Cybersecurity Salaries in Europe: Who Pays the Most?

The European cybersecurity talent shortage is acute — and employers are paying accordingly. From penetration testers to CISO-level executives, the market has never been stronger.

United Kingdom

UK cybersecurity salaries: Junior/SOC Analyst £35,000–£50,000. Penetration Tester (mid): £55,000–£80,000. Senior Security Engineer: £80,000–£110,000. CISO (large enterprise): £150,000–£250,000+.

Germany

Germany pays slightly below UK in nominal terms but net take-home is comparable at mid-level. Senior Security Engineer: €70,000–€100,000. Roles at Deutsche Telekom, SAP, and German Bundeswehr (CIOC) pay well for cleared professionals.

Netherlands

Amsterdam's financial sector and the Dutch government both recruit heavily. Senior Cybersecurity Architect: €80,000–€110,000. The 30% ruling for expats makes the Netherlands one of the best net-pay destinations in Europe for this field.

Switzerland

Swiss financial institutions (UBS, Credit Suisse successor, Swiss Re) pay top rates: CHF 120,000–160,000 for senior roles. Certifications like CISSP, CISM, and OSCP are highly valued across all markets.