60% of cybersecurity pros looking to change employers – Source: www.csoonline.com

Cybersecurity worker job satisfaction is mediocre with many staff actively considering a change.

Only a third or respondents to an annual Cybersecurity Staff Compensation Benchmark Report by IANS Research and Artico Search are likely to recommend their employer. More than 60% are contemplating switching jobs within the next 12 months.

Among those considering a change, dissatisfaction with career progression emerged as a key issue, while work-life balance is less of a concern. Dissatisfaction with career progression is highest among senior professionals, with 53% of cybersecurity functional leaders eyeing the exit.

The study is based on responses from more than 500 cybersecurity staff across a range of industries and company types in the US and Canada.

Security architects and engineers continue to earn top-tier salaries, with average annual cash compensation of $206,000 and $191,000, respectively. Midlevel security analysts with about five years’ experience earn on average $133,000 annually.

Cybersecurity professionals with deep expertise in cloud security, application security, and threat intelligence earn significantly more than their peers, according to the report.

Career development

Independent HR and tech recruitment specialists told CSO that the survey’s findings align with their perspectives on the evolving cybersecurity jobs market.

“Poorly structured career development plans by organizations increase the risk of higher turnover, especially among senior employees who place significant value on upward mobility,” said Dr. John Blythe, director of cyber psychology at Immersive.

The expanding cybersecurity job market, particularly the demand for senior security managers, further facilitates job switching, Dr. Blythe said.

“The cybersecurity sector is full of naturally curious people; therefore, some individuals will prioritize skill variety and new experiences over stability,” he noted.

Andy Wadsworth, director at The Bridge, Morson’s specialist IT recruitment business, said that cybersecurity industry job seekers want to see a “clear leadership strategy” and to work with on “exciting, innovative cyber technology projects, including AI systems.”

“Professionals working in the cyber sector are keen to be involved in developing cyber strategies, and this is true even of junior candidates, who are often just as eager to be involved in the planning stages for cybersecurity projects,” Wadsworth said.

Wadsworth added that candidates are prioritizing employers that are prepared to invest in workers by allowing them to attend conferences alongside access to external training and development courses.

Career growth key to staff satisfaction

High salaries alone are no guarantee that organizations will lower their staff turnover rate.

“Despite earning top salaries, security architects and engineers still engage in job switching,” Dr. Blythe told CSO. “Other factors, such as recognition, career growth, autonomy, and meaningful work, are equally crucial to overall satisfaction.”

Dr. Blythe added: “Employees who feel undervalued may experience reduced morale and productivity, eventually leading to higher attrition. It is critical that organizations establish structured career pathways, continuous upskilling opportunities, regular feedback mechanisms, and improved recognition programs to foster motivation and long-term commitment.”

Cybersecurity staff increasingly prefer hybrid or remote work

Many organizations are revisiting work-from-home policies, but cybersecurity professionals overwhelmingly prefer remote or hybrid arrangements, according to IANS’s research. Currently, 52% work remotely and 43% are in hybrid setups, with 59% expressing a strong preference for fully remote work.

Forcing a shift back to the office in this talent-scarce field risks disengagement, increased turnover, and recruitment difficulties, IANS and Artico Search warn.

The Bridge’s Wadsworth warned that businesses that require staff to work from the office all or most of the time reduce their catchment area for talent that’s already in short supply.

“Talented cybersecurity professionals are difficult to find, and targeting talent within commutable reach of the office reduces the talent pool,” Wadsworth told CSO, adding that offering remote working allows employers to still obtain good candidates with a reduced salary package.

Most candidates are accepting more time in the office as a normal expectation again and hybrid working can offer the best of both worlds.

“Despite the obvious advantages of working from home, most professionals appreciate the positive benefits of working in the office, where they can engage with colleagues face-to-face and collaborate effectively as a team,” Wadsworth said. “There are definitely fewer cybersecurity professionals working fully remotely these days, and hybrid is typical.”

Michael Goldberg, VP of strategic partnerships at Harvey Nash USA, said that demand for cybersecurity skills continues to rise while cybersecurity staff are looking for flexible working arrangements.

“Career growth remains a key factor in overall job satisfaction, but more broadly technologists are looking for flexible working arrangements,” according to Goldberg.

Goldberg concluded: “To attract highly sought after cyber talent, companies must go beyond competitive pay — clear career growth and flexible work is now essential. With AI advancing, organizations must balance security, privacy, and innovation without stifling progress.”