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Information security officers prepare, implement, upgrade, and monitor security measures for the protection of computer information and networks. They may also ensure security controls are set up to safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructures. In addition, they respond to security breaches and computer viruses.

Information security officers often get training from information security analyst programs that are offered at many postsecondary schools and online. Hiring managers for these positions usually look for job applicants with a bachelor's degree in a technical field like computer science or information science. A master's degree could help advance you in the field and increase your pay. A broad knowledge and experience with multiple computer systems and programs is also a desirable trait for information security officers, along with good problem-solving skills, analytical skills and logical thinking abilities.

Information security analyst salary data

Since most organizations have the need for an information security analyst to protect their computer systems, job prospects should be "excellent," according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You can work in almost any industry as an information analyst, from a small company to a large corporation, and your salary will depend on the company that employs you and its location.

According to Salary.com, the 2011 median salary for this position is $72,100, with the 25th percentile earning around $61,700 and 75^th percentile earning approximately $83,000. Glassdoor.com reports a median salary range of $73,700, ranging from $34,000-$105,000, and the BLS reports a 2010 median annual salary of $77,740 for computer systems analysts. Financial services corporations pay on the higher end of the scale, followed by government and education industries and networking corporations.

Location impacts pay

Geographical location can have a big impact on how much you earn as an information security analyst. According to the BLS, the states with the highest employment level for this job in 2010 were:

• California, $88,900
• New York, $84,900
• Texas, $81,600
• Virginia, $86,800
• Florida, $69,300

The top paying states for the job were:

• New Jersey, $89, 800
• Maryland, $89,500
• California, $88,900
• Virginia, $86,800
• Massachusetts, $86,500

While the top paying jobs are spread out across the US, the top paying cities are:

• San Jose/Santa Clara, Calif.: $111,100
• Trenton-Ewing, N.J.: $96,440
• San Francisco/San Mateo/Redwood, Calif.: $96,080
• Springfield, Ohio: $95,500
• Edison-New Brunswick, N.J.: $94,000

Taking into consideration the cost of living for these locations, Springfield, Ohio is the top choice for pay rate verses cost of living, while Trenton, New Jersey comes in a close second. Though Virginia doesn't offer one of the highest paying cities, it does offer the highest concentration of jobs in the market.

Career outlook for information security analysts

Since most organizations now use computers for most of their business functions, the career outlook for an information security analyst is rising faster than most jobs. The BLS projects expected growth for this field at 20 percent from 2008 to 2018.

More technology salary & career outlooks:

• Computer security specialist salary & career outlook
• Computer security manager salary & career outlook
• Computer systems security administrator salary & career outlook