Technology Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Cybersecurity Analyst Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median cybersecurity analyst salary in Chicago, IL is $125,440 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 12.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$125,440
vs State Avg
+$13,440
vs National
+$13,440
Cost of Living
107%

Cybersecurity Analyst Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median cybersecurity analyst salary of $125,440, which is $13,440 above the Illinois state average of $112,000. Compared to the national median of $112,000, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for cybersecurity analysts in Chicago spans from $74,144 at the 10th percentile to $195,485 at the 90th percentile — a $121,341 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,160, while senior cybersecurity analysts with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $179,200. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cybersecurity Analyst Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level cybersecurity analyst earns around $76,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,160
+$8,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,200
+$13,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,200
+$19,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $74,144
25th Percentile $96,096
Median (50th) $125,440
75th Percentile $160,384
90th Percentile $195,485

Cybersecurity Analyst Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst in Chicago

Education

Most cybersecurity analyst positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Network SecuritySIEM ToolsPenetration TestingIncident ResponseFirewallsRisk Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, cybersecurity analyst employment is projected to grow 32% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cybersecurity Analyst Jobs in Chicago

Browse open cybersecurity analyst positions in Chicago, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Cybersecurity Analyst Salary in Chicago

How much does a Cybersecurity Analyst make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median cybersecurity analyst salary in Chicago, Illinois is $125,440 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $112,000. Salaries range from $74,144 (10th percentile) to $195,485 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cybersecurity Analyst make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,440, a cybersecurity analyst in Chicago earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for cybersecurity analyst pay? ▼
Chicago's median cybersecurity analyst salary of $125,440 is 12.0% above the Illinois state average of $112,000. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a cybersecurity analyst salary of $125,440 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cybersecurity analyst in Chicago? ▼
Most cybersecurity analyst positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Network Security, SIEM Tools, Penetration Testing, Incident Response. The job market is projected to grow 32% nationally over the next decade.