Cybersecurity Salary Insights in the UK for 2024

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Key Takeaways

  • Cybersecurity salaries in the UK vary by experience, skillset, location, and industry demand.
  • Certifications such as C|EH, C|ND, and C|CISO can increase earning potential by 10-15%.
  • London and major UK hubs offer higher salaries due to concentration of financial and tech institutions.
  • Cybersecurity roles are in strong demand owing to evolving cyber threats and government regulations.
  • Continuous learning and specialisation are key strategies for career advancement and salary growth.

Table of Contents

Understanding How Much Is Cybersecurity Salary in the UK: An Overview

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity has become an indispensable priority for businesses and individuals alike. This rising demand fuels the growth of the cybersecurity job market, making it both a lucrative and rewarding career choice. So, how much is cybersecurity salary in the UK, and what factors influence it? This comprehensive guide explores current salary trends, key drivers behind pay scales, and practical insights for professionals and organisations in the UK’s cybersecurity space.
Cybersecurity salaries in the UK have garnered significant attention due to the expanding digital infrastructure, growing cyber threats, and stringent regulatory environments such as GDPR. While most publicly available data and research often concentrate on the United States—with reported average base salaries around $111,473 (£90,000) and estimated total pay near $150,726 (£121,000) as per 2025 predictions—the UK market reflects promising remuneration trends that are steadily catching up within the global context.
According to multiple cybersecurity salary guides and reports from EC-Council and Refont Learning, cybersecurity professionals in the UK typically earn a competitive salary reflecting the urgent demand to protect businesses against escalating cyber risks.

What Affects Cybersecurity Salaries in the UK?

Several key factors directly impact how much cybersecurity professionals earn in the UK:

1. Experience Level

  • Entry-Level Positions: Graduates or those with less than two years of experience generally earn between £25,000 and £40,000 annually.
  • Mid-Level Professionals: With three to five years of experience, salaries increase to £45,000–£70,000.
  • Senior-Level & Specialists: Seasoned experts, including cybersecurity managers and engineers, can expect salaries ranging from £75,000 up to £120,000 or more.

2. Skillset and Certifications

Certain certifications notably enhance earning potential:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)
  • Certified Network Defender (C|ND)
  • Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO)

Possessing these certifications can boost salaries by 10-15%, reflecting advanced capabilities in threat detection, network security, and risk management. EC-Council’s salary report highlights that certified professionals are highly sought-after, commanding premium salaries.

3. Location

London and other major hubs such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh tend to offer higher salaries due to the concentration of financial institutions, tech firms, and government agencies. Smaller towns or regions with fewer cybersecurity roles often see lower pay scales.

4. Industry Demand

Sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and defence have higher cybersecurity budgets, translating to competitive remuneration. The surge of digital transformation initiatives also drives demand across retail, manufacturing, and education.

Role Average Salary Range (GBP)
Cybersecurity Analyst £30,000 – £55,000
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker) £40,000 – £75,000
Security Consultant £50,000 – £85,000
Cybersecurity Manager £65,000 – £110,000
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) £90,000 – £150,000+

(Source: Training Camp Salary Guide)

The Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Talent in the UK

The UK government’s initiatives—such as the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill—underscore the nation’s commitment to enhancing national cyber defence frameworks. Businesses across sectors must comply with evolving legislation and ensure robust cyber resilience, which accentuates talent demand.

At IT Support Pro, we have witnessed firsthand how organisations struggle to find highly skilled cybersecurity professionals amid a global talent shortage. This demand drives companies to offer attractive packages, flexible working conditions, and continuous professional development opportunities to retain expertise.

For a closer look at legal shifts impacting cybersecurity hiring and operations in the UK, read our detailed article on Understanding the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.

Why Cybersecurity Is a Smart Career Choice in 2024 and Beyond

Consistent Market Growth

As digital transformation accelerates and cyber threats evolve—from ransomware attacks to sophisticated data breaches—the cybersecurity field remains one of the fastest growing sectors globally and in the UK.

Competitive Salary and Benefits

Cybersecurity salaries in the UK are increasingly competitive, reflecting the critical nature of these roles. Moreover, many companies now include additional perks like remote working, wellness programmes, and professional training budgets.

Continuous Learning and Advancement

The dynamic threat landscape requires professionals to continually upgrade their skills, making cybersecurity a field rich in both intellectual challenge and career mobility.

How IT Support Pro Can Help Professionals and Businesses in Cybersecurity

With years of experience in delivering bespoke cybersecurity solutions across various UK industries, IT Support Pro understands the unique challenges faced by businesses. Our expertise includes:

  • Tailored cybersecurity strategies aligned with regulatory requirements and business objectives
  • Guidance on leveraging emerging technologies, including Generative AI for Enhanced Cybersecurity
  • Providing upskilling and certification support for IT teams to grow their expertise and increase employability and salary prospects

By partnering with IT Support Pro, businesses gain peace of mind knowing their cyber defenses are robust, while professionals receive guidance on navigating lucrative career pathways.

Practical Tips for Cybersecurity Professionals to Increase Their Salary

If you’re looking to boost your earning potential in the UK cybersecurity market, consider the following strategies:

  • Invest in Certifications: Earning recognized credentials such as C|EH, C|ND, or C|CISO enhances credibility and market value.
  • Specialise in High-Demand Areas: Skills like cloud security, threat hunting, and incident response are highly sought after.
  • Gain Hands-On Experience: Practical knowledge through internships, labs, or freelance projects can differentiate you from competitors.
  • Stay Abreast of Industry Trends: Follow developments like those detailed in our post on Key Trends in UK Cybersecurity for 2024.
  • Network and Engage: Attend cybersecurity conferences, webinars, and local meetups to connect with industry leaders.

Conclusion

Understanding how much is cybersecurity salary in the UK sheds light on the significant opportunities this dynamic field offers. Competitive salaries, abundant growth prospects, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on enterprise security make cybersecurity a highly attractive career path.

At IT Support Pro, we are committed to empowering professionals and businesses alike with expert knowledge, innovative solutions, and practical support to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape successfully.

Ready to Learn More?

This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or career advice. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified professionals before making any career, financial, or business decisions based on the information provided herein.

References

FAQ

What is the average cybersecurity salary in the UK?

The average salary for cybersecurity professionals in the UK ranges from £30,000 for entry-level roles up to £150,000+ for senior positions like CISOs, depending on experience, skills, and location.

Which certifications increase cybersecurity salaries the most?

Certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH), Certified Network Defender (C|ND), and Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO) are known to enhance salaries by 10-15%.

How does location affect cybersecurity salaries in the UK?

Major hubs like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh generally offer higher salaries due to dense concentrations of financial, tech, and government sectors compared to smaller towns.

What industries pay the highest cybersecurity salaries in the UK?

Finance, healthcare, government, and defence sectors tend to have the largest cybersecurity budgets, thus offering some of the most competitive salaries in the UK market.

How can cybersecurity professionals increase their salary?

Investing in certifications, specialising in high-demand skills, gaining hands-on experience, staying updated on industry trends, and networking are effective strategies to increase salary potential.