Cybersecurity Analyst
$96,667
avg. annual salary
Java Developer
pays more on average
Java Developer
$100,915
avg. annual salary
In the ever-evolving tech industry, choosing the right career path can be a daunting task. Two popular roles, Cybersecurity Analysts and Java Developers, offer distinct career opportunities, responsibilities, and financial rewards. Cybersecurity Analysts focus on protecting sensitive data and networks from cyber threats, while Java Developers create software applications using the Java programming language. Understanding the salary differences, benefits, and potential growth paths for these roles is crucial for making an informed decision. In this guide, we will compare the salaries of Cybersecurity Analysts and Java Developers, delve into the benefits each profession offers, and explore their respective career paths. Whether you're just starting in tech or looking to switch careers, this comprehensive comparison will help you navigate your options.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (4%)
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary Overview
As of 2025, the average salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst is approximately $100,000 per year, with a salary range between $70,000 and $130,000, depending on experience and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $70,000, while mid-level Analysts can earn between $90,000 and $110,000.
Senior Cybersecurity Analysts, especially those in managerial roles, can command salaries upwards of $130,000. The demand for Cybersecurity Analysts continues to grow due to increasing cyber threats, leading to a projected annual growth rate of 31% in this field.
Java Developer Salary Overview
In contrast, the average salary for a Java Developer is around $95,000 per year, with a salary range from $70,000 to $130,000. Entry-level Java Developers can expect to earn about $70,000, while those with more experience can achieve salaries between $85,000 and $115,000.
Senior Java Developers, particularly those with leadership or specialized skills, may earn upwards of $130,000. The demand for Java Developers remains steady, with a growth rate of about 22% annually as businesses continue to rely on Java for various applications.
Benefits Comparison
Both Cybersecurity Analysts and Java Developers enjoy numerous benefits in their roles. Common benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Cybersecurity Analysts may have additional perks such as access to training programs and certifications to stay updated in the field. Conversely, Java Developers often benefit from flexible work arrangements and opportunities to work on diverse projects across industries.
The choice between these two careers may also depend on personal preferences regarding workplace culture and growth opportunities.
Career Paths
Both professions offer distinct career paths. Cybersecurity Analysts can advance to positions such as Information Security Manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), where they oversee cybersecurity strategies for organizations.
Meanwhile, Java Developers can progress to roles like Software Engineer, Technical Lead, or Software Architect, expanding their expertise in software development. Each path provides unique opportunities for specialization and leadership roles, depending on your interests and skills.
Detailed Comparison: Salary Dynamics, Growth, and Practical Examples
Below is a focused, side-by-side look at how pay differs between cybersecurity analysts and Java developers, with concrete examples and actionable takeaways.
### Typical salary bands (U. S.
- •Cybersecurity Analyst: Entry $60k–$80k | Mid $85k–$115k | Senior $120k–$180k+
- •Java Developer: Entry $65k–$85k | Mid $90k–$130k | Senior $130k–$180k+
### What drives pay up or down
- •Industry: Finance and healthcare often pay 10–30% more than education or government. Example: a mid-level cybersecurity analyst in finance can earn $110k–$150k.
- •Location: Bay Area/NY/Seattle premiums add ~20–40%; remote roles may reduce or standardize pay by 5–15% depending on employer.
- •Skills & credentials: CISSP or OSCP typically boost analyst pay by 10–20%; Java developers who add Spring Boot + cloud/Kubernetes commonly see a 10–25% raise.
- •Contracting: Cybersecurity consultants can bill $70–200/hour; senior Java contractors commonly bill $80–150/hour.
### Growth and job security
- •Demand for analysts is strong due to ransomware and compliance work; developers remain in steady demand for application work and cloud migration.
Actionable takeaways: If you want faster salary jumps, pursue certifications (CISSP/OSCP) or niche security roles; if you prefer stable entry pay and broad hiring, deepen Java + cloud skills and target finance or SaaS employers.