Cyber security salaries in the UK: What to expect in 2025

Entry-level roles

For those beginning their journey in cyber security, the UK offers a solid foundation. Entry-level positions such as Information Security Officers typically command salaries ranging from £25,000 to £40,000, according to this nucamp report. In London, these roles offer between £60,000 and £70,000, even for candidates with minimal experience.

Specialised entry-level roles in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and Identity and Access Management (IAM) are particularly lucrative. GRC professionals can expect to earn around £37,500, while IAM specialists may start at £45,000.

Mid-level positions

As professionals gain experience, salaries increase. Mid-level roles, like Cyber Security Analysts, offer average salaries around £55,400, with potential to reach £65,300. Those specialising in GRC or IAM can command salaries between £80,000 and £100,000.

Cyber Security Engineers in London can earn between £70,000 and £80,000, with those possessing over five years of experience earning up to £95,000.

Senior roles: leadership and strategy

Senior positions in cyber security are both demanding and rewarding. According to this Morgan McKinley 2025 salary guide, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in London can earn between £130,000 and £160,000, with regional counterparts earning slightly less. Other senior roles, such as Heads of Information Security and Cyber Security Directors, offer salaries ranging from £120,000 to £180,000, depending on the organisation's size and complexity.

Specialised roles like Cyber Security Architects command average salaries of £105,000, with potential earnings up to £130,000, reflecting the high demand for expertise in designing secure systems.

Factors influencing salaries

Several elements impact cyber security salaries in the UK:

• Experience and specialisation: Professionals with extensive experience and specialised skills in areas like cloud security, incident response or compliance often command higher salaries.
• Certifications: Holding recognised certifications such as CISSP, CEH or CompTIA Security+ can enhance credibility and salary prospects. If you don’t know where to start, read our go-to guide to cyber security courses (and how to choose the right one).
• Industry demand: Sectors like finance, healthcare and government exhibit higher demand for cyber security expertise, often offering premium salaries to attract talent.

Enhancing earning potential

To maximise salary prospects in cyber security:

• Pursue continuous learning: Engage in ongoing education to stay abreast of evolving threats and technologies.
• Obtain relevant certifications: Earning industry-recognised certifications can validate skills and open doors to higher-paying roles.
• Gain practical experience: Hands-on experience through labs or real-world projects enhances employability and salary potential.
• Network within the industry: Building professional connections can lead to opportunities and insights into higher-paying positions.

The cyber security field in the UK offers robust career opportunities with competitive salaries across various levels and specialisations. By investing in education, professionals can position themselves for success in this dynamic and essential industry.