Noting that information security skills are increasingly in demand, the Robert Half salary survey predicted that the salary for a data security analyst is expected to increase by 4.5% in 2011 compared with 2010; the salary for a systems security administrator is expected to jump 4.0%; for a network security administrator, 4.3%; and for an information systems security manager, 4.4%.
Surprisingly, the salary for a chief security officer (CSO) is only expected to increase 3.5% in 2011, granted from a higher salary base. Top pay for a CSO is expected to reach $165,750 next year.
The report said that employers are looking for the following information security certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA), and Check Point Certified Security Expert.
"The percentage increase in salaries for security positions is...higher than the average 3.4 % projected growth for IT positions," John Reed, executive director at Robert Half Technology, told Bankinfosecurity.com. "We are seeing a modest increase in salaries for security positions in 2011 as companies hire to secure and maintain confidentiality in proprietary information."
The guide is based on analysis drawn from thousands of job placements managed by the company across North America, as well as regular insights from chief information officers and other senior executives.