German cyber security professionals earn almost a fifth more than UK counterparts. Cyber security professionals in Germany have median base salaries on average 17 percent higher than in the UK according to Willis Towers Watson’s Cyber Pay survey. Contributor Tim Rees, UK Cyber Strategy Leader – Willis Towers Watson’s Risk Solutions business.

Willis Towers Watson’s Data Services High Tech Compensation survey shows that Germany leads cyber security pay in Europe, followed closely by Ireland and France. The UK ranks fifth at, driven in part by weakness in the pound. For example a mid-level cyber security professional in Germany is likely to earn almost a fifth (18 percent) more than their British equivalent.

Willis Towers Watson’s Market Competitiveness Index puts cyber security at 8 percent more competitive than the UK job market average, making it one of the most desirable digital skills. As a result, cyber security salaries are more competitive at all professional levels.

Tim Rees, UK Cyber Strategy Leader for Willis Towers Watson’s Risk Solutions business, said: “The results show that businesses are recognising the value of cyber security professionals and galvanising an increasingly competitive European job market. While Germany currently leads European pay, the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks and incoming regulations such as GDPR will boost demand for cyber security professionals and drive salaries across the region.

“Cyber-attacks are not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when.’  In addition to managing cyber risk through technology and risk transfer strategies, companies will have to compete for the best talent to protect them against this growing threat.  Chief Information Security Officers are a growing role and bright career prospects are attracting the best digital talent – making cyber security a dynamic, yet well-established industry.”

Other significant findings include: Cyber professionals with 3-6 years’ experience can expect annual salary increases of 7-8 percent – nearly three times the UK national average.

Cyber security typically attracts a younger workforce – entry to mid-level cyber security professionals and cyber security managers are consistently younger than the UK national average for comparable positions. Cyber security professionals have fewer years’ experience in the industry than comparable roles in other industries – suggesting faster progress than the UK national average.

Paul Richards, Global Data Services Practice Leader, Willis Towers Watson, said: “Cyber security skills are among the most highly desirable in the technology and security industry at the moment as the level of supply and demand pushes companies to offer very competitive salaries to attract the limited pool of talent with this skills. Most of the roles covered in our High Tech Compensation survey attract above average pay at each level but cyber roles stand out even in this group of specialist and well remunerated jobs.”

Willis Towers Watson’s Data Services High Tech Compensation survey captures remuneration data from over 1,800+ participants throughout Europe. Data for Cyber Security and other AI and Digital roles is also available from its cross industry database & reports. Data is gathered annually for the private sector from participating firms that match roles based on a consistent methodology, allowing for comparison around the world.