Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea: Cybersecurity Specialist is one of the most demanding professions all around the world, and the reason behind this is the increasing cyber threats. This growing field offers not only exciting challenges but also competitive compensation packages that attract skilled professionals in South Korea. So, what does a cybersecurity specialist earn in South Korea, and how does this role’s compensation compare across the tech industry?
In this article, we will explain in detail the cybersecurity specialist salary in South Korea, with various factors that can influence the salary structure for cybersecurity specialists in South Korea.
This Blog Includes:
- How Much Does a Cybersecurity Specialist Earn in South Korea?
- Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea By Experience Level
- Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea By Education Level
- Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea By Organisation Level
- Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea By Cities
- Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea By Position
- FAQs
How Much Does a Cybersecurity Specialist Earn in South Korea?
Cybersecurity specialists in South Korea earn a competitive salary. The average annual salary is KRW 54,000,800, translating to an average monthly income of KRW 4,500,066. However, salaries can vary significantly based on experience and expertise. Entry-level positions may start at around KRW 28,078,900 annually, while senior-level specialists can command salaries exceeding KRW 82,678,400 annually. This indicates a promising career path for cybersecurity professionals in South Korea.
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Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea By Experience Level
From entry-level to expert-level, salaries grow consistently, with the most significant jumps occurring between the mid-level and senior-level (34.2% increase) and senior-level to expert-level (30% increase). These increases reflect the expanding scope of responsibilities, the need for advanced technical skills, and the leadership qualities required at each step. The final salary boost from expert-level to leadership roles is relatively smaller, around 9.1%, as professionals transition from technical expertise to strategic and managerial roles.
The pay for cybersecurity specialists in South Korea might vary significantly based on the role’s complexity, experience, and skill set. The following lists average cybersecurity wages according to experience level:
Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
0-2 Years | KRW 31,919,300 |
2-5 Years | KRW 42,839,200 |
5-10 Years | KRW 55,678,400 |
10-15 Years | KRW 67,441,500 |
15-20 Years | KRW 73,681,000 |
20+ Years | KRW 77,519,100 |
Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea By Education Level
High School Diploma holders starting at KRW 37,919,200 per year, this is the lowest salary tier for those entering the cybersecurity field. Professionals with a bachelor’s degree see a 33% increase, earning around KRW 57,598,800 annually.
A master’s degree results in a further 33.5% increase, bringing the average salary to KRW 81,600,600 per year. Holding a Doctorate Degree, the salary increases by 22.3% for those holding a PhD, with an average salary of 100,000,000 per year, reflecting the highly specialised nature of the role.
In South Korea, compensation levels for cybersecurity specialists are heavily influenced by their educational background. Here’s a breakdown of cybersecurity salaries in South Korea based on education level:
Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
Certificate or Diploma | KRW 37,919,200 |
Bachelor’s Degree | KRW 57,598,800 |
Master’s Degree | KRW 81,600,600 |
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Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea By Organisation Level
In South Korea, the salary of a Cybersecurity Specialist varies significantly depending on the organisation level within which they work. The more senior the role, the greater the responsibility, and consequently, the higher the salary.
In South Korea, the salary of cybersecurity specialists can vary significantly depending on the organisational level they occupy within their company. Here’s how cybersecurity salaries typically vary by organisational level:
Organisation Level | Average Salary Per Year |
Deloitte | KRW 40,000,000- KRW 50,000,000 |
Hyundai AutoEver | KRW 80,000,000- KRW 90,000,000 |
Hana Financial Group | KRW 60,000,000- KRW 70,000,000 |
KEB Hana Bank | KRW 80,000,000- KRW 90,000,000 |
Samsung Engineering | KRW 70,000,000- KRW 80,000,000 |
Dream Security | KRW 40,000,000- KRW 50,000,000 |
EY | KRW 70,000,000- KRW 80,000,000 |
PwC | KRW 40,000,000- KRW 90,000,000 |
Infosys | KRW 50,000,000- KRW 80,000,000 |
KPMG | KRW 50,000,000- KRW 70,000,000 |
Wipro | KRW 40,000,000- KRW 60,000,000 |
Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea By Cities
Seoul offers the highest salaries for cybersecurity professionals in South Korea, thanks to the concentration of large corporations and government agencies in the city. Cities like Busan and Incheon provide competitive salaries, especially in industries like logistics, shipping, and international trade.
The salary for cybersecurity specialists in South Korea can vary significantly depending on the city, influenced by factors like the cost of living. Here’s an overview of cybersecurity salaries across major South Korean cities:
Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
Bucheon | KRW 50,281,100 |
Daegu | KRW 60,598,100 |
Incheon | KRW 61,321,600 |
Seongnam | KRW 50,158,700 |
Busan | KRW 62,041,800 |
Daejeon | KRW 59,878,400 |
Gwangju | KRW 53,521,300 |
Goyang | KRW 52,078,500 |
Suwon | KRW 52,918,800 |
Ulsan | KRW 52,681,700 |
Seoul | KRW 62,638,300 |
Cybersecurity Specialist Salary in South Korea By Position
The salary of a Cybersecurity Specialist in South Korea varies greatly depending on the role within the cybersecurity field. Positions range from entry-level analysts to executive roles, each with distinct responsibilities and salary expectations.
As cybersecurity professionals move from entry-level positions to more senior roles, salaries increase significantly. For example, a CISO can earn nearly 37% more than a Security Consultant.
Here’s a look at the typical compensation range for common cybersecurity roles in South Korea:
Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
Cloud Security Architect | KRW 40,200,5000 |
Chief Information Security Officer | KRW 66,481,700 |
Computer Security Specialist Information | KRW 56,041,700 |
Computer Support Specialist Information | KRW 36,601,600 |
Cyber Security Researcher | KRW 56,998,400 |
Cyber Security Consultant | KRW 55,201,700 |
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FAQs
South Korea’s cybersecurity employment market is expanding as businesses look for qualified candidates to handle everyday cyber threats. By 2024, the government wants to train more than 10,000 professionals.
A corporate leader (CEO) will earn an average of 140 million won (110,000 USD) annually in 2024, making it the highest-paying position. In just two years, the average yearly income rose from third to first place by 15 million won.
Seoul National University (SNU): Provides extensive programs in computer science and engineering, including cybersecurity courses and research. Cybersecurity is one of the specialist computer science and engineering programs offered by POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology).
In addition to teaching English, there are plenty of chances for foreigners in the fields of information technology, general office administration, manufacturing, and employment in science, technology, research, and health.
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