In the realm of U.S. cybersecurity, women are closing the wage gap with men, according to a recent study by the non-profit ISC2.
While disparities persist, particularly for women in non-managerial roles and among certain racial and ethnic groups, the overall trend is one of improvement.
ISC2’s study, based on data from 5,915 survey participants in April and May of 2023, reveals the salary for a cybersecurity job in the U.S. is $147,138, significantly higher than the national average salary of $59,384.
Women earn 5% less than men in non-managerial roles and 9% less in managerial positions. However, women out-earn men at higher levels of seniority, with a 1% higher salary at the director and middle-manager level and a 4% higher salary at the C-suite and executive level.
When considering racial and ethnic groups, South Asians command the highest salaries at $155,000 annually, followed by East and Southeast Asians, Whites, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Hispanics/Latinx, and Blacks/African Americans.
The fact that women tend to earn more at higher levels may be attributed to factors such as recruitment from outside the organization or fewer responses from women in certain positions.
Mary Chaney, head of Minorities in Cybersecurity, acknowledges the strides made in achieving greater pay parity in the cyber field compared to other industries.
She suggests that organizations adopt transparent pay bands tied to measurable factors to further level the playing field and attract diverse talent.
While there is room for improvement, the cybersecurity sector is moving towards greater equality in pay and opportunities for women and minorities.