IT Support Specialist vs Chief Information Security Officer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Chief Information Security Officer
Lead the organisation's information security strategy, risk management, and compliance.
Chief Information Security Officer earns more on average — the national median is $162,027/year (262%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Support Specialist vs Chief Information Security Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | Chief Information Security Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $320,316 | IT $227,508 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $271,627 | IT $198,710 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $310,977 | IT $224,010 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $253,467 | IT $184,223 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $242,035 | IT $177,158 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $284,431 | IT $205,216 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £178,031 | IT $130,033 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$301,014 | IT $216,818 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or Chief Information Security Officer earn more?+
A Chief Information Security Officer earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $223,887/year for a Chief Information Security Officer — a difference of $162,027 (262%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or Chief Information Security Officer?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Chief Information Security Officer demand is growing at 30% YoY. Chief Information Security Officer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist to Chief Information Security Officer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — IT Support Specialist or Chief Information Security Officer?+
Chief Information Security Officer has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.