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Average Information Security Analysts Salary in California

Information Security Analysts in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $152,640, significantly surpassing the national average of $129,120. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust technology sector, high demand for cybersecurity expertise, and the state's generally higher cost of living, all of which contribute to a premium on specialized IT talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $152,640 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $220,100.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 15,800 Information Security Analysts, California demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals. Although the Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests a slightly lower concentration relative to the national average, the sheer volume of jobs and the presence of a large talent pool indicate a dynamic and active market for cybersecurity roles within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$152,640

The average Information Security Analysts in California earns+18.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$73.4

Weekly

$2,935

Monthly

$12,720

Information Security Analysts Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Information Security Analysts in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries clearly signifies substantial career progression opportunities and increased earning potential as expertise grows.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$73,030$35.1
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$114,480$55
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$140,660$67.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$190,800$91.7
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$220,100$105.8

Detailed Information Security Analysts Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$152,640

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$110,209

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average annual salary of $152,640 in California is substantial, it must be considered in the context of the state's high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while nominal earnings are high, the purchasing power of that salary is reduced compared to areas with a lower cost of living. Professionals relocating to California should anticipate higher expenses for housing, goods, and services, which will impact their effective disposable income.

Job Market Context

15,800

Total Jobs

0.875

Per 1K Jobs

0.75

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.75x the national average concentration of Information Security Analysts jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.75 for Information Security Analysts in California indicates that the state has a slightly lower concentration of these roles per worker compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is robust and employs a large number of professionals, it may not be as saturated as some other regions, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled analysts.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Information Security Analysts

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Information Security Analystss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Information Security Analysts make in California?

The median annual salary for a Information Security Analysts in California is $152,640. This typically ranges from $73,030 for entry-level positions to $220,100 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 18.2% higher than the national median of $129,120.

Is California a lucrative place for Information Security Analysts?

Yes, California is a highly lucrative state for Information Security Analysts.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the state's strong tech industry fuels high demand for these critical roles.

Is California a good place to live for Information Security Analysts?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($110,500) and Fresno, CA.

How does California's average salary compare to the national average?

Information Security Analysts in California earn an average of $152,640 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $129,120.

What is the total number of Information Security Analysts in California?

California is home to approximately 15,800 Information Security Analysts, indicating a substantial presence of these professionals within the state's workforce.

How does the cost of living in California affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means the higher nominal salary is partially offset by increased living expenses.

Is the job market for Information Security Analysts in California concentrated?

The Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests that while there are many Information Security Analysts in California, their concentration relative to the national average is slightly lower, indicating a healthy, competitive market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,800 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.875 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.