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Job outlook for information systems security officers in the United States
Information systems security officer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected information systems security officer job growth rate is 32% from 2018-2028.
About 35,500 new jobs for information systems security officers are projected over the next decade.
Information systems security officer salaries have increased 12% for information systems security officers in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,068 information systems security officers currently employed in the United States.
There are 202,299 active information systems security officer job openings in the US.
The average information systems security officer salary is $90,730.
Are information systems security officer jobs in demand?
Information systems security officer job and salary trends over time
Information systems security officer jobs over time
Information systems security officer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,068 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 12,568 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 11,927 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 19,654 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 19,143 | 0.01% |
Average information systems security officer salary over time
Information systems security officer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $90,730 | $43.62 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $87,741 | $42.18 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $85,754 | $41.23 | +3.0% |
| 2023 | $83,278 | $40.04 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $80,741 | $38.82 | +2.8% |
Information systems security officer jobs by state
Most common states for information systems security officers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 410 | 59% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 520 | 49% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 366 | 48% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 287 | 46% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,381 | 43% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 554 | 41% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 349 | 40% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 294 | 40% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 678 | 39% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 373 | 39% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 712 | 37% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,670 | 36% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,490 | 36% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,390 | 35% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 2,358 | 34% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 719 | 34% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,033 | 33% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 189 | 33% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,911 | 31% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,099 | 31% |
Most common cities for information systems security officers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 35 | 89% | $76,649 |
| 2 | Laurel | 9 | 35% | $76,493 |
| 3 | Lexington | 9 | 29% | $90,577 |
| 4 | Springfield | 8 | 26% | $86,270 |
| 5 | Fairfax | 6 | 25% | $86,211 |
| 6 | Bethesda | 8 | 13% | $76,352 |
| 7 | McLean | 6 | 12% | $86,285 |
| 8 | Washington | 67 | 10% | $81,557 |
| 9 | Columbia | 8 | 8% | $76,496 |
| 10 | Huntsville | 13 | 7% | $71,827 |
| 11 | Cambridge | 8 | 7% | $90,665 |
| 12 | Colorado Springs | 14 | 3% | $79,949 |
| 13 | Orlando | 8 | 3% | $73,493 |
| 14 | Arlington | 6 | 3% | $86,340 |
| 15 | San Antonio | 7 | 0% | $85,971 |
Information Systems Security Officer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of information systems security officer experts
Rider University
Pace University
West Virginia State University
Pennsylvania State University - Altoona
Northwood University
The University of Tampa
Albertus Magnus College
Medaille College
University of Georgia
AVIXA
What will help Information Systems Security Officers increase their earning potential?
Robert Cutlip Ph.D.: The field of Cybersecurity is rapidly evolving. Threats from foreign actors are becoming more mature. Also, artificial intelligence presents new challenges. I would suggest staying abreast of new threat signatures, mitigation strategies, and technologies that will be a factor in this space in the near future.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Security Officer?
Zhengping Luo Ph.D.: Securing your first internship or job in your field can be challenging and sometimes frustrating. It's important to keep an open mind about all potential job opportunities in your field. While your first job may not be your dream job, gaining experience will improve your prospects as long as you remain in the field. Be patient, as you may face many rejections before landing a good position. It's worth noting that rejections are often not a reflection of your qualifications. Employers consider various factors when hiring, and many of which are often have nothing to do with your professional skills, so don't be discouraged. Simply keep moving forward without carrying the burden of past rejections. After securing your position, remain open to challenges, as they often provide opportunities to make a name for yourself and advance your career.
What will help Information Systems Security Officers increase their earning potential?
Zhengping Luo Ph.D.: Maximizing your salary potential hinges on providing value in a market-driven economy. Make sure to focus on developing skills that are in high demand. One of the tips is to consider expanding your horizons beyond where you grow up or the place you received your degree. Explore opportunities in locations that value your talents and offer competitive compensation, such as different cities, states, or even nations. Additionally, don't limit yourself to familiar job roles; be open to new positions and industries. The evolving job market continually creates new and unforeseen opportunities. While striving for financial success is important, it's equally vital to consider long-term goals and personal fulfillment. Prioritize maximizing life experiences and other cherished values alongside financial goals.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Security Officer?
Dr. Darren Hayes: Add a cover letter, to accompany your resume, as many older people who review your resume expect you to include one. Don't just list your skills but mention some special projects that you were involved in, or your impact on an organization during an internship. These demonstrate the application of your skills and can be great talking points during an interview. Don't add a lot of acronyms to your resume and expect that the reviewer will know what those mean - spell everything out. Read about the organization that you are applying to before an interview - it shows that you care and are taking an interest while in the interview. Professional certifications, in addition to your degree, will give you an edge over other applicants. Additionally, participation in team competitions, such as capture the flag, demonstrates a willingness to learn beyond the classroom, hone your skills, and ability to work in a team setting. Cybersecurity, digital forensics, IT, are always evolving so you need to continue to evolve too. Therefore, you should have plans to continue learning, such as professional certifications, graduate degree, training classes and other continuing education options. Talk about your plans and goals in an interview and not just about what you have done.
What will help Information Systems Security Officers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Darren Hayes: Artificial intelligence - in terms of automating certain areas of cybersecurity, such as acquiring threat intelligence, malware detection and being alerted to network breaches. Ransomware continues to be the primary concern for most organizations and using AI to quickly identify those threats and quickly respond will be key. AI can also be used in investigations, such as photo searches to identify where a suspect is or to find a missing person. Knowledge of current events - especially geopolitical events. These events have repercussions for the most sophisticated (state-sponsored) cyber attacks. Knowledge of a second, third or fourth language, is helpful now and will continue to be important - especially from a cybersecurity perspective because investigations often include foreign nationals. Knowledge of malware is really important for homeland security and this area of expertise will continue to be in demand. Incident response will continue to be understaffed and therefore tremendous opportunities will continue for those who can respond to network breaches, forensically analyze systems, examine malware, etc. Other areas of importance include, machine learning, quantum computing, open source intelligence (OSINT), threat intelligence (especially related to critical infrastructure and SCADA), cryptocurrencies, IoT threats and IoT evidence, to name but a few.
Dr. Ali Al-Sinayyid PhD
Assistant ProfessorWest Virginia State University
Computer Science
What Information Systems Security Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ali Al-Sinayyid PhD: Maximizing salary potential when starting your career in cybersecurity requires strategic planning and ongoing skill development. Here are some steps to consider: Certifications: Obtaining industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, or CCSP can enhance your marketability and salary potential. Practical Experience: Highlight hands-on experience through internships, co-op programs, research projects, or freelance work to showcase your skills and capabilities to potential employers. Negotiate Salary: Research industry salary benchmarks and be prepared to negotiate your salary based on your qualifications, experience, and the value you bring to the organization. Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and market demand in cybersecurity to position yourself for lucrative opportunities and career advancement. Network and Build Relationships: Cultivate relationships with professionals in the field, participate in industry events, and leverage networking opportunities to uncover hidden job opportunities.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Security Officer?
Syed Rizvi PhD: The field of cybersecurity is in a constant state of evolution, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and threats. Graduates should prioritize networking within the industry, as it can provide avenues for mentorship, collaboration, and career growth. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with established professionals are effective strategies. Practical experience holds significant value in cybersecurity; thus, seeking internships, participating in cybersecurity competitions, and engaging in personal projects are recommended to hone skills and build a robust portfolio. Additionally, while technical prowess is essential, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are equally prized. Nurturing these skills alongside technical expertise is essential for professional success.
Syed Rizvi
Professor, ChairPennsylvania State University - Altoona
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What Information Systems Security Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Syed Rizvi: The field of cybersecurity is in a constant state of evolution, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and threats. Graduates should prioritize networking within the industry, as it can provide avenues for mentorship, collaboration, and career growth. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with established professionals are effective strategies. Practical experience holds significant value in cybersecurity; thus, seeking internships, participating in cybersecurity competitions, and engaging in personal projects are recommended to hone skills and build a robust portfolio. Additionally, while technical prowess is essential, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are equally prized. Nurturing these skills alongside technical expertise is essential for professional success.
Professor David Sanford
Associate Professor an Department Chair (MIS, CS, CYB MGT, IS CYB)Northwood University
Computer And Information Sciences
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Security Officer?
Professor David Sanford: Workers like that they are challenged to solve problems and lead technological innovations.
They appreciate the diversity of projects
They enjoy the need for continuous improvement and education
Many see the global impact of their work.
They also desire and appreciate the need for versatile skills
A competitive salary is also an item that employees like
Workers dislike that the work can be stressful
Dealing with tight deadlines and/ or cybersecurity concerns.
This is a positive and a negative: The need to constantly stay up to date with technology can be a bit overwhelming for some.
There may be times of isolation, and
The unexpected system failures can be frustrating as they often require extra hours or the need to be on-call.
The multiple responsibilities and managing repetitive tasks are also issues workers point out in this field.
In short, the workplace offers exciting opportunities but comes with its fair share of pressures and challenges. Different people have different experiences based on their roles and personal preferences.
Louis Bobelis
Part-Time FacultyThe University of Tampa
Information and Technology Management Department
What soft skills should all Information Systems Security Officers possess?
Louis Bobelis: I feel the most important soft skill is character. Being outspoken and able to explain technical cyber incidents decisively and clearly for non-IT-oriented people in your organization is especially important when you are in more senior-level positions.
What skills will help Information Systems Security Officers earn the most?
Louis Bobelis: In this industry, certificates truly do go a long way, and in some organizations, you cannot elevate or find growth without acquiring specific certifications. This is not always the case and showing your worth in your internal organization by coming up with ideas that can make the current processes more efficient is always a great way to attract promotion.
David Garaventa
Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CISAlbertus Magnus College
Business Administration and Management Department
What skills stand out on Information Systems Security Officer resumes?
David Garaventa: The skills/attributes required across a variety of jobs in the IT fields.
What skills will help Information Systems Security Officers earn the most?
David Garaventa: Here is where I can be a little more specific, but mostly in terms of certifications. Certifications and micro-credentials indicate two things to an employer: First, you must have an established, verified set of knowledge and skills that you bring to the table. If it is an industry-respected certification, it brings a lot of credibility regarding your knowledge and skills around a specific platform or application. The second thing that certifications and micro-credentials demonstrate to an employer is that you are willing to continue to grow and develop your skills in your field. Technology is progressing so rapidly that the things you knew last year may no longer be relevant today. And as a result, having the ability and desire to continue learning, adapting, and attaining certifications is a great way to show your ongoing commitment to your profession.
Dr. Steven MacMartin
Director, Associate ProfessorMedaille College
Homeland Security Program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Information Systems Security Officer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Steven MacMartin: Overall, in general? Health care, elementary school teachers, daycare, researchers at the PhD level and also low level, entry/service jobs - fast food, restaurant, bar, etc. Homeland Security specifically - really none. Jobs in the Homeland Security field have remained largely unaffected by the pandemic, and the pandemic isn't really directly related to specific Homeland Security jobs. (Maybe in the research and technology fields.). A side effect of the pandemic has been to focus a little on cyber security issues and those jobs could expand in law enforcement and Homeland Security areas.
What soft skills should all Information Systems Security Officers possess?
Dr. Steven MacMartin: Absolutely - writing and oral presentation. A secondary skill that is helpful is academic research skills. But definitely writing skills.
Paul Phillips CISA, CISM, MBA
IT Risk Professional Practices LeadISACA
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Information Systems Security Officers?
Paul Phillips CISA, CISM, MBA: Yes, there will be an enduring impact on the entire global workforce and students. More graduates will be working remotely as companies undoubtedly shift to hiring more remote workers or shifting their current employees to work from home. Graduates who are technologically savvy and innovative thinkers will be more attractive as companies are looking for innovative ways to grow in the new normal. Given the evolving times and quickly changing landscape in many industries, graduates will need to also learn to be resilient, nimble and be able to quickly pivot in their new roles as needed.
Maric Boudreau
Department Head & Associate ProfessorUniversity of Georgia
Department of Management Information Systems
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Information Systems Security Officers?
Maric Boudreau: Certainly - many businesses had to transform themselves to adjust to the current situation, and some of these changes will remain. For example, whereas we assumed that in-person interactions were always best, we now realize that virtual communications bring many benefits, such as greater efficiency and lower costs. Business processes have been streamlined and are more reliant on technology than ever before. MIS graduates are in a relatively good situation in that they have the necessary skill set allowing them to evolve very comfortably in a technology-based environment.
What type of skills will young Information Systems Security Officers need?
Maric Boudreau: Of course, we will continue to expect MIS graduates to have top-notch business and technology expertise, along with great analytical and problem-solving skills. But also, because of how businesses are transforming, these new recruits will need to be able to articulate the value they bring. In other words, they will need to make sure that, even as they might conduct a lot of their work via online means, their employer understands what they bring to the table and the contribution they make. They will also need to have self-discipline and time-management skills. Again, assuming they will not need to be physically present at all times as they conduct their work, this creates a greater requirement for self-management, both on the professional and personal fronts.
What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Security Officer?
Joé Lloyd: In the AVIXA 2019 Q2 Macro-Economic Trends Analysis, we studied how tight or slack labor markets affect hiring. We found that the current economy is tough for those seeking to enter a skill-intensive industry like audiovisual (AV). Our data shows that when unemployment goes up, AV companies respond by raising hiring standards. Candidates will need a strong résumé to get hired, whether it’s in years of experience or a targeted technical degree or certification.