Cyber Security Salary in India: A Complete Guide
Updated on Aug 11, 2025 | 12 min read | 913.69K+ views
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Updated on Aug 11, 2025 | 12 min read | 913.69K+ views
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Did You Know? Cybersecurity is one of the most lucrative career paths today! In India, entry-level Cybersecurity Analysts earn around INR 6L annually, while experienced professionals in roles like Security Architects or CISOs can make over INR 30L per year. |
Cyber security is one of the highest-paying IT careers in India in 2025! Entry-level cyber security professionals earn between INR 3–6 LPA, while mid-level experts can make INR 6–15 LPA.
To earn a higher salary in cyber security, professionals need in-demand skills such as ethical hacking, cloud security, network defense, and certifications like CEH, CISSP, or CompTIA Security+.
In this blog, you’ll discover salary ranges for different roles, city-wise cyber security trends, skill-based variations, and how to maximize your earning potential in India’s growing cyber security market.
Freshers entering the domain with foundational skills and certifications like CEH or CompTIA Security+ can expect a solid starting package. As you move into mid- and senior-level roles, your earning potential increases sharply, especially if you specialize in areas like threat intelligence, cloud security, or governance.
Here’s an overview of the average cybersecurity salary in India based on years of experience:
Experience Level |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
0–1 Years (Freshers) |
3 LPA – 6 LPA |
1–3 Years |
4 LPA – 10 LPA |
3–5 Years |
6 LPA – 15 LPA |
5–8 Years |
8 LPA – 25 LPA |
8–12 Years |
13 LPA – 35 LPA |
12–15+ Years (Senior Roles) |
25 LPA – 76 LPA+ (1 Cr+ for CISOs) |
Source: Glassdoor, AmbitionBox
As shown, cyber security salaries scale rapidly with experience. The jump from mid-level to senior leadership roles is particularly steep, reflecting the growing strategic importance of cyber defense in modern organizations.
Upskilling regularly and staying current with certifications, tools, and compliance frameworks is key to unlocking these higher salary brackets.
In 2025, professionals who can use quantum computing and machine learning to improve business security will be in high demand. If you're looking to develop skills in quantum computing, here are some top-rated courses to help you get there:
Cyber security roles have become highly specialized, each commanding its own salary band based on technical complexity, business impact, and demand. Some roles focus on proactive defense (like penetration testing), while others deal with incident response or compliance. Your salary will largely depend on your role’s depth of responsibility and your proficiency in relevant tools and certifications.
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Here’s a breakdown of common cyber security job roles and their average annual salaries in India:
Job Role |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
Cyber Security Analyst |
6 – 12 LPA |
Network Security Engineer |
5 – 11 LPA |
Information Security Analyst |
6 – 10 LPA |
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst |
4.5 – 9 LPA |
Ethical Hacker |
5 – 12 LPA |
Penetration Tester |
6 – 15 LPA |
Cloud Security Specialist |
7 – 18 LPA |
Cyber Security Consultant |
8 – 20 LPA |
Security Architect |
18 – 30 LPA |
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) |
35 – 96 LPA |
Source: Glassdoor, AmbitionBox
Note: Salaries vary with experience, certifications, and employer scale. For example, a penetration tester with OSCP and 3+ years of experience may earn well above the average.
Tip: High-paying roles like Cloud Security or Security Architecture often require deep expertise in DevSecOps, risk frameworks (like NIST), and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
If you need a better understanding of securing critical data, upGrad’s free Fundamentals of Cybersecurity course can help you. You will learn key concepts, current challenges, and important terminology to protect systems and data.
Also Read: Top Cyber Security Projects for Students & Professionals
Next, let’s look at the earning potential of cyber security professionals in India based on location.
In India, cyber security salaries vary significantly depending on where you're employed. Metro cities with a dense IT presence, like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune, offer some of the highest packages due to the concentration of tech firms, startups, and global IT hubs. On the other hand, tier-2 cities may offer lower salaries but better work-life balance and lower cost of living.
Here’s a table showcasing average annual salaries for cyber security professionals across key Indian cities:
City |
Average Salary (0-11 years of experience) |
Bangalore |
Rs. 5.3 Lakhs |
Mumbai |
Rs. 4.4 Lakhs |
Delhi-NCR |
Rs. 6 Lakhs |
Hyderabad |
Rs. 5.2 Lakhs |
Pune |
Rs. 6.3 Lakhs |
Source: AmbitionBox
Insight: Bangalore remains the top-paying city for cyber security talent due to its large number of global tech firms, R&D centers, and startup ecosystems. Salaries in Mumbai and Delhi–NCR are also competitive, especially in finance and consulting sectors.
Tip: If you're open to relocation, targeting cities with a strong IT or BFSI presence can give you an immediate salary boost—even at early or mid-level positions.
Also Read: Learn Ethical Hacking from Scratch: Skills Needed, Steps to Become an Ethical Hacker
Now that you have a good understanding of cyber security salary in India based on location, let’s look at how it varies across popular companies.
Salaries for cyber security professionals in India vary significantly across companies, influenced by factors such as company size, industry, and the specific nature of the role.
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Below is a compilation of average annual salaries for cyber security positions at various prominent companies:
Company |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
Infosys | 9.6L |
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) | 4L - 7L |
Wipro | 4.2L |
Accenture | 6L |
HCLTech | 4 - 7L |
Deloitte | 8.2L |
PwC | 2L - 4L |
Capgemini | 4.45L |
Amazon | 20L |
Microsoft | 6.88L |
Source: Glassdoor
Note: These figures represent average salaries and can vary based on experience, specific job roles, and other factors.
Industries like financial services, IT, and education are redefining career growth in cybersecurity. These sectors offer competitive salaries, driven by their reliance on robust digital infrastructure and data security. The following table lists the salary for an entry-level employee in the field of cybersecurity in India:
Industry |
Entry-Level Salary |
Financial Services |
Rs. 6.1 Lakhs |
IT Services and Consulting |
Rs. 5.4 Lakhs |
Software Products |
Rs. 5.5 Lakhs |
Education and Training |
Rs. 6.2 Lakhs |
Hardware and Networking |
Rs. 6 Lakhs |
Source: AmbitionBox
Also Read: Cybersecurity Research Topics 2025: 180+ Ideas & Tips
Next, let’s look at how the cyber security trends will change in the upcoming years.
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The future of cyber security salary in India appears bright, entering 2025 and beyond. Due to rapid industrial digitization, ever-growing dependence on cloud technologies, and the complicated landscape of cyber threats, cyber security will become an obligatory profession for every industry.
This evolution makes cyber security professionals a valuable asset for companies all over the world and takes its demand even further.
According to reports, India is facing an acute shortage of cyber security professionals and will require about 1.5 million open positions in cyber security by 2025. Owing to the unprecedented growth of the country's digital economy, companies across sectors are making big investments in cyber security. Hence, this high demand ensures lucrative career prospects and competitive emoluments for the professionals concerned.
For example, an entry-level cyber security analyst in India can earn between Rs.4 Lakhs and Rs.9 Lakhs. With consistent upskilling and experience, these numbers are likely to double in a couple of years.
The future of upcoming technologies in cyber security will continue to be ruled by new, revolutionised inventions of AI, ML, blockchain, and quantum computing. These advancements will empower better prediction and mitigation and bring forth new opportunities for professionals specializing in these latest areas.
Cloud security is one of the most important features in the modern cyber security space, and it is seeing a huge boom because of the sudden swing to hybrid and remote models. With businesses moving onto cloud platforms, demand has gone through the roof. Reports suggest that the average salary growth for this industry could be 15% by 2031, making it one of India's most lucrative career options in IT security India.
Similarly, blockchain security experts will also see high demand, particularly in the BFSI industry. The average starting compensation for blockchain professionals could range from Rs.4 Lakhs to Rs.7 Lakhs, while senior roles may command Rs.8 Lakhs to Rs.25 Lakhs or higher.
Government initiatives like the National Cyber Security Strategy and Digital India further underpin why cyber security has become so important in India. Such policies, aimed at strengthening the country's digital infrastructure, have recently created a huge surge in government cyber security jobs. Professionals in public-sector roles like information security analysts or incident response managers can expect their salaries to increase as government bodies set increasingly larger budgets for cyber security efforts.
Another reason for the good salary prospects of cyber security jobs in India is the trend of remote work. Professionals are being hired by international firms to work from India, earning in foreign currencies while staying in India. This has boosted the earnings for cyber security roles to a whole new level.
Continuous learning and acquiring new skills are very important in growing your salary in cyber security. Candidates who gain these certifications, such as CISSP, CEH, or even a more advanced program like the UpGrad Advanced Certificate Programme in Cyber Security, can really see their salaries soar. These training programs will actually benefit workers by equipping them with the latest technical skills, positioning them among leaders in their fields.
Also Read: Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity: How AI Protects Your Data
India has excellent career scopes in cybersecurity, and it is the right time at present to enter this field. As different sectors become digitized, this will provide an essential position for cybersecurity professionals and data protection with systematic procedures. You might perhaps see a rocketing rate at the fresher's level or while entering senior leadership as of 2025 or beyond.
Platforms like upGrad offer customized programs that help you stay ahead in this dynamic industry. upGrad offers Practical training coupled with internationally recognized certifications to make your dreams come true.
Along with the courses covered in the blog, here are some additional courses that can complement your portfolio:
If you're unsure where to begin or which area to focus on, upGrad’s expert career counselors can guide you based on your goals. You can also visit a nearby upGrad offline center to explore course options, get hands-on experience, and speak directly with mentors!
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References:
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cyber-security-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cyber-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/network-security-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/information-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/security-operations-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ethical-hackers-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/penetration-tester-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cyber-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/penetration-tester-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cloud-security-specialist-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cyber-security-consultant-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/compliance-manager-salary?experience=8
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cyber-security-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/chief-information-security-officer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cyber-threat-intelligence-analyst-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/security-architect-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cyber-security-salary
https://pg-p.ctme.caltech.edu/blog/cloud-computing/cloud-computing-salary-guide-trends-and-predictions
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/india-to-have-over-15-m-unfulfilled-job-vacancies-in-cybersecurity-by-2025-report/article34332585.ece
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cyber-security-salary
Yes, product-based companies generally offer higher salaries than service-based firms in India. This is because they often require deeper in-house security systems and custom application protections. Professionals in companies like Cisco or Zoho can earn 20–30% more for the same role. Additionally, product firms offer better perks and faster growth for niche cyber security skills.
Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are the top-paying cities for cyber security professionals in 2025. Bengaluru remains the hub, with average salaries 20–25% higher than in tier-2 cities. Hyderabad follows closely with a surge in FinTech and SaaS companies hiring aggressively. Pune’s booming startup ecosystem also provides strong salary benchmarks, especially in cloud and DevSecOps.
Professional certifications like CEH and CISSP significantly boost earning potential. Certified candidates often command 30–40% higher salaries compared to their uncertified peers. These credentials are industry-recognized signals of credibility, skill, and job-readiness. They also open doors to international roles and leadership tracks in MNCs and government projects.
Entry-level cyber security professionals typically earn ₹1–2L less annually than those in data science roles. However, cyber security experts with 3–5 years of experience can match or exceed data science salaries, especially in cloud and network security. Salaries are role-dependent and often favor cyber security in sectors like BFSI and defense. The growing need for secure digital infrastructure is rapidly closing this gap.
Absolutely. Freelance cyber security specialists, especially in areas like penetration testing or ISO audits, can earn per-project fees ranging from ₹50K to ₹3L. Experienced freelancers often out-earn salaried professionals with flexible schedules and international clientele. Platforms like Upwork, Bugcrowd, and HackerOne have made this path more viable in 2025.
Government roles typically offer ₹6–10L per annum for cyber security professionals, depending on the agency. Organizations like CERT-In, DRDO, and NIC hire for roles focused on national digital security. While salaries are modest compared to private firms, perks like housing, pension, and job security make these roles appealing. There's also scope for promotions into strategic cyber intelligence posts.
Yes, especially in 2025, when many startups are scaling rapidly and investing in secure infrastructure. While base pay may start slightly lower (₹4–8L), they often compensate with ESOPs, flexible work setups, and fast-track growth. For niche roles like DevSecOps and cloud security leads, startups offer salaries matching or exceeding MNCs. Joining early-stage firms can also lead to leadership roles in under 2 years.
Unfortunately, there is still a visible gender pay gap in cyber security, though it’s narrowing. On average, women earn 10–15% less than men in mid-level roles, especially in traditional firms. However, progressive companies and MNCs are actively bridging the gap through inclusive hiring and leadership development. The growing presence of women in cybersecurity communities is helping foster pay equity.
Professionals in cyber security can double their salary within 2–3 years if they gain relevant certifications and hands-on experience. Domains like threat intelligence, ethical hacking, and cloud security offer rapid salary jumps. Many professionals move from ₹6L to ₹12L packages by switching companies or shifting to product-based firms. Upskilling and specializing are key to accelerating income in this sector.
A ₹1.5L–₹2.5L investment in a recognized cyber security course or certification can yield salary hikes of ₹3L–₹6L within 12–18 months. Courses from reputed platforms like upGrad, EC-Council, or ISC2 are widely accepted in the industry. Many employers offer reimbursements or bonuses for completing these certifications. For professionals switching careers, the ROI is among the highest in the tech industry.
Yes, salaries vary by industry. Sectors like banking, finance, and defense tend to pay the highest because they deal with sensitive data and require advanced security measures. IT services, e-commerce, and healthcare also offer competitive salaries, but growth may depend on company size and budget.
Freshers in cyber security usually start with salaries between ₹3.5–₹6L per year, depending on their skills and certifications. Graduates with CEH, CompTIA Security+, or relevant internships can command salaries at the higher end of this range.
Yes, remote cyber security roles often pay as well as or better than in-office jobs, especially for international clients. Professionals with strong communication skills and time management can earn global-level salaries while working from India.
Ethical hackers often earn slightly more than general cyber security analysts because their work involves specialized penetration testing skills. Skilled ethical hackers in India can earn ₹8–15L annually, with higher pay for freelancers or bug bounty hunters.
In many cases, yes. While software engineers may start with higher pay, cyber security salaries grow faster after 3–5 years because of the rising demand and shortage of skilled professionals in this field.
Cyber security managers in India typically earn ₹15–25L annually, depending on the company and city. Those with over 10 years of experience in leadership positions can cross ₹30L, especially in MNCs and BFSI companies.
Yes, MNCs often pay 20–40% more than local firms for the same role. They also offer better perks like stock options, international exposure, and advanced training opportunities.
Absolutely. Many professionals take up remote contracts or freelance projects with companies abroad. Payments are often made in USD or EUR, which can significantly increase earnings when converted to INR.
Yes, cloud security roles usually pay more because they require knowledge of both security practices and cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP. Salaries for cloud security architects can go beyond ₹20L in India.
Yes, knowing programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ can boost your salary potential. Many high-paying roles like application security or malware analysis require coding knowledge for effective work.
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Pavan Vadapalli is the Director of Engineering , bringing over 18 years of experience in software engineering, technology leadership, and startup innovation. Holding a B.Tech and an MBA from the India...
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