Hiring a cybersecurity IT specialist: the market today
The short answer ·
1,802 open postings ask for a cybersecurity IT specialist as of Nov 11, 2026, from 371 employers. The median advertised pay is $142,500, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 831 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, Nov 11, 2026
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 1,276 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Sep 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a cybersecurity IT specialist?
Hard. 371 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Booz Allen Hamilton with 111 open postings.
What should I pay a cybersecurity IT specialist?
Advertised pay centers on $142,500. Federal staff in series 2210 average $147,616 in actual pay.
Where is a cybersecurity IT specialist being hired?
As of Nov 11, 2026, the most open postings for the role are in Virginia (303), California (193) and Maryland (179). Together they hold 37% of its 1,802 open postings.
Who can help me hire a cybersecurity IT specialist?
Ayla's recruiters, for government agencies and contractors. Send the role for a free market brief within two business days, then interview the people we find; you pay a placement fee when you hire.