According to me, a security administrator's salary can differ based on some variables, including industry, region, experience, and the particular duties of this role. A US security Administrator may expect $96,093 a year on average. Higher-paying jobs may require more specialized skills or experience, whereas entry-level roles may start at the lower end of this range. Salary levels tend to be higher in areas with considerable demand for cybersecurity employees, such as large tech hubs or areas with a significant concentration of government organizations. Moreover, CEH v12 certification helps industries like banking, healthcare, and government, offering attractive compensation packages to attract the best individuals.
Who is a Security Administrator?
Establishing and implementing security measures throughout a company's networks and information systems is the responsibility of a security administrator. They usually set up and upkeep security networks, analyze current systems to find areas that require improvement, and perform routine maintenance checks and upgrades to maximize services and functions while maintaining an eye out for any suspicious activity or breaches in the overall system. Developing information technology solutions to the company's policies and laws, especially its vision and goal, is also crucial for security administrators.
Security Administrator Salary in 2024
The average security admin salary is $12,064.31 annually or $4.84 per hour. Below is a list of countries with their average annual salary (source: Glassdoor):
Country | Average Annual Salary |
India | ₹6 lakhs- ₹10 lakhs |
US | $61T-$1L |
UK | £18T - £31T |
Canada | CA$53T - CA$75T |
Security Administrator Salary: Based on Experience
Security administrators are essential to safeguard digital assets, maintain security procedures, and lessen cyber threats. Because they have less expertise and skill set than their intermediate and advanced peers, entry-level security administrator salary is less than those with more experience.
1. Beginner Security Administrators
Security administrators usually start with pay that aligns with their experience level. These professionals can have just finished their respective certification programs or college degrees. In India, the average annual income for a security admin salary at entry level is $6,071.36 per year. However, this can change based on the employer, industry, and geographic region.
2. Intermediate Security Administrators
With several years of experience under their belts, intermediate security administrators possess a broader comprehension of security technology and protocols. Compared to beginners, they can demand higher compensation due to their enhanced proficiency. Industry data and employment market trends indicate that the median yearly salary for intermediate security administrators falls to $9,565.25 per year.
3. Experienced Security Administrator Salary in India
Advanced security administrators are experienced experts in the field of cybersecurity with a wealth of experience. They usually manage complex security infrastructures, create and execute thorough security strategies, and supervise incident response teams. The average experienced security administrator salary in India is $10,457.69/yr.
| Experience Level | Average salary Per Year |
| Beginner | $6,071.36 |
| Intermediate | $9,565.25 |
| Experienced | $10,457.69 |
Security Administrator Salary: Based on Location
Based on the location, here is the salary of the security administrator mentioned below:-
A. India
Security administrators in India are paid differently based on the organization and city. Below are some companies along with their average salary package (source: AmbitionBox and Indeed):
Cities | Average Annual Salary | Companies | Average Annual Salary |
Bengaluru | ₹7.39 lakhs | Wipro | ₹7.3 lakhs |
Pune | ₹6.72 lakhs | Accenture | ₹9.9 lakhs |
Chennai | ₹6.34 lakhs | TCS | ₹6.5 lakhs |
Hyderabad | ₹5.87 lakhs | CMS Computer Limited | ₹10 lakhs |
Rohtak | ₹1.22 lakhs | Coforge | ₹7.9 lakhs |
B. US
In the US, security administrators make a lot of money, particularly in Washington, D.C., New York City, and San Francisco. Below are companies and cities along with their salaries (source: Glassdoor and Indeed):
Cities | Average Annual Salary | Companies | Average Annual Salary |
Austin, TX | $127,039 | Northwest Federal Credit Union | $79,845 |
Atlanta, GA | $125,540 | NYU Langone Health | $76,954 |
Los Angeles, CA | $124,842 | Crum % Forster | $1,05,637 |
New York, NY | $120,838 | United Airlines | $1,07,680 |
Chantilly, VA | $99,365 | US Department of Homeland Security | $93,438 |
C. UK
UK security administrators are paid competitively, with annual salary ranges of £23,000 to £30,000 in places like Birmingham, Manchester, and London. Below is a detailed list (source: Indeed):
Cities | Average Annual Salary | Companies | Average Annual Salary |
London | £32,120 | Human Capital Ventures | £30,108 |
Reading | £25,105 | DIY Kitchens | £28,683 |
Bristol | £24,512 | Essex Country Council | £27,353 |
Milton Keynes | £23,659 | Carlisle Support Services | £25,067 |
Exeter | £23,285 | Securitas | £24,606 |
D. Australia
Australia pays attractive senior security administrator salaries; in locations like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, the range is between AU$ 70,000 and AU$ 130,000 annually. Below is a list of cities and companies offering salaries in Australia (source: Indeed):
Cities | Average Annual Salary | Companies | Average Annual Salary |
Canberra ACT | $185,515 | NSQ Department of Communities and Justice | $114,861 |
Brisbane QLD | $123,221 | NSW Department of Customer Service | $111,244 |
Perth WA | $121,081 | Confidential |
|
Parramatta NSW | $114,184 |
|
|
Sydney NSW | $114,070 |
|
|
E. Canada
Security administrators in Canada make a good living, with annual salary ranges of CA$60,000 to CA$110,000, especially in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Mississauga. Below is a detailed list (source: Indeed):
Cities | Average Annual Salary | Companies | Average Annual Salary |
Mississauga, ON | $128,764 | Denken Solutions Inc | $128,764 |
Vancouver, BC | $123,286 | University of British Columbia | $123,286 |
St. John’s, NL | $71,702 | Intact | $95,000 |
Toronto, ON | $51,339 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | $71,702 |
Langley, BC | $51,028 | Zenabis | $51,455 |
F. Singapore
Singapore offers attractive compensation for security administrators, especially in urban areas like Kallang and Singapore City. Below is a list of cities with their average monthly salary (source: Indeed):
Cities | Average Monthly Salary | Companies | Average Monthly Salary |
Kallang | $5,384 | Goldtech Resources Pt Ltd | $6,061 |
Singapore | $3,882 |
|
|
Factors Affecting Security Administrator Salary
A security administrator's pay might differ significantly depending on several variables. These consist of the following: location, industry, employer, and firm; experience; dynamics of supply and demand; credentials and certificates; and skills.
1. Location
Location is essential in deciding a security administrator's pay. For example, in the United States, security administrators in significant cities like San Francisco, New York City, and Washington, D.C., usually command higher pay due to the higher cost of living and increased need for skilled workers. Security managers can make 15% to 25% more money on average in these places than in less expensive areas.
2. Industry/Employer/Company
Salaries are significantly influenced by industry, employer, and company. Regarding businesses where data security is crucial, like technology, healthcare, and finance, security managers often get paid more than those in fields where cybersecurity is not as critical. For example, security managers in finance data security administrator salaries can be between $10,000 and $20,000 more a year than their retail equivalents.
3. Experience
The junior security administrator's entry-level salary might be $50,000 to $70,000 annually. However, their pay may rise significantly as they advance in experience and seniority. Depending on additional variables, including region and industry, security administrators with five to ten years of experience can make between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, while those with more than ten years of expertise could earn salaries as high as $150,000.
4. Demand and Supply
Salary levels are also influenced by supply and demand dynamics. There is still a great need for qualified security managers since cyber threats are always changing, and companies are prioritizing cybersecurity. Salary levels are typically higher in areas or sectors of the economy where skilled workers are absent to draw and keep talent. However, salaries might be even lower or more competitive in places with a shortage of security administrators.
5. Credentials/Certifications
Their credentials and certifications can significantly impact the income potential of a security administrator. The industry places a high value on certifications like:
which can result in more excellent pay. Those with these certificates may make 10% to 20% more money than security administrators without them.
6. Skills
Salary levels are also greatly influenced by specific knowledge and talents. Expertise in risk management, network security, penetration testing, and incident response can collect higher pay. Soft skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication, are also becoming more in demand and can help earn more outstanding salaries—particularly in managerial positions.
How to Improve Security Administrator Salary?
A comprehensive strategy that involves developing abilities, earning certificates, earning degrees, and gathering experience is needed to increase a security administrator's pay. Each one of these elements improves a person's value and accessibility in their industry, which eventually results in increased earning potential.
1. Skills
Improving abilities is crucial. A thorough understanding of cybersecurity technology, risk management strategies, and security processes is essential for security managers. Professionals can demonstrate competence and command more significant compensation by keeping up with their area's newest developments and trends. Ongoing learning via workshops, online courses, and real-world experience can significantly increase skill levels.
2. Certifications
Certifications are essential for confirming a person's expertise in particular cybersecurity-related fields. In the business, certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly sought. Candidates with relevant CISA certification courses are usually given preference by employers since they offer reassurance of the candidate's expertise and skills.
3. Degrees
Advanced degrees have a significant impact on possible salaries. A master's degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or a similar discipline broadens one's horizons and makes leadership and higher-paying professions more accessible. It is a smart investment in the long term because many companies provide incentives for staff members who pursue higher education.
4. Experience
Moreover, one of the main factors influencing security administrator pay scales is experience. Professionals become more valuable to employers as they gain experience handling security systems, handling incidents, and implementing preventive measures. Proven security administrators are often given more responsibility and can handle more significant projects, which results in higher pay.
Why are Security Administrators Paid So Much?
Although protecting sensitive data and systems from cyber threats is vital, security managers often get well-paid. Their high demand and correspondingly high wages result from their proficiency in putting security measures into place and administering them and their accountability for stopping data breaches and ensuring regulatory compliance. Furthermore, the ever-changing threat landscape justifies their higher pay packages by requiring continual training and keeping up with the newest technologies.
Start the path to becoming a security administrator. Avail Cyber Security training online to advance your security administrator profession right now.
Conclusion
The location, industry, and level of expertise all affect a security administrator's pay in 2024. Advanced certifications and a wealth of knowledge could make a person more valuable in some areas or industries. The need for qualified Security Administrators is still high, which affects competitive pay packages as businesses prioritize cybersecurity more and more. The field's salary growth is attributed to the constant technological progress and the dynamic nature of threat environments. The position of Security Administrator provides both significant income potential and chances for professional advancement.
![Security Administrator Salary in 2024 [For Freshers & Experienced]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fd2o2utebsixu4k.cloudfront.net%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F76ed061e-96e1-4a9c-938f-9e648a7a82e3.png&w=1920&q=75)
