Los Angeles Cybersecurity Salaries: What Can You Expect to Earn?
Last Updated: December 14th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Cybersecurity salaries in Los Angeles are booming, with average salaries for analysts at $148,736 and consultants reaching $164,322. Entry-level positions start around $70,000, and with experience, salaries can exceed $140,000. The city offers over 39,000 job openings, with opportunities driven by tech, entertainment, and aerospace industries. Certifications and skills like Python and cloud security can elevate earnings, with specialists such as Detection Engineers earning up to $230,000. The cybersecurity job market in LA is extremely promising for aspiring and seasoned professionals alike.
The cybersecurity scene in Los Angeles is absolutely crushing it right now. According to recent data, LA has seen a massive 605% increase in cybersecurity graduates since 2019, and the salaries are seriously worth noting.
The average cybersecurity analyst is pulling in about $148,736 annually, while cybersecurity consultants can make up to $164,322. What's super cool is that even entry-level positions at companies like Cal-CSIC start around $70,000, and once you level up your skills, you can hit six figures pretty quickly.
- Local Programs: The LACC Cybersecurity program and other local bootcamps are helping meet the crazy high demand.
- Job Opportunities: There are currently over 39,000 job openings across California!
- Industry Mix: Whether you're just starting or looking to level up, LA's mix of entertainment, tech, and aerospace companies means tons of opportunities to grow.
- Remote Flexibility: With the rise in remote work, many positions offer flexible schedules and killer benefits packages.
If you're thinking about getting into cybersecurity, now's definitely the time to jump in!
Table of Contents
- General Cybersecurity Salary Trends in Los Angeles
- Entry-Level Cybersecurity Positions in Los Angeles
- Mid to Senior-Level Cybersecurity Roles in Los Angeles
- Factors Influencing Cybersecurity Salaries in Los Angeles
- Career Growth and Opportunities in Los Angeles Cybersecurity
- Frequently Asked Questions
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General Cybersecurity Salary Trends in Los Angeles
(Up)The cybersecurity job market in Los Angeles is seriously heating up in 2025, with salaries reflecting the intense demand for digital defenders. Entry-level positions now start at $109,880, while experienced professionals can earn up to $184,720 annually.
The massive growth potential is remarkable - there's expected to be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by the end of this year.
In LA specifically, the average cybersecurity engineer pulls in $146,431 annually, beating out many other tech hubs. The salary range varies based on specialization, with application security engineers making around $170,000 and cybersecurity analysts earning $140,000 on average.
Location matters too - professionals in El Segundo and Santa Monica tend to earn more than those in other parts of LA County. These numbers keep trending upward as companies scramble to protect themselves from increasing cyber threats.
- Experience level makes a huge difference - while newcomers start around $78,000, those with 4-6 years of experience can expect about $90,000, and veterans with 15+ years often make $125,000 or more.
- Certifications like CISSP and cloud security credentials can boost these figures even higher.
- Companies are especially hungry for incident response specialists, with some positions offering up to $155,375 annually.
LA's cybersecurity scene keeps growing, with both tech giants and startups competing for talented professionals who can protect their digital assets.
The combination of competitive salaries, abundant job opportunities, and the chance to work with cutting-edge tech makes LA's cybersecurity field pretty incredible for anyone looking to build a career in tech security.
Entry-Level Cybersecurity Positions in Los Angeles
(Up)The cybersecurity job market in Los Angeles is absolutely crushing it right now. Entry-level cybersecurity positions in LA are starting at around $109,880, which is seriously impressive for newcomers to the field.
If you're just getting started, you'll find tons of opportunities as a Security Analyst or Junior Penetration Tester. The best part? These entry-level roles can quickly grow to salaries exceeding $140,000 as you gain experience and skills.
Los Angeles is paying way better than most cities for cyber talent - we're talking about $140,750 on average according to recent data.
What's really interesting is how your skills can boost your paycheck.
Application Security Engineers are making around $170,000, while Security Analysts pull in about $140,000.
If you've got Python skills, cloud security knowledge, or certifications like Security+, you're looking at the higher end of these ranges. Companies are desperate for people who can actually do the work, not just talk about it.
The market's super hot right now because of all the cyber attacks happening, and honestly, there aren't enough qualified people to fill these positions.
What matters most isn't just having a degree - it's about showing you can actually protect systems and networks.
Having some hands-on experience through internships or personal projects is literally worth its weight in gold. Even better if you've done some CTF (Capture The Flag) competitions or have an active GitHub with security tools you've built.
Employers in LA are way more interested in what you can do rather than just what you know.
Mid to Senior-Level Cybersecurity Roles in Los Angeles
(Up)Los Angeles has become a serious hotspot for cybersecurity careers, and the numbers prove it. Recent salary data shows that cybersecurity engineers in LA are pulling in around $146,431 annually, with top performers reaching up to $188,268.
Entry-level positions start at $109,880, which is honestly amazing for someone just starting out.
The real game-changer is experience - security architects and senior managers are banking $170,000 to $195,000 yearly, especially if they're working with AI and cloud security.
Location plays a huge role in these numbers.
Tech companies in LA are fighting over talent, which pushes salaries higher, particularly in areas like Santa Monica and Silicon Beach.
If you've got skills in application security or penetration testing, you're looking at even better prospects, with some roles hitting the $170,000 mark. These aren't just numbers on paper - companies are actually hiring and paying these rates because they desperately need skilled professionals.
What's really pushing these salaries up is the constant evolution of cyber threats. Every new piece of tech that comes out needs someone to protect it, and that's where we come in. Getting certifications in cloud security or AI defense systems isn't just about padding your resume - it's about staying relevant and commanding higher pay. Companies are willing to pay premium rates for professionals who can handle both traditional security and emerging tech challenges. For anyone considering this field, especially in LA, the financial outlook is seriously promising.
Factors Influencing Cybersecurity Salaries in Los Angeles
(Up)Looking at the latest data in 2024, Los Angeles cybersecurity salaries are totally crushing it, especially when compared to other tech hubs. Recent analysis shows cybersecurity salaries stayed pretty stable with just a tiny 0.43% increase in 2023, but don't let that discourage you! The real story is in the details - Information Security Engineers saw a sweet 6.25% bump in pay.
What's super interesting is that Los Angeles tech salaries are actually running 14% above the national average. Big tech companies aren't the only ones paying well anymore - startups and mid-sized companies are stepping up their game to compete for talent.
Entry-level cybersecurity positions in LA are starting around $78,000, but with just 3-4 years of experience, you can level up to $90,000+.
The coolest part? Specialized roles like Detection Engineers are hitting $230,000 at senior levels. Specialized roles like Detection Engineers are hitting $230,000 at senior levels - the workforce grew by 7.2% in 2023, with positions like DevSecOps Engineers and Pen Testers becoming super hot.
With more companies going digital and remote work becoming normal, there's never been a better time to jump into cybersecurity in LA. Just remember, your salary potential isn't just about where you work - it's about the skills you bring to the table and how you keep leveling up your game.
Career Growth and Opportunities in Los Angeles Cybersecurity
(Up)The cybersecurity scene in Los Angeles is absolutely blowing up right now! Recent industry data shows cybersecurity jobs are basically guaranteed money makers, with Chief Information Security Officers pulling in over $244,000 annually.
The White House just launched a major initiative connecting people to nearly half a million open cybersecurity positions.
Nucamp's 15-week Cybersecurity Fundamentals bootcamp could be your ticket in - it covers everything from security foundations to ethical hacking, and the best part is you can start with just a couple thousand dollars.
The latest career trends show the average security breach now costs companies almost $5 million, which explains why they're desperately hunting for talent.
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Entry-level analysts are starting at around $112,000.
Main Idea: Starting salaries for entry-level analysts are highly competitive. -
If you stick with it, you could be making $150,000+ as a security engineer within a few years.
Main Idea: Salaries increase significantly with experience in the field.
Plus, with a crazy-low unemployment rate in cybersecurity and the option to work for tech giants like Google or SpaceX right here in LA, there's literally never been a better time to jump into this field.
If you're thinking about a tech career that's future-proof and pays well, cybersecurity is where it's at!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in Los Angeles?
The average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in Los Angeles is approximately $148,736 annually.
How does experience influence cybersecurity salaries in Los Angeles?
Experience significantly impacts salaries. Newcomers start around $78,000, while those with 4-6 years can expect about $90,000, and veterans with 15+ years can make $125,000 or more.
What roles offer the highest salaries in Los Angeles's cybersecurity industry?
Roles such as Chief Information Security Officers can exceed $244,000 annually, and specialized roles like Detection Engineers can earn up to $230,000.
How does location within Los Angeles affect cybersecurity salaries?
Professionals in El Segundo and Santa Monica often earn more than those in other parts of LA County due to high demand and competition among companies.
What entry-level positions are available in Los Angeles's cybersecurity market, and what do they pay?
Entry-level positions such as Security Analyst or Junior Penetration Tester start at around $109,880, offering impressive opportunities for newcomers.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.