What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do?
Cybersecurity Analysts protect organizations from digital threats by monitoring security systems, analyzing vulnerabilities, and responding to incidents. They play a vital role in safeguarding sensitive data, networks, and systems against cyberattacks. This role demands a combination of technical expertise and analytical thinking to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Information Security Officer, Information Security Specialist, Information Systems Security Analyst, Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst), Network Security Analyst, Security Analyst, Systems Analyst.
Cybersecurity Analyst Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a cybersecurity analyst include:
- Monitor security information and event management (SIEM) systems for potential threats.
- Investigate and respond to security incidents, including malware infections and data breaches.
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing on networks and applications.
- Analyze security logs and alerts to identify suspicious activity and false positives.
- Develop and implement security policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Manage and configure security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
- Perform risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies to management.
- Create detailed incident reports documenting attack vectors, impact, and response actions.
- Conduct security awareness training for employees to reduce human-related vulnerabilities.
- Stay current with emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and cybersecurity trends.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a cybersecurity analyst, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls
- Experience with SIEM platforms like Splunk or Microsoft Sentinel
- Understanding of network protocols, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems
- Familiarity with vulnerability scanning tools like Nessus or Qualys
- Knowledge of malware analysis and incident response procedures
- Proficiency in scripting for security automation
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements such as HIPAA and PCI-DSS
Education and Training
Cybersecurity Analyst roles typically require a bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, or a related field. Some employers accept candidates with strong certifications and hands-on experience in lieu of a four-year degree. The CompTIA Security+ certification is often the minimum requirement, while more advanced credentials like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) are highly valued. Many professionals enter cybersecurity from IT support, networking, or systems administration backgrounds, bringing practical experience that strengthens their security analysis capabilities.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $97,810 - $163,500 per year, with a median of $129,180.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Information Security Analysts.
The escalating frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, combined with expanding regulatory requirements, ensures sustained demand for Cybersecurity Analysts. Organizations across healthcare, finance, government, and technology are actively competing for qualified professionals. The persistent shortage of cybersecurity talent means that certified, experienced analysts command strong salaries and have exceptional job security.
Cybersecurity Analyst Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $75,090 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $97,810 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $129,180 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $163,500 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $199,850 |
Highest-Paying States for Cybersecurity Analysts
The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are Washington ($154,940), Maryland ($139,640), California ($138,570), Delaware ($137,030), Massachusetts ($136,550). Pay is lowest in Nebraska ($92,550), Mississippi ($87,690), Montana ($81,950).
Median pay in all 48 states with BLS data
| State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $122,730 |
| Alaska | $114,990 |
| Arizona | $125,260 |
| Arkansas | $103,490 |
| California | $138,570 |
| Colorado | $135,220 |
| Connecticut | $130,570 |
| Delaware | $137,030 |
| District of Columbia | $135,090 |
| Florida | $124,860 |
| Georgia | $128,970 |
| Hawaii | $126,250 |
| Illinois | $124,180 |
| Indiana | $101,420 |
| Iowa | $119,710 |
| Kansas | $100,620 |
| Kentucky | $103,630 |
| Louisiana | $92,990 |
| Maine | $101,730 |
| Maryland | $139,640 |
| Massachusetts | $136,550 |
| Michigan | $106,230 |
| Minnesota | $130,710 |
| Mississippi | $87,690 |
| Missouri | $103,440 |
| Montana | $81,950 |
| Nebraska | $92,550 |
| Nevada | $106,200 |
| New Hampshire | $124,000 |
| New Jersey | $134,820 |
| New Mexico | $130,070 |
| New York | $134,660 |
| North Carolina | $131,540 |
| North Dakota | $107,540 |
| Ohio | $110,480 |
| Oklahoma | $94,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $117,770 |
| Rhode Island | $109,420 |
| South Carolina | $105,800 |
| South Dakota | $116,640 |
| Tennessee | $115,430 |
| Texas | $129,890 |
| Utah | $99,690 |
| Vermont | $109,750 |
| Virginia | $134,900 |
| Washington | $154,940 |
| Wisconsin | $101,550 |
| Wyoming | $98,710 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as information security analysts about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 98% use email every day
- 89% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
- 85% spend more than half the workday sitting
- 73% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 73% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 65% are on the phone every day
- 62% usually work more than 40 hours a week
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 53% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 23% |
| Associate's degree | 13% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 7% |
Tools and Software Cybersecurity Analysts Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy organized work with data, records and clear procedures as well as analyzing problems and working with ideas.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Speaking, Writing.
Knowledge areas used most: Computers and Electronics, English Language, Administration and Management, Engineering and Technology, Telecommunications.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 4 of 5, which means considerable preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 15-1212.00 (Information Security Analysts). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.