Job Outlook for CISA Professionals [Updated 2025]

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is a globally recognized credential that focuses on the audit, control and security of information systems. It's a valuable certification in the fields of IT security, audit, risk management and governance.

Looking to level up your career in IT audit or security? CISA certification could be a smart move. As organizations become more dependent on information systems, the demand keeps growing for professionals who can review these systems, strengthen security and recommend cost-effective improvements. CISA has consistently ranked among the top-paying IT certifications, and it's particularly valued by government agencies when hiring auditors.

CISA is globally recognized in the fields of audit, control and security and is ANSI accredited. Since its launch in 1978, more than 200,000 professionals have obtained this certification, with over 151,000 currently holding active credentials.

Earn your CISA, guaranteed!

Get your CISA live online or on-site, backed with an Exam Pass Guarantee!

View Pricing

CISA opens doors beyond traditional IT audit

Here's something interesting: CISA isn't just for IT auditors. Once you're certified, you'll find opportunities across various IT security and governance roles.

CISA-certified professionals tend to have a competitive edge in the job market, especially as cyber incidents continue to rise. According to the United States Department of Labor, demand for information security analysts and related roles is expected to stay strong in the coming years. Earning your CISA signals that you're serious about your career in IT audit and security. The training and experience requirements help you develop leadership skills that can set you apart.

To maintain your CISA certification, you'll need to complete at least 20 continuing professional education hours per year (120 hours over three years). While this requires commitment, many professionals find that this ongoing learning keeps them competitive and informed about emerging trends.

Career paths for CISA-certified professionals

IT auditors play a crucial role in preventing fraud, reducing unnecessary spending and ensuring compliance. They analyze findings and communicate risks to leadership. Here are some common career paths for CISA holders:

• IT auditor: This is one of the most common roles for CISA holders. You'll evaluate an organization's IT systems to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and security standards.
• Information security analyst: In this role, you'll focus on protecting information assets by assessing risks and implementing security measures.
• Cybersecurity consultant: As a consultant, you'll advise organizations on improving their security posture, conduct risk assessments and recommend enhanced security controls.
• IT risk manager: Risk managers identify potential threats and develop strategies to mitigate them, protecting an organization's most critical assets.
• Compliance analyst: Help companies navigate regulations like GDPR, HIPAA and SOX. The specific regulations vary based on where your organization operates and what industry you're in.
• Information security manager: Oversee the implementation and management of security programs. You might report to the CISO or another C-suite executive, often managing a team of security specialists.
• Chief information security officer (CISO): CISOs leverage their CISA knowledge to establish and maintain comprehensive security strategies, often taking responsibility for an organization's overall security posture.
• Internal audit director: Manage and direct internal audit systems and teams. This role requires deep knowledge of the systems being audited and what to look for when assessing performance and security.

If you want to explore more certifications and career paths, get your free copy of our Cybersecurity certification and skills roadmap. This ebook can help you figure out which certifications and skills make the most sense for your career goals.

What CISA-certified professionals can earn

Earnings vary significantly based on experience, location and role, but the average salary for CISA-certified professionals in the U.S. ranges from around $110,000 to $149,000. ISACA reports an average of $149,000, while other salary data sources show figures around $110,000 (download our free cybersecurity salary guide for more data)

These are solid baseline figures, and your actual earnings could be higher depending on your specific role and location. The job market for information security professionals — a role related to the CISA certification — is growing at approximately 29% over the next decade (2024-2034), according to the U.S. BLS. That's much faster than the 4% average growth projected for all occupations during the same period.

The BLS projects about more than 52,000 job openings for information security analysts alone over the next decade. This isn't a perfect one-to-one for all CISA positions, but audit and risk professionals can also expect positive job growth over the same period. This sustained demand is why many professionals view CISA certification as a strategic long-term career investment.

Earn your CISA, guaranteed!

Get your CISA live online or on-site, backed with an Exam Pass Guarantee!

View Pricing

Why demand for CISA skills keeps growing

Organizations need practitioners with proven experience and knowledge to implement and secure technology effectively. CISA certification demonstrates you have those skills, which can make you a more valuable hire or help you advance in your current role.

Getting your CISA certification is more manageable when you have a solid plan and the right resources. Here are some tools from Infosec to help you prepare:

• Cybersecurity salary guide. Get a detailed breakdown of earning potential for CISA and other cybersecurity roles.
• ISACA career path: The highest paying certifications in the industry. Learn about job roles, salaries and certifications in the ISACA family, plus get tips for passing ISACA exams like the CISA.
• CISA Boot Camp. Get intensive exam preparation with Infosec's five-day boot camp that dives deep into exam content and test-taking strategies.