How much do cyber security jobs pay in London?

As 2024 unfolds, the demand for cybersecurity professionals in London continues to surge, driven by escalating cyber threats and the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure. With industries, from finance to healthcare and beyond, recognizing the critical need to protect sensitive data, cybersecurity is no longer just a back-office concern—it's a pivotal part of strategic business operations. This shift has had a significant impact on salaries and career opportunities in the field. Let's dive into how much cybersecurity jobs pay in London, the trends shaping the industry, and how training programs like those offered by Fortray can help you tap into this lucrative field.

Cybersecurity salaries in London have seen a remarkable increase in recent years. As of 2024, the average salary for a cybersecurity professional in the UK is approximately £87,205 per year, reflecting a steady rise driven by the ongoing shortage of skilled workers​. For entry-level positions in cybersecurity, such as a Cyber Security Analyst, salaries typically start at £50,000 to £60,000 annually. These roles generally require foundational knowledge of security protocols, threat detection, and data protection, making them ideal for professionals just starting their careers.

However, the salary range significantly increases as professionals gain more experience. For instance, cybersecurity engineers, who are responsible for implementing and managing security systems, can earn between £70,000 and £80,000 annually​. With 5+ years of experience, this figure can jump to anywhere between £80,000 and £95,000​. In addition, roles that require specialized skills, such as a Cloud Security Engineer or Security Consultant, can command even higher salaries, often reaching the £100,000 mark or more

At the highest level, positions such as Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) or Security Architects offer the most competitive pay, often ranging from £120,000 to £300,000, depending on the size and nature of the organization

The cybersecurity industry offers a variety of career paths, each with its own set of responsibilities, required skills, and salary expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the most common roles in cybersecurity and what you can expect in terms of salary:

1.Cybersecurity Analyst:

• Salary Range: £50,000 - £65,000
• Role Overview: Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for identifying potential security threats and mitigating them. They use tools to monitor networks and systems for unusual activity and respond to incidents as they arise.
• Skills Required: Knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and incident response protocols

2.Cybersecurity Engineer:

• Salary Range: £70,000 - £80,000
• Role Overview: Cybersecurity engineers design and implement security infrastructures for organizations, ensuring that all systems are protected against breaches. They also conduct vulnerability assessments and work on security automation.
• Skills Required: Proficiency in network security, encryption, and threat prevention.

3.Security Consultant:

• Salary Range: £85,000 - £120,000
• Role Overview: Security consultants assess the cybersecurity posture of organizations and provide recommendations on how to strengthen it. They often work on a contractual basis and have deep knowledge of a variety of cybersecurity domains.
• Skills Required: Expertise in risk assessment, compliance, and a variety of security technologies.

3.Security Consultant:

• Salary Range: £85,000 - £120,000
• Role Overview: Security consultants assess the cybersecurity posture of organizations and provide recommendations on how to strengthen it. They often work on a contractual basis and have deep knowledge of a variety of cybersecurity domains.
• Skills Required: Expertise in risk assessment, compliance, and a variety of security technologies.

4.Chief Information Security Officer (CISO):

• Salary Range: £120,000 - £300,000
• Role Overview: The CISO is a top-level executive responsible for overseeing an organization’s entire cybersecurity strategy. They ensure that all departments are aligned with security best practices and are prepared for potential cyber threats.
• Skills Required: Leadership skills, risk management expertise, and a comprehensive understanding of business operations.

5.Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker):

• Salary Range: £60,000 - £90,000
• Role Overview: Penetration testers, or ethical hackers, simulate cyberattacks to identify weaknesses in a company’s security systems before malicious actors can exploit them.
• Skills Required: Familiarity with hacking tools, coding languages like Python and Bash, and understanding of security protocols.

Several factors are contributing to the rising salaries in the cybersecurity field in 2024:

1. Increasing Cybersecurity Threats: The number and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to grow, with ransomware and phishing attacks becoming more prevalent. In response, companies are willing to offer higher salaries to attract top talent capable of defending against these advanced threats
2. Skills Shortage: There is a growing skills gap in the cybersecurity industry, with many organizations struggling to find qualified professionals. According to recent reports, nearly 50% of UK organizations are finding it difficult to hire skilled cybersecurity professionals​. This shortage has led to higher compensation to attract and retain talent.
3. Regulations and Compliance: With stricter data protection regulations, such as the GDPR, companies are under more pressure than ever to protect customer data. As a result, cybersecurity professionals with expertise in compliance and regulatory requirements are in high demand​
4. Specialization and Advanced Skills: As cybersecurity threats become more complex, specialized roles in areas like cloud security, threat hunting, and security architecture are increasingly sought after. Professionals with advanced skills in these areas are commanding higher salaries

Given the high demand and lucrative salaries in the cybersecurity industry, entering this field is an appealing prospect. However, breaking into cybersecurity requires the right skills and experience. Fortray’s tailored cybersecurity programs can help bridge this gap by equipping you with the knowledge necessary to thrive in these roles.

Fortray’s Cybersecurity Engineer program, for instance, provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from network security to penetration testing, preparing you for both entry-level and advanced positions. Additionally, Fortray offers valuable career support, including job placement assistance, to help you land your first role in cybersecurity. Fortray’s programs are designed not only to equip you with technical skills but also to ensure you are job-ready, with a solid understanding of the industry’s best practices and real-world applications.

Looking ahead, the cybersecurity sector in the UK shows no signs of slowing down. According to a recent report from Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybersecurity spending is expected to exceed $200 billion by 2024​. In the UK, the government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also stepped up its initiatives to combat cyber threats, which further underscores the critical need for cybersecurity professionals.

Moreover, the rise of technologies such as AI and machine learning is expected to play a key role in both the defense and offense of cyber threats. As these technologies evolve, they will create new opportunities for cybersecurity professionals to build sophisticated defense systems and stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Cybersecurity jobs in London offer some of the most competitive salaries in the tech industry today. With salaries ranging from £50,000 for entry-level positions to over £300,000 for top executive roles, the potential for financial reward is high. However, the key to unlocking these opportunities lies in acquiring the right skills and qualifications.

If you’re ready to embark on a cybersecurity career, Fortray’s expert-led training programs can help you gain the technical expertise and hands-on experience required to excel in this high-demand field. Whether you’re looking to start as a security analyst or aiming for a more senior role, Fortray is here to help you secure your future in cybersecurity.

Ready to take the next step in your cybersecurity career? Explore Fortray’s programs today and start your journey toward a rewarding, high-paying job in cybersecurity.