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cyber security analyst salary

Understanding the Cyber Security Analyst Salary in 2026: Age Bands, Eligibility, and Statutory Rates

Explore the cyber security analyst salary landscape in the UK, including how age bands and minimum wage rates affect pay, with real examples from NHS job adverts.

Pay snapshot: A junior cyber security analyst in the NHS can earn between £43,954 and £52,928 per year (including a 10% recruitment and retention premium), while statutory minimum wage rates for 2026 range from £8.00/hr for under-18s to £12.71/hr for those aged 21 and over.

Related pay reference

£ / year

  • Finance & insurance£52,000 / year
  • IT & software£48,000 / year
  • Education£38,000 / year
  • Health & social care£36,000 / year
  • Public administration£35,000 / year

Cyber Security Analyst Salary: What You Need to Know About Age Bands and Pay

If you are exploring a career in cyber security, understanding how the cyber security analyst salary is structured in the UK is essential. Pay can vary widely depending on your age, experience, employer, and location. This guide explains how statutory minimum wage rates apply to different age groups and what you can expect from advertised roles, using real examples from the NHS and official data.

Statutory Minimum Wage Rates for 2026

The UK government sets mandatory minimum pay rates that change every April. From 1 April 2026, the rates are:

  • National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
  • National Minimum Wage (18–20): £10.85 per hour
  • National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00 per hour
  • Apprentice Rate: £8.00 per hour

These rates are legal minimums. Most cyber security roles pay significantly more, but they still form the baseline for any job. For example, a 19-year-old starting as a junior analyst must receive at least £10.85 per hour. You can check the latest rates on our [UK Minimum Wage](/

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage for a cyber security analyst under 21?

If you are aged 18–20, the National Minimum Wage from April 2026 is £10.85 per hour. For those under 18, it is £8.00 per hour. However, most cyber security analyst roles are skilled positions that pay well above these statutory minimums, especially for full-time positions.

How does the NHS cyber security analyst salary compare to the National Living Wage?

An NHS junior cyber security analyst at Band 6 earns between £43,954 and £52,928 per year (including a 10% premium). Based on a standard 37.5-hour week, that equates to roughly £22.50–£27.10 per hour, which is well above the National Living Wage of £12.71 for those aged 21 and over.

Do age bands affect eligibility for the cyber security analyst salary?

Age bands determine the minimum wage you are legally entitled to, but they do not directly cap your salary. Employers set salaries based on role, experience, and market rates. For example, the NHS advertises the same Band 6 salary regardless of age, as long as you meet the job requirements.

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