Information Security Manager Salary South Africa: From Entry-Level to Expert!

The primary responsibility of an information security manager is to manage and coordinate the information security programmes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of an organisation’s information assets, such as networks, systems, digital data, and other sensitive data. Information security managers strive to shield sensitive data inside the company against hackers, illegal access, and data breaches.

According to the Payscale, the average Information Security Manager Salary South Africa is R754,174 annually.

If you have been considering a career in information security and want to know the salary package for different industries in South Africa, then this article is for you. Here, we will learn more about the average information security in South Africa.

Information Security Manager Salary South Africa

According to the Department of Labour Statistics, the demand for information security managers will expand by 32 per cent between 2025 and 2032.

The average annual salary for an information security manager is R754,174. These figures may vary depending on several factors, such as:

• Level of Experience: More skilled professionals command higher salaries than entry-level professionals.
• Certifications and Education: Advanced degrees and relevant certifications in cyber security and other related domains can enormously enhance the possibility of earning.
• Type of Industry: Individuals in finance, healthcare, and technology industries deliver higher salaries. This is mainly due to the essential nature of data protection in these sectors.
• Geographical Location: Salaries can vary by province based on the country, town, and other locations. In South Africa, major cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg offer higher salaries than other provinces.

Average Information Security Manager Salary South Africa

According to Glassdoor, here is an overview of what an Information Security Manager can expect in terms of compensation for this job profile based on experience level :

Average Information Security Manager Salary South Africa
Entry-Level Information Security Manager Salary	R300,000 to R500,000 per year
Mid-Level Information Security Manager Salary	R600,000 and R800,000 per year
Senior-Level Information Security Manager Salary	R1,000,000 to R1,500,000 per year

Per Month Information Security Manager Salary in South Africa

In South Africa, information security managers can expect competitive monthly compensation proportional to their vital role in safeguarding data and information systems within organisations. According to Glassdoor, here is an overview of the Information Security Operations Manager’s Salary in South Africa on a monthly basis:

Per Month Information Security Manager Salary South Africa
Entry-Level Information Security Manager Salary	R20,000 to R35,000 per month
Mid-Level Information Security Manager Salary	R35,000 to R55,000 per month
Senior-Level Information Security Manager Salary	R55,000 to R90,000+ per month

Highest Paying Cities in South Africa for Information Security Managers

There is a need for information security managers in South Africa, and certain cities offer particularly attractive salaries. According to Indeed, here are some of the highest-paying cities for Information Security Manager roles in South Africa:

Highest-paying cities in South Africa for Information Security Managers
Cities In South Africa’s	Average Base Salary
Polokwane, Limpopo	R 20,488 per month
Sandton, Gauteng	R 14,745 per month
Bloemfontein, Free State	R 13,388 per month
Pretoria, Gauteng	R 9,975 per month
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal	R 9,429 per month
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape	R 8,710 per month
Randburg, Gauteng	R 8,486 per month
Cape Town, Western Cape	R 8,435 per month
Johannesburg, Gauteng	R 5,903 per month

Top Companies Salary for the Information Security Managers

Information security managers play a crucial role in guaranteeing the security and safety of an organisation’s information systems. Several prestigious businesses are renowned for paying competitive salaries to attract and retain the most outstanding employees in this industry. According to Glassdoor, here are some leading companies and the salary range they typically offer for Information Security Managers:

Top Companies Salary for the Information Security Managers
Company Name	Average Salary
Aura	R48T – R52T per month
Securitas	R5T – R7T per month
Fidelity Security Group	R5T – R6T per month
BIDVEST PROTEA COIN	R4T – R7T per month
Genasys Technologies	R7L – R8L per year
FLASH (South Africa)	R9L – R10L per year
Omnisient	R10L – R10L per year
NTT DATA	R13L – R14L per year
Standard Chartered Bank	R20L – R21L per year

Top Countries Paying High Salary for Information Security Managers

Information Security Managers protect an organisation’s data and information systems. Due to the increasing importance of cyber security, these professionals are in high demand and command significant salaries, particularly in certain countries. According to Glassdoor, here are some of the top countries known for paying high salaries:

Top Countries Paying High Salary for Information Security Managers
Country	Average Base Pay
South Africa (R)	R8L – R16.3L per year
India (₹)	₹10.0L – ₹25.0L per year
Canada (CA $)	CA$100K – CA$137K per year
Germany (€)	€70T – €87T per year
Australia (A$)	A$137K – A$167K per year
Singapore (SGD)	SGD100k – SGD163K per year
Switzerland (CHF)	CHF1L – CHF2L per Year
United States ($)	$96 T – $2L per Year
United Kingdom (₤)	£49K to £74K per year

How to Become an Information Security Manager?

Information security managers play an essential role when cyber threats become more sophisticated. These professionals are accountable for ensuring security procedures are followed while protecting an organisation’s data.

Here is a step-by-step procedure for becoming an information security management professional.

• Obtain a Relevant Degree
• Gain Practical Experience
• Obtain Professional Certifications
• Develop Required Skills
• Pursue Advanced Education
• Gain Management Experience
• Stay Updated with Industry Trends
• Apply for Information Security Manager Positions

Thus, becoming an Information Security Manager requires a combination of education, practical experience, certifications, and continuous learning.

Enrol in the Digital Regenesys courses and build a solid foundation for a successful career in information security management.

Skills Required to Become an Information Security Manager

A successful information security manager requires a balanced combination of technical and soft skills. This balance ensures that these professionals are well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges of your role. Among these skill sets are:

Technical Skills: To adequately protect an organisation’s data through implementing various security measures, an information security manager needs to possess a high level of proficiency in technical areas. These technical skills include:

• Wireless networks,
• Cloud Virtualisation,
• Wi-Fi network security,
• Network security controls,
• Digital forensics business,
• Internet & networking basics,
• Cyber security fundamentals,
• BYOD and IOT security testing,
• Security policies and procedures,
• Cyber security mitigation methods,
• Introduction to information security,
• Introduction to secured architecture.

Soft skills: An information security manager needs soft skills to oversee team members and make critical decisions regularly. This includes problem-solving and communication skills.

These are skills that all information security managers need to thrive professionally, regardless of their industry or job profile. Their universality makes them relevant and important for everyone in the field.

Gain these skills by enroling in the Digital Regenesys Cyber Security course. This course is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to address cyber security challenges.