Security Analyst: career path and pay in the UK
Where a Security Analyst goes next, what each step typically pays in the United Kingdom, and how exposed the path is to AI replacement. 3 steps, from Security Analyst to Senior Security Analyst / Security Engineer / Security Architect.
Also for the United States: Security Analyst in the US
The path
Step 1 · 0 to 3 years
Security Analyst
£40K to £60K
Typical UK pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: CompTIA Security+ - Global, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) - Global, GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials) - Global, BCS Foundation Certificate (optional) - UK/EU.
Step 2 · 3 to 7 years
Security Analyst / Senior Security Analyst
£45K to £65K
Typical UK pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - Global, CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) - Global, OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) - Global, BCS Practitioner Certificate - UK/EU.
Step 3 · 7 to 12 years
Senior Security Analyst / Security Engineer / Security Architect
£45K to £70K
Typical UK pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: CISSP - Global, CISM - Global, CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) - Global, BCS Advanced Certificate - UK/EU.
Exposure and pay along the path
Exposure to AI, now to later
52% → 24%
Falls 28 points. Each step is harder to automate than the last. Lower is better.
Typical pay, now to later
£40K to £60K → £45K to £70K
UK estimates by job title, Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale UK.
What the work involves
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
Education people bring
- Bachelor's Degree: 53%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: 23%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree: 13%
Job Zone 4, job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Other paths from here
- Security Engineer
- Security Architect
- CISO
- Security Manager
More Technology paths in the UK
Related occupations in O*NET: Information Security Engineers, Penetration Testers, Digital Forensics Analysts, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Computer Systems Analysts.
Your own role
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SourcesSalary bands: Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale UK, UK national averages by job title, retrieved September 2026Skills, knowledge and education: O*NET 31.0 Database
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CC BY 4.0
Salary estimates by job title from Glassdoor UK, Indeed UK and PayScale, retrieved September 2026. Each band runs from 20% below to 20% above the reported average, rounded to £5K. Exposure percentages and the skills listed under each step are this app's own editorial ratings, not published data.