Salary of CISSP Professionals in 2024

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a prestigious credential that validates the expertise of cybersecurity professionals in leading an organization's information security initiatives. 

Recently highlighted in Forbes' "10 Certificates to Put On Your Résumé in 2024," the CISSP certification is widely regarded as one of the premier qualifications in cybersecurity training. It underscores the holder's industry knowledge and capabilities and correlates with competitive salary levels.

According to findings from the latest ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, average CISSP Salaries in different regions are:

● Globally: $119,577  

● Asia-Pacific: $70,898  

● Europe: $103,493  

● Latin America: $50,272  

● Middle East and Africa: $46,917  

● North America: $147,757  

In this article, we will discuss CISSP salary based on experience, job roles, countries, and companies. We will also discuss some tips to increase your chances of getting the highest salary as a CISSP professional.

What is CISSP? 

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is an internationally esteemed credential for information security professionals. It confirms proficiency in designing, implementing, and managing secure business environments.

The CISSP encompasses a wide range of domains, including security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security. 

If you seek to achieve the certification and live CISSP training online then feel free to contact our learning advisors.

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What Does a CISSP Professional Do? 

CISSP-certified professionals play a crucial role in embedding effective information security practices throughout an organization. Their responsibilities include: 

1. Integration of Security Programs: Ensure that information security protocols are woven into all aspects of the organization’s operations, including policies, procedures, and statements of work (SoWs). 

2. Risk Assessment and Management: Regularly evaluate potential security threats and vulnerabilities and develop risk management plans that outline appropriate security measures. 

3. Threat Analysis: Analyze and investigate potential security incidents to identify risks before they materialize. 

4. Monitoring and Auditing: Continuously monitor systems for unusual or unauthorized activity. 

5. Remediation and Response: Implement corrective actions in response to identified security issues. 

6. Metrics Collection and Reporting: Gather and analyze security metrics to provide insights into the effectiveness of security measures. 

By reinforcing advanced information security systems, CISSP professionals help protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches, ensuring a robust security posture for the organization. 

CISSP Salary - Country Wise

Based on the country you work in, the salary of a CISSP-certified professional may vary, for eg,

The average CISSP salary in India is 20 Lakhs INR annually, and a CISSP fresher can expect a salary between ₹9 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs per annum.

Let's look at the salaries of CISSP professionals in different countries:

CISSP Salaries - Role Wise

CISSP certification enables you to start or join different information security roles. Each role has a different set of responsibilities and salaries. The table below shows CISSP salaries based on job roles:

CISSP Salary - Experience Wise

CISSP salaries are hugely affected by a candidate's experience level. The below table shows the the CISSP Salary for freshers, intermediate, and experienced candidates.

CISSP Salary in India for Different Cities

If you are living in India, and wondering which city is best to work in as a CISSP-certified professional, this table shows CISSP salary in different cities of India.

Top 10 CISSP Hiring Companies and Their Salaries in India

These companies represent key players in India’s IT and cybersecurity sectors, reflecting a strong demand for CISSP-certified professionals. Salaries vary based on role and experience, showcasing the potential for lucrative career paths in cybersecurity. 

How to Improve CISSP Certified Professional Salary in India 

To maximize your salary as a CISSP-certified professional in India, consider these strategic approaches: 

1. Improve Skills: Continuously update your knowledge of the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies. Proficiency in areas like threat analysis, risk management, and penetration testing can distinguish you and warrant higher pay. 

2. Pursue Additional Certifications: While CISSP is a significant credential, obtaining specialized certifications such as CISM, CISA, or CEH can further boost your marketability and salary potential. 

3. Obtain Relevant Degrees: Although not mandatory, a degree in computer science or information security can positively influence your salary by demonstrating a solid educational foundation and commitment to the field. 

4. Gain Experience: Accumulating substantial experience is critical. Progress through various roles and aim for leadership positions to showcase your ability to manage complex security challenges effectively. 

Key Skills That Boost Earning Potential 

If you want to increase your earning potential as a CISSP professional, work on these skills as it will help you in your interviews and salary negotiations.

1. Technical knowledge: Mastering security concepts, risk management, and encryption protocols can lead to more lucrative salary packages. 

2. Communication skills: The ability to effectively convey security issues and solutions to non-technical stakeholders is highly valued. 

3. Troubleshooting skills: Quickly identifying vulnerabilities and developing comprehensive solutions is essential for success in cybersecurity. 

4. Leadership: Strong leadership skills for managing security teams and projects are crucial for higher-level positions. 

5. Adaptability: Staying abreast of evolving cyber threats and adjusting strategies accordingly is greatly appreciated by employers. 

Why are CISSP Certified Professionals in High-Demand?

Organizations worldwide are increasingly concerned about cybersecurity breaches, with the Annual Cyber Security Ventures report predicting that cybercrime could cost over $10.5 trillion annually by 2026. 

In 2026, the projected global shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals is expected to reach 4 million, significantly up from the 1.5 million shortage forecasted by the Global Information Security Workforce Survey (GISWS) in 2017 for 2020. This increase highlights a growing gap in the workforce as demand continues to outpace supply.

How to learn CISSP Online

While hands-on experience is crucial for passing the CISSP exam, taking additional courses can enhance your skills. UniNets' CISSP online course is an excellent example of such a course, which covers all the essential domains, and exam hacks and at the same time gives exposure to real-world scenarios. 

CISSP Salary - Summing Up 

As we look toward 2024, the landscape for CISSP-certified professionals continues to be promising, reflecting the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise across industries. On average, CISSP holders can expect competitive annual salaries, significantly influenced by their technical skills, experience, and leadership capabilities. 

The average CISSP salary varies by region, with higher compensation observed in major tech hubs. As organizations increasingly prioritize cybersecurity to combat evolving threats, professionals who continuously enhance their skills and pursue relevant certifications will find themselves well-positioned for lucrative opportunities. 

Investing in education, gaining diverse experience, and developing key competencies are essential strategies for maximizing earning potential in this dynamic field. Ultimately, the combination of a CISSP certification and a commitment to ongoing professional development will ensure that these individuals remain at the forefront of the cybersecurity sector in 2024 and beyond.