs compared to other Western European tech hubs. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid are emerging as vibrant tech communities with a growing pool of skilled information security professionals.
The average salary for an analyst in Spain is around €38,000 per year – lower than comparable roles in countries like Germany and the UK. This allows cost-conscious employers to build capable security teams at a reasonable price point.
Spain’s network of technical schools and universities graduates thousands of tech specialists annually, including those qualified in IT security. Major multinationals have already tapped into this rich talent pool within Spain’s flourishing financial and tech sectors.
Salary Ranges for Information Security Analysts in Spain
Median Annual Salary: €38,000
This midpoint salary indicates half of information security analysts in Spain earn more than this benchmark. Those with specialized expertise, credentials like the CISSP, and experience at major enterprises tend to exceed the median. Location, specific skills, and seniority impact the typical earnings for this position.
Maximum Annual Salary: €59,000
The top 10% highest paid analysts in Spain can expect total compensation approaching €59,000 annually. Placement within global companies, specialized skills like cloud security, and leadership duties contribute to these larger paychecks. Candidates with Masters degrees and certifications also qualify for upper-limit salaries.
Minimum Annual Salary: €30,000
Entry-level information security roles typically offer around €30,000 as a starting salary. Employers can secure budget-friendly staff for essential functions like monitoring, access controls, and basic incident response at the lower end of the pay scale. However, as these junior team members gain more experience, their compensation growth potential is strong.
Infosec Roles in United States
With cyber threats growing in scale and sophistication, the United States remains an epicenter for technological innovation and leadership in the cybersecurity domain.
Cities like Silicon Valley and New York City are magnets attracting exceptional information security (infosec) talent. And government agencies like the NSA and cyber commands draw many of the nation’s brightest minds. This results in an ecosystem primed for fostering new cybersecurity professionals.
Salary Ranges for US Information Security Analysts
Median Annual Salary: €71,208
The median salary reflects what a typical information security analyst in the US can expect to earn. Half of infosec pros will earn less than this benchmark, while the other half earn more due to factors like specialization, leadership duties, credentials like the CISSP, and placement in lucrative industries like finance or technology.
Maximum Annual Salary: €105,518
The highest paid 10% of US analysts breach the €105K level usually by positioning themselves in high demand sectors, attaining niche skills around threats like cloud security, and securing senior or management roles. Clustering around major US tech hubs also boosts earning potential for this role.
Minimum Annual Salary: €51,381
For those just getting their feet wet, entry-level infosec roles typically offer around $40K as a starting platform.
Infosec Roles in Canada
Canada actively fosters tech innovation through government-backed initiatives like the Innovation Superclusters program, funding research in fields like AI and quantum computing. Plus, flexible immigration policies allow companies to augment local talent with skilled workers from abroad.
Thriving tech hubs like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver anchor vibrant start-up ecosystems, global players like Amazon and IBM, and a growing cybersecurity industry seeking qualified talent. Information security analysts can build rewarding careers while benefiting from Canada's high standard of living.
Salary Ranges for Information Security Analysts in Canada
Median Annual Salary: €50,287
This middle-ground compensation indicates half of Canadian infosec analysts earn less than the median, while the other better-paid half out-earn this mark. Salary influencers include location within regions like Greater Toronto Area, skills specialization, credentials, and seniority factors.
Maximum Annual Salary: €68,258
The most seasoned professionals drawing top dollar can break past the €65K ceiling, typically through attaining specialized expertise like cloud security, placements within lucrative financial services, and stepping into senior or management-track positions.
Minimum Annual Salary: €34,798
Candidates just getting started as entry-level infosec analysts can expect to earn roughly EUR €35K annually in starter roles focusing on fundamentals like system monitoring, access governance and compliance audits.
Infosec Roles in United Kingdom
With London as a world-leading financial hub, the United Kingdom has invested heavily in technological innovation and cybersecurity. Government programs like the National Cyber Security Programme cultivate talent and bolster defenses across critical infrastructure.
The UK’s vibrant tech scene – spanning major hubs like London, Cambridge and Manchester – offers access to skilled analysts from globally renowned institutions alongside incentives like the Skilled Worker Visa.
Salary Ranges for UK Information Security Analysts
Median Annual Salary: €38,084
The midpoint in typical UK infosec analyst salaries indicates half earn less than this benchmark, while the other better compensated half exceeds it. Salary influencers include industry, certifications like CISSP, experience and placement in high-priced London.
Maximum Annual Salary: €64,154
The highest paid UK infosec talent have often specialized extensively, secured senior positions in lucrative industries like finance or technology, obtained leadership duties or exceeded benchmarks for credentials and clearances required for government work.
Minimum Annual Salary: €28,513
Entry-level analysts in the UK can expect starter salaries around the €28,000 mark. While lower than average, these roles allow newcomers to gain core skills before advancing.
The Perks of Building a Global Infosec Team
You don’t need to look in your own backyard to find great cybersecurity talent. In fact, building a global team offers much more upside for companies interested in recruiting outside of their home country. Here are just a few of the ways building a global infosec team could benefit your organization.
Access to the World’s Top Cyber Talent
Constructing infosec teams with talent spanning different regions provides immediate access to skilled analysts educated and shaped by contrasting perspectives worldwide. This diversity in thinking drives innovation and enhances detection capabilities across threat vectors.
Plus, strategic global hiring allows companies to secure niche expertise – whether data privacy regs in the EU or critical infrastructure protection.
Achieving 24/7 Threat Detection
With cybercriminals launching attacks at all hours, global business demands round-the-clock monitoring. Constructing teams across international time zones allows analysts to provide overnight vigilance and hand off context between shifts. This continuity of coverage also enables rapid response when incidents do occur, minimizing potential damages through real-time collaboration between global counterparts.
Fostering Innovation Through Diversity
With diversity comes varying approaches to dissecting problems. Bringing together security analysts from different cultures and backgrounds ensures solutions are stress tested through an array of perspectives.
By debating challenges as a multi-regional team, innovative concepts can emerge, allowing your teams to transform your company’s cybersecurity defenses in creative ways.
Optimizing Salary Investments
While Silicon Valley and London lead in specialist skills, sourcing skilled analysts from countries with lower costs of living can provide salary savings. For example, Spain’s connectivity makes it ideal for security operations centers, while Egypt and India offer engineering brilliance for R&D.
Hiring a Global InfoSec Team with Atlas
If you want to hire a global team, you need to understand what—and how much—you should be paying your employees. With Atlas’ Global Salary Calculator you can find out exactly how much you should be offering your potential information security analyst hire.
And when you’re ready to make an offer, you can use Atlas to navigate the hiring process wherever your new employees are located. Get in touch with Atlas today to start building your global InfoSec team.