As technology grows increasingly pervasive in our surroundings, there is an increasing demand for individuals who can handle IT issues. This also applies to people who are skilled in overseeing the security of tech data, which is currently growing rapidly.
As a result, there is a greater than ever need for CISA personnel. The most well-known cybersecurity credential worldwide is the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Over 100,000 professionals throughout the world hold it.
In this article, I will discuss the latest trends in CISA and the factors that affect CISA salary.
What is Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)?
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) defines a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) as a qualification that attests to an IT professional's understanding of managing, safeguarding, running, and implementing information systems with the appropriate governance.
CISA is a widely recognized standard for testing an IT auditor's knowledge, skill, and expertise in identifying IT controls and assessing vulnerabilities in an organization. CISA holders oversee, control, and safeguard an organization's information systems. Now you can go for CISA certification online that will keep your learnings boosted.
CISA Certification Job Trends
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification was highly regarded in the field of information technology (IT) and information security. It is issued by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) and is designed for professionals who work in the field of information systems auditing, control, and assurance.
The CISA designation is not always reserved for auditors. You can pursue a wide range of alternative employment opportunities with this qualification. Here I have listed some job trends and the value of the CISA certification up to that point:
- Compliance Analyst: Any industry that uses technology or manages a lot of data employs compliance analysts. Under HIPAA, the medical industry employs analysts to safeguard patient information. Online retailers need analysts to monitor payments and safeguard consumer accounts.
- Risk Analyst: Every company can benefit from using a risk analyst to examine their systems for potential threats and proactively stop security lapses. They can assist businesses with their investment portfolios while working in the financial sector.
- Data Protection Manager: An organization's finances, employment records, or payment information all contain personal information that a data protection manager tries to safeguard. They perform system audits to check for potential security holes and instruct staff members on how to handle sensitive data properly.
- Security Officer: A company's whole security is under the control of the security officer. They typically lead a team that comprises a data protection manager, risk analyst, compliance analyst, and other IT professionals because of their extensive responsibilities.
The CISA certification opens doors to a diverse range of career opportunities, from compliance and risk analysis to data protection and security management, making it a valuable credential for professionals seeking to excel in the dynamic field of information systems and cybersecurity.
CISA Salary in 2024
As we step into 2024, it's essential to examine the evolving landscape of salaries for Certified Information Systems Auditors (CISAs). The demand for skilled professionals in information systems and cybersecurity continues to grow, shaping competitive compensation trends. In this section, we will delve into the expected CISA salaries for the year 2024, offering insights into the rewarding financial prospects this certification can offer.
1. Average CISA Certification Salary
Here is approximate CISA certification salaries per hour, per month, and per year.
Level | Hourly Rate (USD) | Monthly Salary (USD) | Annual Salary (USD) |
Entry-Level | $25 - $45 | $4,000 - $7,000 | $48,000 - $84,000 |
Mid-Level | $45 - $75 | $7,000 - $12,000 | $84,000 -$144,000 |
Senior-Level | $75 - $125 | $12,000 - $20,000 | $144,000-$240,00 |
2. CISA Certification Salary: Based on Experience
Depending on their degree of experience, someone with a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification might earn drastically different amounts of money. Here is an overview of the average salary for CISA certified by the level of experience:
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1. Beginner / Entry-Level CISA Salary: CISA starting salary for workers in the US can typically anticipate an annual compensation between $60,000 and $90,000. Various variables, including region, industry, and the particular work type, can affect this wage range.
Job Titles: CISA-certified professionals may be hired for entry-level employment as IT auditors, junior information security analysts, or compliance analysts.
2. Intermediate: In the United States, those with intermediate-level CISA experience can anticipate a compensation range of roughly $80,000 to $120,000 per year.
Job Titles: IT audit manager, information security analyst, compliance manager, and risk manager are some examples of titles for mid-level CISA specialists.
3. Advanced: Senior-level CISA specialists can expect to make more money, with typical earnings in the United States ranging from $110,000 to $180,000 or more annually.
Senior-level CISA experts may hold positions as an IT audit director, compliance officer, chief information security officer (CISO), or information security manager.
3. CISA Certification Salary: Based on Location
For better understanding, I have mentioned below the overview of CISA salary 2024 based on location, Industry, Job role, skills and Education.
a. India
Cities | Salary Range (Annual) |
Mumbai | $9,000 - $12,000 |
Bangalore | $10,000 - $19,000 |
Delhi | $10,000 - $20,000 |
b. US
Cities | Salary Range (Annual) |
New York City | $70,000 - $160,000 |
San Francisco | $65,000 - $160,000 |
Washington | $70,000 - $155,000 |
c. UK
Cities | Salary Range (Annual) |
London | £40,000 - £80,000 |
Manchester | £37,000 - £80,000 |
Birmingham | £35,000 - £80,000 |
d. Australia
Cities | Salary Range (Annual) |
Sydney | AUD 60,000 - AUD 80,000 |
Melbourne | AUD 75,000 - AUD 110,000 |
Brisbane | AUD 70,000 - AUD 110,000 |
e. Canada
Cities | Salary Range (Annual) |
Toronto | CAD 60,000 - CAD 140,000 |
Vancouver | CAD 55,000 - CAD 140,000 |
Montreal | CAD 50,000 - CAD 130,000 |
f. Singapore
Cities | Salary Range (Annual) |
Jurong | SGD 55,000 - SGD 95,000 |
Tampines | SGD 75,000 - SGD 100,000 |
Woodlands | SGD 75,000 - SGD 100,000 |
Salaries in Singapore are typically competitive, but the cost of living is also relatively high, especially in terms of housing. Therefore, it is essential to consider both salary and living expenses when evaluating job offers.
4. CISA Salary: Based on Industry
CISA professionals can find employment in various industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and government.
Industry | Salary |
Information Technology (IT) | $80,000 - $160,000 |
Finance and Banking | $70,000 - $140,000 |
Healthcare | $70,000 - $130,000 |
Consulting | $75,000 - $150,000 |
5. CISA Salary: Based on Job Roles
Here I have listed some job roles and the expected salary as per my research:
Job Role | Salary |
IT Director/Manager | $80,000 - $250,000 |
Information Security Analyst | $60,000 - $150,000 |
IT Auditor | $80,000 - $250,000 |
Risk Manager | $75,000 - $180,000 |
6. CISA Salary: Based on Skills
Salaries can be influenced by specific skills and expertise. Here are some skills that can impact CISA jobs salary:
Skills | Salary |
Cybersecurity | $80,000 - $160,000 |
Risk Management | $75,000 - $140,000 |
Data Analysis | $70,000 - $130,000 |
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) | $75,000 - $140,000 |
7. CISA Salary: Based on Education
Higher education can lead to higher earning potential for CISA professionals. Salaries may vary based on educational qualifications:
Education | Salary |
Bachelor's Degree | $70,000 - $140,000 |
Master's Degree (e.g., MBA, MIS) | $80,000 - $160,000 |
Professional Certifications | $77,000 - $160,000 |
Factors Affecting CISA Salary
The average CISA salary for professionals is USD 108,000 per year, which is 22% greater than the salary of non-certified workers.
Salary for CISA certified may differ significantly depending on where they live, how many years of experience they have, and the company they work for. It differs even according to their particular job title.
1. Location
Location has a big impact on how much a CISA makes. Due to variances in the cost of living and demand for CISA experts, salaries might vary greatly between cities and nations. Following are a few instances of how location affects CISA salaries:
In comparison to smaller locations like Atlanta or Dallas, CISA professionals in New York City can expect to make 15% to 20% more per year. For instance, a CISA in New York would earn $120,000 per year, whereas in Dallas, the pay for a comparable position might be closer to $100,000.
2. Industry / Employer / Company
The CISA salary might vary significantly depending on the sector and the employer or business. Due to the crucial necessity of cybersecurity and IT audits, some industries and businesses are renowned for paying higher salaries. To entice excellent employees, financial companies frequently offer greater salaries. For instance, the compensation for a CISA expert in a prominent investment bank could be $140,000, whereas in the healthcare industry, it might be $110,000.
3. Experience
The importance of experience is key for deciding the CISA payscale. Professionals typically command better compensation as they have more years of experience.
With 2 to 5 years of experience, a CISA professional might make between $80,000 and $100,000 per year, whereas someone with 10 or more years of expertise might make $140,000 or more.
4. Demand and Supply
Salaries may vary depending on the supply and demand of CISA specialists in the labor market.
Salary ranges tend to be higher in areas or sectors where there is a significant demand for CISA professionals (such as cybersecurity hotspots). For instance, salaries for CISA-certified workers may experience large rises in reaction to a shortage of cybersecurity capabilities.
5. Credentials / Certifications
Having additional certifications beyond CISA can positively impact salaries. Certifications like Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly regarded in the field and can lead to higher pay.
Holding multiple certifications can increase a CISA professional's salary by 10% to 20% or more, depending on the specific certifications and the employer's policies.
6. Skills
Specific skills and expertise can significantly impact CISA salaries. Professionals with in-demand skills related to cybersecurity, risk management, and data analysis often command higher salaries.
A CISA professional with expertise in penetration testing or threat analysis may earn a higher salary compared to someone with only basic auditing skills.
How to Improve CISA Certified Professional Salary?
It takes a mix of learning in-demand skills, earning relevant certifications, pursuing higher degrees, and accumulating priceless experience to increase your compensation as a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certified professional. You can increase your CISA certified salary by doing the following:
1. Skills
Stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends in information system security, audit, and compliance. This can involve expertise in fields like data analytics, penetration testing, cloud security, and cybersecurity tools.
Develop your capacity for data analysis, vulnerability detection, and risk assessment. For conducting complete audits and risk assessments, strong analytical abilities are essential.
2. Certifications
Think about earning other qualifications to go along with your CISA certification. Your qualifications and earning potential can be improved by obtaining credentials like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO).
3. Degrees
Your income potential can be considerably increased by pursuing a Master's degree in a related discipline, such as Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or Business Administration (MBA). Advanced degree holders may receive better compensation from some employers.
4. Experience
Work on obtaining experience in practical positions with growing responsibilities. Salary rises can be significant when moving from an entry-level role to a senior-level or management position.
Aim for leadership positions as you gain experience, such as CISO, information security director, or IT audit manager. These positions frequently have better pay and bigger responsibilities.
Why Are CISA Certified Professionals Paid So Much?
The certified information systems auditor salary is high because of a number of important elements that increase their earning potential. These elements include the rising need for their knowledge, the crucial function they provide inside organizations, and their particular skill set.
CISA specialists are adept at spotting and reducing potential risks linked to information systems. Their expertise helps companies in avoiding expensive data and security breaches.
With the help of KnowledgeHut best CISA training, you may learn from experts in information systems security and create a well-rounded approach to auditing that combines theoretical understanding with practical experience.
Salary Growth and Projections
The following variables could affect the projected and potential wage rise for CISA certified professionals:
- Growing Demand: As businesses prioritize digital transformation and data security, there is a predicted increase in demand for cybersecurity and information systems auditing personnel.
- Evolving Technology: The quick rate of technological change and the wide adoption of new technologies (such cloud computing and IoT) present CISA professionals with continual opportunities and challenges that could boost salaries.
- Regulatory Changes: Organizations will continue to rely on CISA professionals to help them adapt and comply when legislation relating to data security and privacy change, which might increase demand and pay.
Conclusion
Consider specific certificates in your area of interest within the information systems audit and security profession, depending on your career objectives. For instance, if your area of expertise is cloud security, credentials like the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) or AWS Certified Security - Specialty may be beneficial.
It's the ideal time to obtain your certification given the rising demand for CISA experts and the earning potential. Ensure that you join a training course offered by a trustworthy organization if you want to adequately prepare for and pass the CISA exam.