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Job outlook for senior security architects in the United States
Senior security architect job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior security architect job growth rate is 32% from 2018-2028.
About 35,500 new jobs for senior security architects are projected over the next decade.
Senior security architect salaries have increased 12% for senior security architects in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,266 senior security architects currently employed in the United States.
There are 123,555 active senior security architect job openings in the US.
The average senior security architect salary is $129,456.
Are senior security architect jobs in demand?
Senior security architect job and salary trends over time
Senior security architect jobs over time
Senior security architect job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,266 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,964 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,710 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 7,033 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,850 | 0.00% |
Average senior security architect salary over time
Senior security architect salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $129,456 | $62.24 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $125,191 | $60.19 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $122,356 | $58.83 | +3.0% |
| 2023 | $118,823 | $57.13 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $115,203 | $55.39 | +2.8% |
Senior security architect jobs by state
Most common states for senior security architects
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 448 | 65% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 288 | 30% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 225 | 30% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,579 | 28% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 354 | 26% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 192 | 26% |
| 7 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,250 | 25% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,525 | 25% |
| 9 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,184 | 24% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,786 | 24% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,956 | 23% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,362 | 23% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,347 | 23% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 829 | 23% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 413 | 22% |
| 16 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 235 | 22% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,383 | 20% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,095 | 20% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 210 | 20% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 114 | 20% |
Most common cities for senior security architects
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 3 | 11% | $119,291 |
| 2 | Juneau | 3 | 9% | $122,358 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 3 | 8% | $109,072 |
| 4 | Dover | 3 | 8% | $121,850 |
| 5 | Hartford | 4 | 3% | $115,177 |
| 6 | Lansing | 3 | 3% | $121,842 |
| 7 | Des Moines | 5 | 2% | $114,495 |
| 8 | Tallahassee | 4 | 2% | $106,485 |
| 9 | Little Rock | 3 | 2% | $117,018 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 6 | 1% | $113,404 |
| 11 | Washington | 5 | 1% | $128,374 |
| 12 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $116,990 |
| 13 | Sacramento | 4 | 1% | $150,524 |
| 14 | Baton Rouge | 3 | 1% | $115,823 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $122,487 |
| 16 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $133,257 |
| 17 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $121,324 |
| 18 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $114,047 |
Senior Security Architect job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior security architect experts
Rider University
University of Florida
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
SUNY at Buffalo
Pace University
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Northwood University
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
Albertus Magnus College
Medaille College
Seminole State College of Florida
Rochester Institute of Technology
NCARB
College of Charleston
What general advice would you give to a Senior Security Architect?
Robert Cutlip Ph.D.: Seek internship opportunities while still enrolled. This will help with gaining experience, growing professionally, and starting to build your professional reputation and contacts. Also, actively engage in networking and outreach, along with research on private sector or government sector opportunities that you can pursue.
What will help Senior Security Architects 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 a Senior Security Architect?
Rebecca Dolgas: 2. The ability to implement VR, AR, and AI capabilities. Clients are coming to expect photorealistic renderings and to be able to walk through their space virtually. Having the skill set to implement these tools will be crucial in keeping clients informed and pleased with your work.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Security Architect?
Martin Gold FAIA: The most widespread complaint from people in the field is that it consumes ones attention, requires long hours, and relative to other professions, such as medicine, law, accounting, or engineering, the pay is lower on a per hour basis. On the other hand, architecture is more of an art than other professions and offers opportunities for creative people to have prosperous careers. The famous French architect Le Corbusier would say, architecture is a way of life.
What Senior Security Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: I would advise architecture students to be as flexible as possible. While NAAB accredited schools award 6,000 to 7,000 professional degrees per year, NCARB states that fewer than 3,500 architects reach licensure each year. This suggests that many of those educated as architects are actually finding work in allied subjects. I know of many graduates who are set to become architects who end up becoming real estate professionals, construction professionals, policy-makers, academics, and more. Even for those dead set on architectural practice, these opportunities in adjacent fields can open doors to more design-focused practice.
What will help Senior Security Architects increase their earning potential?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling software like Revit is already all but a requirement to find professional work. Increasingly, firms are also looking for those who are capable of using visual programming like Grasshopper or Dynamo not only to generate forms but to optimize their workflow. In addition to those, professionals should familiarize themselves with modeling programs including SketchUp and Rhino and visualization platforms like VRay, Enscape, and Twin Motion. Soft skills like being personable and being able to present ideas extemporaneously will never go out of style.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Security Architect?
Elaine Chow AIA, RA, NCARB: Adaptability will always be an important skill. There will be software improvements and changes that you need to stay aware of and technology that will benefit both the design and construction sides of the industry. Communication will remain an important part of the way we work together in teams.
What Senior Security Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elaine Chow AIA, RA, NCARB: Architecture licensure will help maximize salary potential, as well as pursuing other certifications such as LEED, CPHC, WELL, etc. Be your own advocate and request regular/annual reviews that allow you to highlight accomplishments and value you bring to your employer. If specialization appeals to you, there are opportunities to market yourself as an expert in a specific subject area.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Security Architect?
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 Senior Security Architects 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.
What Senior Security Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alfredo Fernandez-Gonzalez: Globally, there is significant demand for architects who are facile in the use of transformative technologies that support designers to generate and evaluate innovative ideas to provide solutions in a rapidly changing environment. Needless to say, being extremely competent in the many applications of Building Information Modeling (BIM), Extended Reality (XR), Generative Design, and Sustainability, will make new graduates effective at a time in which the profession and the world are rapidly transforming.
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 a Senior Security Architect?
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.
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design ProgramUniversity Of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Architecture
What experience really stands out on Senior Security Architect resumes?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Experience in the areas where one intends to practice. If someone wants to work in hospitality design, an employer will see what kind of experience they have. This is why selecting one's internship location is so important.
Many employers are also looking to see how well the Interior Designer can think outside the box and develop innovative design ideas.
An area of specialized knowledge that will complement the existing design team. Most firms are looking for future leaders.
David Garaventa
Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CISAlbertus Magnus College
Business Administration and Management Department
What skills stand out on Senior Security Architect resumes?
David Garaventa: The skills/attributes required across a variety of jobs in the IT fields.
Dr. Steven MacMartin
Director, Associate ProfessorMedaille College
Homeland Security Program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Security Architect 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 Senior Security Architects possess?
Dr. Steven MacMartin: Absolutely - writing and oral presentation. A secondary skill that is helpful is academic research skills. But definitely writing skills.
Christy Graves
Professor/Program ManagerSeminole State College of Florida
School of Engineering, Design and Construction
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Security Architects in the next 3-5 years?
Christy Graves: BIM (building information modeling) technology will continue to become more important in the architectural engineering technology profession.
Clyde Eiríkur Hull
Professor of Strategic ManagementRochester Institute of Technology
Saunders College of Business
How do you envision technology impacting Senior Security Architects in the next 5 years?
Clyde Eiríkur Hull: Architecture is being hit with virtual reality and augmented reality. Anything you can design now can be built in virtual reality for modeling. But the trend toward digital work is going to impact architectural designs for a long time to come. How will future homes be designed when many residents plan to work from home? How will professional buildings be impacted? Those are questions that architects are answering right now.
What type of skills will young Senior Security Architects need?
Michael Armstrong: In most states, students interested in becoming architects will need to graduate from a NAAB-accredited program, earn experience through the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), and pass the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). These programs ensure young graduates earn knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas—like working with clients, determining project schedules, reviewing building codes and regulations, and establishing sustainability goals—and set them up for a successful career in architecture. For specific state requirements, explore our Licensing Requirements Tool.
We also encourage graduates, and all who are considering the licensed practice as a career, to explore our newly-launched Destination Architect site, an interactive guide with video tutorials and useful tips.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Security Architects in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D.: No one (except for maybe Steve Jobs) foresaw the Smartphone Revolution. Yet, by 2010 the world had changed. Five years from now (2025), there could be another new technology that we have not even imagined previously.
My suggestion is to try to be aware, as much as possible, of the latest and upcoming tech but focus on a specific set (or two) of hardware and software that most interests you. When I was younger, I tried staying on top of it all but quickly found that so much was coming out so fast that soon I spent all my time just trying to be on top of it all and unable to do much else. Technology has become so vast and diversified that to be good at something, you may not be able to do it all.
Professional and social networking can create professional communities where people who specialize in one set or two of technology or skills can share and exchange knowledge and expertise with colleagues and friends that complement each other. This is a strategy that I recommend.