Skip to content
Boston Career Explorer

Computer and Mathematical

Information Security Analysts

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.

Also called: Information Security Officer, Information Security Specialist, Information Systems Security Analyst, Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst), Network Security Analyst

Median pay in Greater Boston
$136,550
$65.65/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
5,220
Massachusetts 2024–2034
+20.4%
450 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Bachelor's degree
Less than 5 years of related work experience

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$86,970$108,530$136,550$176,450$225,300

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
  • Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
  • Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
  • Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
  • Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
  • Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Higher exposure82 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 83
  • Language-model AIOE 76
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 87

Observed AI use today: Substantial (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure is higher for this job, and observed AI use is substantial. AI tools can help with watching for threats, running tests, and updating security settings. Federal projections say demand is growing as firms respond to cyberattacks, offset slightly by efficiency gains from AI. Planning protections and judging risk still rely on people.

Likely to change

  • Monitoring virus and threat reports
  • Running routine security tests and updates

Still relies on people

  • Judging which risks matter most
  • Planning protection for sensitive information

What federal projections say

“Demand change, productivity change - share increases as firms increase their IT security staffs and capabilities as a response to increasing threats of cyberattacks aimed at sensitive or financial data, offset slightly by efficiencies gained through increased use of automated and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve security measures.”
BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, factors affecting this job (U.S.)

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

Related jobs that build on what you already do.

  • Computer Network Architects

    Your security planning and firewall skills carry over to network design. This move pays about $160,650 in Boston and is growing 7.4%.

    Pay difference
    +$24,100 median
    AI exposure
    Higher
    MA growth
    +7.4%
    To get started
    Bachelor's degree

  • Construction Managers

    Risk assessment and testing carry over to checking safety and code compliance. This role pays about $156,470 and is growing 10.9%.

    Pay difference
    +$19,920 median
    AI exposure
    Higher
    MA growth
    +10.9%
    To get started
    Bachelor's degree

  • Computer Hardware Engineers

    Technical systems knowledge carries over to hardware design. This role pays about $167,600 in Boston, though growth is slower at 1.4%.

    Pay difference
    +$31,050 median
    AI exposure
    Higher
    MA growth
    +1.4%
    To get started
    Bachelor's degree

Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

60 programs near Boston (plus 31 graduate)

Related occupations

Talk to a career coach

A coach at the Office of Workforce Development can help you plan your next step, and connect you with training, apprenticeships and City partner programs that are not listed here.

Talk to a career coach