IT Job Myths Busted: What Is an Average Salary?

December 18, 2024

Getting a new job is great, right? The butterflies and excitement you feel from being accepted to a new position can make you feel like you're on cloud nine. But that euphoric feeling can quickly make your stomach drop when you're surprised with a lower salary offer than you were expecting.

For example, let's say you were just offered a job as a cybersecurity analyst. You've done your research, so you know that the median salary for a cybersecurity analyst is $120,360, but you were offered $75,000. You may feel a little defeated and disappointed, but there are some details you should investigate while digesting this information.

What does average salary mean?

The median salary is a calculation of the salaries reported for a specific job category, location, demographic, or other specification. This means the minimum and maximum salaries that comprise the range can vary greatly. For example, the salary data put out by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is based on wages reported on federal tax forms. However, other average salaries may come from self-reported data like the Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Report.

Here's an example, which uses BLS data. So, even though the median salary for a cybersecurity specialist or engineer is $120,360, the actual salary you are offered could be between $69,210 and $182,370, as shown in the table below:

Occupation	10th percentile salary	25th percentile salary	Annual median salary	75th percentile salary	90th percentile salary
Cybersecurity Specialists/ Engineers	$69,210	$90,050	$120,360	$153,550	$182,370

This table also shows the ranges that can produce an average salary of $120,360. It's important not to get stuck on the median value—know that there certainly are individuals earning a salary in the 10th percentile of $69,210 as a cybersecurity analyst, as well as those earning six figures.

What makes salaries vary so much?

But why is there such a difference in cybersecurity salaries for the same job? First, as they say—location, location, location. Someone who lives in an area with a lower cost of living might make a lower salary than someone who lives in a major metropolitan area with a higher cost of living.

Similarly, salary ranges will vary from employer to employer based on the type—corporate, government, or nonprofit—size and earnings of the organization. For example, a global Fortune 100 company typically pays more than a local nonprofit.

The number may also be based on experience—someone who is new to cybersecurity will earn less than someone with years of experience. An entry-level cybersecurity analyst tends to earn a salary between the 10th percentile and median, whereas someone at the advanced level might earn a salary between the median and 90th percentile. In addition to years on the job, learning new skills and earning IT certifications to validate them play a role in the salary offered.

How to use salary data to your advantage

Let's continue with the cybersecurity analyst example. So, you get your $75,000 salary offer, and you're a little bit disappointed — you learned that the median salary is $120,360, after all! You could use the following arguments to negotiate that number up a bit.

Location: Do you live in a city like New York, Los Angeles, or Washington D.C., where the cost of living is high? You may have an argument about why you deserve a salary closer to the median.
Years of industry experience: Are you still early in your IT career or a seasoned veteran? Consider your years of experience when receiving a new salary offer.
Level of experience: While higher education is not necessary to be successful in an IT career, it can allow you to command a higher salary.
Skills: Does your previous experience showcase all the skills needed to succeed in your new role? You could deserve a higher salary if your skills go above and beyond the job description.
Certifications: The 2024 IT Skills and Salary Report finds that in North America, 48% of decision-makers say that certifications are among the most important attributes to them when assessing prospective candidates.

Weighing the complete offer

Remember that salary is just part of the full perks and benefits package most companies offer. There may be several ways, including the following, to increase the bottom line that should play into your decision as to whether or not the offer is right for you:

Retirement contributions, such as 401(k) match.
Paid health, dental, life, and other insurance benefits.
Paid time off and holidays.
Bonuses and stock options.
Growth potential—Could you get a raise in six months? A year? Is there a clear career path with promotions and salary increases?
Professional development—Will the company pay for you to increase your skills through training, certifications, or higher education?
Discounts and reimbursements for things like public transportation, childcare, home high-speed internet, or even movies and rental cars.
Work-life balance benefits, like a short commute, working from home, flexible schedules, and compressed work weeks.
Food and beverages in the office, even snacks and free coffee, add up over time.

Conclusion

Remember that you may see a wide range of salaries for one job when researching salaries and aiming your career at specific job titles. Salaries vary based on the company itself and geographic location and can depend on what other benefits are offered. Remember to consider the complete picture of the job, the salary, and any benefits or perks to realize the actual value of the offer.

Ready to upgrade your IT skills? We've got great news! You can save big on CompTIA certifications and training right now.