Cybersecurity positions offer ideal career options for those who enjoy working with computer systems. These jobs are in high demand, and salary ranges are well above the national average.
According to a recent FBI report, cybersecurity issues cost Americans over $4 billion a year, and these cyberattacks are becoming more challenging. It makes sense for businesses to hire workers who can protect the company’s data, finances and reputation from cybersecurity threats. This is just one of the reasons why careers in cybersecurity are in high demand. On top of that, cybersecurity salary ranges rank well above the national average.
Careers in cybersecurity aren’t only for the young. As Broadus Palmer, founder of Level Up In Tech, writes, “The average age of a Cybersecurity Analyst in the United States is 41 years old. So age is not a limitation or excuse.”
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the process of protecting the company’s electronic data from hackers and other unauthorized users. The primary role of cybersecurity professionals is to identify and assess any cyber threat and to take preventative measures. These security specialists also set IT protocols, complete audit reviews, develop disaster recovery plans and set who has access to various electronic data points.
Cybersecurity Industry Outlook
Cybersecurity threats are more sophisticated than ever. Businesses of all sizes need cybersecurity professionals who can protect the company from these threats, whether internal or external. Experts predict the cybersecurity market to grow by nearly $350 billion between 2021 to 2026. Demand for workers in the cybersecurity industry is also expected to grow in the upcoming years.
Average Cybersecurity Job Salary
Cybersecurity jobs fall within the computer and information technology occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals earn a median salary of $97,430 annually, which is more than double the national average of $45,760. As with most careers, entry-level cybersecurity salary ranges may be significantly lower than the medium average, while those with more training and experience may earn substantially more per year.
Entry Level Cybersecurity Jobs
Entry-level cybersecurity jobs are ideal for those with limited training or just starting careers in this field. These professionals often work under the direct supervision of an IT manager or chief information security officer. While a certification or associate degree in this field may not be necessary, it can help candidates land an entry-level role.
IT Support Specialist
An IT support specialist role may include a combination of standard IT duties, such as analyzing and troubleshooting network and computer issues and cybersecurity tasks, such as identifying and reporting security threats.
System Administrator
A system administrator handles the daily operations of the company’s networks and computer systems. They complete common IT duties, such as upgrades, repairing network issues, installing new hardware and software and identifying and reporting security threats.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts monitor the company’s network and check for breaches within these systems. They also conduct risk assessments, identify vulnerabilities within the system, investigate breaches and maintain security software, such as data encryption tools.
5 Types of Jobs in Cybersecurity to Pursue
While careers in cybersecurity are diverse, here’s a look at the top five types of jobs to pursue.
1. Engineering and Architecture
Cybersecurity engineers and architects are responsible for designing, monitoring and upgrading the company’s entire network and computer system. They set protocols, ensure compliance, identify threats and develop data recovery plans, among other duties.
2. Incident Response
Incident response professionals handle the aftermath of a security breach. Their role is to investigate the breach, contain the damage and recover data. They also help set security protocols and policies and develop incident response plans.
3. Management and Administration
Cybersecurity managers and administrators are responsible for the overall development, monitoring and maintenance of the company's network systems. They oversee the day-to-day management of these network and computer systems and supervise IT staff members.
4. Consulting
Rather than work directly for the company maintaining the network, cybersecurity consultants usually work for a consulting company. They analyze a client's network system to identify potential security risk factors and provide guidance to help clients improve IT security.
5. Testing and Hacking
The primary role of a cybersecurity tester is to evaluate the overall security of the company’s network system. They test new hardware and software platforms before implementation and as an ongoing safety measure.
Top Paying Jobs in Cybersecurity
The highest-paying cybersecurity jobs typically require more training, such as a bachelor's or master’s degree, and experience. Cybersecurity salary ranges for professionals in these roles are often significantly more than the median average.
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1. Chief Information Security Officer
A chief information security officer (CISO) is responsible for securing all company assets, including electronic data. They set safety protocols, protect data from security breaches, oversee the recovery of any data breach and supervise all IT staff. A CISO’s average salary is $232,090.
2. Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity engineers are specifically responsible for developing, monitoring and maintaining all safety features of the company’s network and computer systems. These experts should have experience with digital forensics and network defense systems. A cybersecurity engineer’s average salary is $98,786 per year.
3. Software Engineer
Software engineers design and build software programs and apps. They are responsible for building security features into these programs and apps to prevent cyber threats. These workers should have experience building software using various programming languages. Software engineers can touch an average salary of $74,092 per year.
4. Identity Manager
Identity managers set protocols surrounding who does and doesn’t have access to various data points within the network system. They grant and deny access and authenticate new users, including employees, clients and prospective customers. Without accounting for other benefits, such as bonuses, identity managers can reach an average salary of $135,523 per year.
5. Senior Security Analyst
Senior security analysts develop and monitor network firewalls and other safety features to prevent potential cyberattacks. They frequently evaluate the company’s network system to identify potential risk factors and take steps to resolve these issues. The average salary for a senior security analyst is $105,651 per year.
Final Thoughts on Cybersecurity
Considering the high demand for cybersecurity roles and the above-average cybersecurity salary ranges, pursuing a career in cybersecurity could be an ideal career option for those who enjoy working with computer systems and have experience with common programming languages like Python, Java, C/C++, SQL and PowerShell.
Top Takeaways
(Reporting by NPD)
