Cybersecurity Researchers Lead Israeli High-Tech Salaries Surpassing AI Engineers in 2026
A new salary report from recruitment firm GotFriends reveals that cybersecurity researchers now earn the highest average monthly salaries in Israel's high-tech sector, surpassing artificial intelligence (AI) engineers. According to the data for the first half of 2026, cybersecurity experts earn an average of 57,643 shekels per month, compared to 47,273 shekels for algorithm engineers and 45,286 shekels for AI engineers. This marks a shift in the market where AI remains crucial but is increasingly integrated as a tool within core expertise areas.
The report highlights that senior professionals with over five years of experience saw their average salary rise by 4.8% to 41,722 shekels monthly, up from 39,810 shekels in 2025. Companies continue to raise wages primarily for specialists in fields with acute talent shortages, notably cybersecurity, algorithm development, infrastructure, and data. The demand for AI skills has evolved; firms now seek candidates who combine AI capabilities with deep knowledge in their primary disciplines rather than just general AI familiarity.
Cybersecurity's salary lead reflects the growing role of AI in security, where researchers must use AI tools to detect threats and defend against increasingly sophisticated attacks that also employ AI. Similarly, algorithm engineers remain in high demand due to their expertise in designing and optimizing models critical for AI product development. GotFriends CEO Shiri Vaks noted that 2026 is the year the market distinguishes between basic AI tool users and those who create tangible value by integrating AI into complex products and processes.
The report also points to a shift in management expectations, with companies favoring leaders who understand AI's impact on development and can manage hybrid teams combining human and AI agents. Programming language demand shows C and C++ developers commanding top salaries due to their roles in cybersecurity and complex systems, while Node.js developers face more competition amid industry layoffs and AI automation.
Work arrangements have stabilized into a hybrid model, with nearly half of jobs offering two remote days per week and only 0.4% fully remote positions. Geographically, salary averages have shifted, with the Sharon region and Petah Tikva surpassing Tel Aviv in average pay. GotFriends anticipates continued specialization and precise employer evaluation of employee value, with those adept at merging AI with core expertise poised for the highest demand and salaries going forward.
