Information security analysts
SOC Code: 15-1212
Information security analysts carries a 45% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $124,910 and +28.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 182,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Information security analysts (SOC 15-1212) carries an AI exposure score of 45%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 182,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +28.5% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $124,910, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Information security analysts. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
- 2. Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
- 3. Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
- 4. Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
- 5. Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
- 6. Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.
- 7. Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.
- 8. Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.
- 9. Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.
- 10. Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Communications and Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Information security analysts?
Information security analysts has an AI exposure score of 45%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Information security analysts?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Information security analysts is projected to grow by 28.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 182,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Information security analysts?
Key skills for Information security analysts include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Information security analysts earn?
The median annual wage for Information security analysts is $124,910, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Information security analysts?
The typical entry-level education for Information security analysts is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Information security analysts?
Information security analysts roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).