Highest-earning Cyber Certifications of 2023, Listed by Expected Salary
In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, holding a certification can significantly boost one's knowledge, skills, and earning potential. Here's a rundown of some top cybersecurity certifications and their average salaries in 2025.
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Considered one of the most challenging and respected certifications in the field, the CISSP is a versatile credential with an average salary of around $120,000 to $140,000 per year [1][2][3]. This certification covers a broad spectrum of security topics, making it highly sought after by employers.
Specialized Versions of the CISSP Certification
The CISSP also offers two specialized tracks: the CISSP-ISSAP (Information Systems Security Architecture Professional) and the CISSP-ISSEP (Security Engineering Professional). Each focuses on a different aspect of information security, with average salaries of around $120,000 to $140,000 per year for the CISSP-ISSAP and CISSP-ISSEP [1][2].
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA, a certification focused on auditing and assurance for information systems, typically offers an average salary of around $100,000 to $120,000 per year [3]. While specific average salary data was not directly found, given the CISA’s focus on auditing, salaries can be expected near or somewhat above the IT auditor average of $96,000 [3].
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The CEH, a popular certification for those interested in penetration testing and ethical hacking, boasts an average salary of around $90,000 to $110,000 per year [1][3][4]. Typically, penetration testers (the role associated with CEH) earn between $100,000 and $150,000, with averages near $113,000 to $137,000 reported [1][3][4].
The GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
Exact salary data for the GCIH was not provided, but job holders in incident response or related areas usually fall in the mid to high $100,000s bracket. Penetration testers and incident analysts are often in the $104,000 to $140,000+ range [1][4].
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Often one of the highest paying certifications, the CISM is designed for information security managers and offers an average salary of around $120,000 to $140,000 per year [1][2]. With some roles potentially offering total compensation exceeding $165,000 [1][2], the CISM is a valuable credential for those seeking to advance their careers in cybersecurity management.
The Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
The CGEIT, focused on governance of enterprise IT, is particularly useful for professionals working in IT governance and risk management. It offers an average salary of around $110,000 to $130,000 per year [1].
The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
The CRISC, a certification focused on risk management and IT control, provides an average salary of around $90,000 to $110,000 per year [1].
As the demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, these top certifications offer a pathway for individuals to demonstrate their qualifications and skills while potentially increasing their earning potential. However, it's important to note that exact salaries can vary by geographic region, industry, and years of experience. These figures represent industry averages reported in mid-2025.
[1] Payscale.com
[2] Glassdoor.com
[3] Indeed.com
[4] Cybersecurity Ventures
[5] ISC2.org
- The Encyclopedia of cybersecurity will likely include the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) as one of its most respected and challenging certifications, known for covering a broad spectrum of security topics and offering an average salary of around $120,000 to $140,000 per year.
- For those seeking specialized knowledge in information security, the CISSP offers two tracks: the CISSP-ISSAP (Information Systems Security Architecture Professional) and the CISSP-ISSEP (Security Engineering Professional), each with an average salary of around $120,000 to $140,000 per year.
- The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), a certification focused on auditing and assurance for information systems, typically offers an average salary of around $100,000 to $120,000 per year, with salaries potentially being near or above the IT auditor average of $96,000.
- The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), a popular certification for ethical hacking and penetration testing, offers an average salary of around $90,000 to $110,000 per year, with penetration testers earning between $100,000 and $150,000.
- The GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) focuses on incident response, and although no specific salary data was provided, employees in incident response or related areas usually fall in the mid to high $100,000s bracket.
- The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), designed for information security managers, is one of the highest paying certifications with an average salary of around $120,000 to $140,000 per year, with some roles potentially offering total compensation exceeding $165,000.
- The Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) focuses on governance of enterprise IT and is particularly useful for professionals working in IT governance and risk management, offering an average salary of around $110,000 to $130,000 per year.
- The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), a certification focused on risk management and IT control, provides an average salary of around $90,000 to $110,000 per year, making it valuable for individuals seeking to demonstrate their qualifications and skills in cybersecurity while potentially increasing their earning potential.
