Cyber Security Analyst Salary in South Africa – Complete Breakdown for Professionals

With the growing digital adoption in South Africa, cyber threats are also on the rise. Businesses face threats such as phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches in large numbers. 

Due to these growing threats, the demand for skilled cyber security professionals has also increased. 

Globally, companies are increasingly investing to safeguard their digital systems and customer information. IT, Healthcare, Banking or the public sector, there’s a growing need for talented people who can help keep data safe. 

This rising demand has positively impacted cyber security analyst salaries in South Africa, with skilled professionals enjoying higher pay, improved benefits, and promising long-term career prospects.

This article examines how much cyber security professionals earn and how aspiring analysts can make an informed career decision. 

Cyber Security Analyst Salary South Africa

Cyber Security Analysts play a vital role in safeguarding organisations’ digital assets and infrastructure against a range of cyber threats. 

The average annual salary for a cyber security analyst ranges from ZAR 3L to ZAR 6L per year. Factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, sector, and location can vary this salary range. 

Below is a detailed analysis of Cyber Security Analysts’ salaries, categorised by experience level, geographical location, and industry sector.

1. Cyber Security Salary Per Month in South Africa

The average salary for a cyber security professional in South Africa reflects the growing importance and demand for skilled experts. Here is an overview of what Cyber Security Analysts can expect in terms of compensation for this job profile, by experience level.

Job Role	Average Base Monthly Salary
Junior Cyber Security Analyst (0-1 year)	ZAR 10,000 (As of March 2023)
Mid-level Cyber Security Analyst (4-6 years)	ZAR 35,000 (As of May 2025)
Senior Cyber Security Analyst (7-10 years)	ZAR 51,378 (as of September 2025)

2. Highest-paying cities in South Africa for Cyber Security Analysts

Due to industry concentration and demand, a cyber security analyst’s salary in South Africa varies by region. Cities with a strong presence of financial institutions, technology firms, and corporate headquarters offer higher pay. 

Analysts working in metro cities, particularly in senior roles, usually earn more than the national average salary range. Higher job density and complex digital environments help experienced professionals earn higher compensation. 

Let’s have a look at the cities with the highest cyber security per month salary in South Africa:

• Sandton, Gauteng – R56,840
• Cape Town, Western Cape – R58,201
• Johannesburg North, Gauteng – R46,748
• Midrand, Gauteng – R21,703
• Gauteng – R21,703

Read more about: Cybersecurity Demand in South Africa | Career Outlook here. 

Top Companies Hiring Cyber Security Analysts

Many organisations across South Africa are seeking talented cyber security experts to secure their digital systems. These organisations often offer competitive salaries that vary by experience, role, and market demand. Well-known companies like Nedbank, Transnet South Africa, and Sun International Limited stand at the top of this list.

These organisations demonstrate the strong demand for cyber security skills and play a significant role in shaping the salaries for cyber security analysts in South Africa. Below, you’ll find some of the top recruiters from different industries, reflecting this exciting and growing field.

Here are the top sectors hiring for cyber security in South Africa:

• Banks and financial institutions
• Telecommunication organisations
• IT consulting and managed service firms
• Government and public sector organisations
• Technology and software companies

Here’s more information on: How to Build a Career in Cyber Security?

Factors Affecting Cyber Security Analyst Salary in South Africa

The South African cyber security market generated USD 1,975.3 million in 2024 and crossed USD 2,000 million in 2025. It is expected to reach USD 4,112.6 million, with a 13.3% CAGR by 2030.

The rapidly expanding cyber threat landscape and growing digital adoption are constantly driving demand for cyber security professionals. Sectors such as Banking, Telecom, Government, and Healthcare are high-risk because they handle individuals’ personal data. 

Let’s have a look at the fundamental factors affecting a cyber security analyst’s salary:

• Rising cyber threats: Increasing incidents of ransomware, phishing, and data breaches are driving up demand and pay.
• Industry Demand: Sectors such as finance, telecom, IT and government have highly complex security requirements.
• Experience level: As you gain experience in the cyber security industry, your salary package rises. 
• Skills shortage: A skills gap among professionals has led employers to offer competitive salaries to highly talented analysts.
• Location: Major cities often offer higher cyber security salaries per month due to their high organisational scale and job concentration.

Read more: How to Become a Cyber Security Analyst? Explore Essential Skills and Enrol in the Best Course.

Skills Required to Become a Cyber Security Analyst

The role of a cyber security analyst is a specialised and rewarding career that combines a variety of valuable skills. It brings together technical know-how, sharp analytical abilities, and practical soft skills, all of which are crucial for success in cyber security. 

Staying curious, constantly learning, and keeping up with new threats and technologies are vital for thriving in this fast-moving industry over the long term.

Here are some of the required skills of a cyber security analyst:

• Networking and Protocols
• Operating Systems
• Security Tools
• Scripting and Programming
• Cloud Security
• Incident Response
• Fundamentals and Cryptography

Upgrade your skills and career and become a cyber security expert by enrolling in our Cybersecurity Certificate Course.

Conclusion

The future outlook for cyber security professionals remains strong in South Africa. Digital is a necessity in the modern working environment, which will keep increasing the demand for skilled analysts. Professionals with advanced skills and experience are likely to get higher salaries in this field. 

Even if you start as a junior analyst, you can reach the desired pay with good experience and skill upgrades. Overall, cyber security as a career can provide stability and long-term career growth.

To gain more such valuable insights on career opportunities, visit our website, Digital Regenesys.