Cybersecurity Experts Lead Israeli High-Tech Salaries as AI Integration Evolves

A recent salary report by recruitment firm GotFriends reveals that cybersecurity researchers now earn the highest salaries in Israel's high-tech sector, averaging 57,643 shekels per month, surpassing artificial intelligence (AI) engineers who earn 45,286 shekels. Algorithm engineers also command high pay, averaging 47,273 shekels monthly. The report, covering the first half of 2026, notes a 4.8% salary increase for senior professionals with over five years of experience, reaching an average of 41,722 shekels compared to 39,810 shekels in 2025.

The data indicates that companies continue to raise wages primarily for specialists in fields with acute talent shortages, including cybersecurity, algorithm development, infrastructure, and data. While AI remains a key growth driver, its role has shifted from a standalone skill to a tool that enhances core industry expertise. Employers now prioritize candidates who integrate AI capabilities into complex product development, research, system design, and business processes rather than those with only basic AI familiarity.

GotFriends CEO Shiri Vaks explained that 2025 was dominated by discussions about AI, but in 2026 the market has become more discerning, rewarding professionals who can translate AI tools into tangible value within cybersecurity, infrastructure, algorithms, data, and product development. The report highlights that a basic understanding of AI tools no longer guarantees a salary premium; instead, practical experience in deploying AI systems is essential.

Management roles also require technological proficiency, especially in leading hybrid teams where human workers collaborate with AI agents. Managers lacking these skills may face longer job searches, while those with AI knowledge remain in demand. Programming languages like C and C++ continue to offer the highest salaries due to ongoing shortages in cybersecurity, infrastructure, hardware, and complex systems, whereas Node.js developers face increased competition amid industry layoffs and AI automation.

The report also notes that hybrid work arrangements have become standard in 2026, with 48% of jobs offering two remote workdays per week and only 12% offering no flexibility. Full remote positions are rare, at just 0.4%. Geographically, Tel Aviv has lost its salary lead to the Sharon region and Petah Tikva, where average salaries are approximately 44,000 and 43,083 shekels respectively, compared to 42,461 shekels in Tel Aviv.

This evolving landscape suggests that the high-tech labor market is moving away from the salary inflation seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing instead on precise evaluation of each employee's added value, particularly their ability to combine AI with deep domain expertise.