And how much do US cyber professionals make? Per ISC2 research, Cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. earn an average salary of $147,138, with variations based on experience, job level, gender, and ethnicity. While pay disparity remains a challenge, cybersecurity shows more pay parity compared to the broader labor market.
A new report from Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) and Aleria reveals significant gender disparities in the cybersecurity workplace, with women facing exclusion at twice the rate of men. The study identifies four main categories of exclusion: respect, career and growth, access and participation, and recognition. The study shows that women report 350 percent more exclusion in recognition and 250 percent more in respect than their male counterparts. The exclusion index for women is substantially higher across all categories, with distinct disparities, especially in recognition (450 percent higher) and respect (250 percent higher). The data also shows a glass ceiling effect, with 48 percent of women experiencing issues related to career and growth, significantly more than the 26 percent of men who report similar experiences.
Why do we care?
We desperately need more cyberprofessionals, and the job is a good one that pays well. Addressing pay disparities can lead to more engaged cybersecurity teams and minimize workforce gaps.
For the cybersecurity industry to thrive and effectively safeguard against the ever-evolving threats, there is an urgent need for inclusivity and equity in workplace practices. Companies must actively work to dismantle the barriers identified in these studies by implementing equitable hiring practices, promoting mentorship programs, ensuring fair evaluation processes, and fostering an inclusive corporate culture. It’s all good business.
