It's no secret that people and companies have become increasingly reliant on technology. Computers, smartphones, and other devices run our lives — but they also expose us to challenges like hacking, identity theft, and online bullying. Cybersecurity is a good career path because you can contribute to the greater good by helping others handle these problems.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts cybersecurity and information employment will increase by 35% between 2021 to 2031. This means cybersecurity talent is in demand, both now and in the future. That makes your cybersecurity degree a valuable asset! This industry can also be quite rewarding. You get to do what you love and get paid well in return.
Examples of cybersecurity degrees that can help you land employment include information technology (IT), cloud computing, computer science, data science, information systems and security, and digital forensics.
Join us as we discuss top cybersecurity careers. You’ll get to know the average salary, required skills, and education needed to get hired.
1. Cybersecurity analyst
A cybersecurity analyst helps protect an organization’s key systems from attacks. This involves using different technologies to detect, analyze, and prevent cyber threats. A cybersecurity analyst must watch for false alarms and intrusion attempts, monitor system users and permissions, design and upgrade security systems, create reports, train staff members, and collaborate with other stakeholders to promote overall safety.
Average salary: $83,323per year
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, networking, information security, or software engineering
Skills and experience needed:
- Good communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Excellent IT skills
- Problem-solving
- Data analysis
- Knowledge of application firewalls, antivirus installation, and intrusion prevention
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
2. Cybersecurity engineer
A cybersecurity engineer (or “information security engineer”) protects an organization’s systems and digital assets from cyberattacks. They monitor key systems, develop security patches, and deploy countermeasures in case of breaches. In this role, you also conduct penetration testing to determine computer systems’ security. You might also create disaster recovery plans to help a company recover after a cyberattack.
Average salary: $92,404per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Good knowledge of computer networks, operating systems, software, and hardware
- Cybersecurity skills, including risk analysis, information security, audit, incident response, and vulnerability management
- Coding knowledge can give you an edge
- Excellent communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
3. Information security analyst
Information security analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks. They check for vulnerabilities, recommend security measures to management, prepare reports on intrusions, and train other users on different security features and procedures. They are also involved in recovery plan development, suggesting and documenting measures to help organizations resume operations after security breaches.
Median salary: $102,600per year
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or related fields (such as math and engineering)
Skills and experience needed:
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Data analysis
- Creativity
4. Cybersecurity officer
A cybersecurity officer helps design and implement policies to safeguard an organization’s systems, networks, and devices. In this role, you also monitor and assess vulnerabilities, work with other stakeholders to resolve security threats and breaches, ensure systems are up to date, prepare incident reports, and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. As such, communication skills are key.
Average salary: $58,449 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or a related field, such as IT or computer science
Skills and experience needed:
- Understanding of computer systems
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Data analysis
- Communication
5. Penetration tester
A penetration tester performs controlled attacks on company systems to determine if they will hold up in real-life situations. In this role, you must use different tools to intrude into computer applications, networks, and systems to access data. You must creatively find new testing methods and appropriate security solutions to breaches so you can stay ahead of hackers.
Average salary: $90,572per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, IT, or computer engineering
Skills and experience needed:
- Understanding of computer networks
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Data analysis
- Attention to detail
6. Security architect
A security architect’s primary role is to review systems, evaluate existing security measures, and make recommendations to boost safety. This role also involves conducting thorough research, planning, and creating robust security architectures capable of surviving cyberattacks. Security architects also test computer systems and networks, fix bugs, and perform system upgrades.
Average salary: $128,267per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Knowledge of computer systems
- Research
- Problem-solving skills
- Data analysis
- Creativity
- Attention to detail
7. Security manager
A security manager plays a more supervisory role in ensuring key organizational resources (including computer systems, networks, and data) are safe. As a security officer, you must work with other members to test different security systems, prepare recovery plans, investigate breaches, and review reports. Other tasks include conducting risk assessments and implementing security policies.
Average salary: $109,310 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information science, or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
- Data analysis
- Knowledge of computer systems
8. Security specialist
Like other IT experts, a security specialist protects computer systems and networks from internal and external threats by checking for unusual activity, creating incident reports, and implementing defenses. A security specialist also advises an organization on reducing risks and works with other stakeholders to boost security operations, making communication skills important for this role.
Average salary: $83,551 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, engineering, or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Communication
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of computer systems and networks
9. Cyber policy and strategy planner
As the job title suggests, a cyber policy and strategy planner helps create and maintain security plans, policies, and procedures. In this position, you collaborate with other staff to establish strategies that promote data safety and align with organizational objectives. You also ensure the company’s policies abide by IT security standards, laws, and regulations.
Average salary: $103,707 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information science, or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Knowledge of cybersecurity policies, regulations, and laws
- Risk management, vulnerability analysis
- Knowledge of computer networking protocols
- Organization and planning
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
10. Information technology (IT) auditor
An IT auditor’s primary responsibility is to ensure an organization complies with industry standards, rules, and regulations. You must evaluate organizational systems, networks, and security controls to ensure compliance. In the process, you also identify risks, vulnerabilities, and weaknesses in IT resources and advise the company on how to improve operations.
Average salary: $75,139 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Data analysis
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Understanding of industry standards, rules, and regulations
11. Cyber workforce developer
A cyber workforce developer helps a company run smoothly by providing strategies, plans, and policies and supporting other staff through training. You also ensure the organization complies with HR policies and directives, advocate for adequate funding, and review hiring and retention practices. You also get to review the existing workforce's effectiveness and suggest the addition of certain skills for increased efficiency.
Average salary: $88,945 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, IT, or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Understanding of HR policies and standards
12. Cyber instructional curriculum developer
A qualified and trained workforce is important for any organization, which is what a cyber instructional curriculum developer works to develop. In this role, you are expected to design a training curriculum, review course content, establish instructional strategies, and aid in creating training materials. You also assess learning needs and the effectiveness of instructional materials and recommend areas of improvement.
Average salary: $77,061 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, instructional design, education, or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Attention to detail
13. Cyber defense forensics analyst
As a cyber defense forensics analyst, you are a detective seeking to unravel what happened at a crime scene using digital tools. You extract evidence from computer systems and networks and analyze it to find perpetrators. You present your findings to a court as evidence and help find answers to different cases.
Average salary: $83,483 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, digital forensics, or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Data analysis
- Creativity
- Understanding of computer systems, networks, and devices
14. Vulnerability assessment analyst
A vulnerability assessment analyst helps protect an organization’s resources by checking systems for weaknesses. These cybersecurity professionals test computer applications to ensure they will hold up during actual security incidents. They also collaborate with different stakeholders to perform assessments and develop security policies.
Average salary: $94,223 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Understanding of computer systems and networks
- Penetration testing tools
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Critical thinking
- Data analysis
15. Cyber defense incident responder
A cyber defense incident responder is like a firefighter who responds when an event occurs to help resolve the situation. In this case, you will respond to actual cyber attacks and must protect organizational resources from further damage. In this role, you must investigate and respond to cyber cases and collect intrusion evidence, which can help catch perpetrators.
Median salary: $76,274 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, IT, or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Understanding of computer systems and networks
- Cybercrime incident handling
- Problem-solving
- Data analysis
- Critical thinking
16. Security systems administrator
A security systems administrator has a hands-on role in installing software, troubleshooting systems, and implementing security patches. For this job, you’ll monitor network requests for suspicious activities, check for unauthorized access and malware, create network policies, and assist staff with technical issues.
Average salary: $74,901 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Understanding of computer systems and networks
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
17. Cryptography engineer
Organizations collect lots of user data daily, and there’s a chance this information could end up in the wrong hands. A cryptography engineer must keep data safe and secure. These cybersecurity professionals use data encryption to protect sensitive data from hackers. They also research, design, and develop security protocols.
Average salary: $92,265 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, mathematics, or cryptography
Skills and experience needed:
- Understanding of algorithms, ciphers, and data structures
- Knowledge of computer systems and networks
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
18. Computer network defense analyst
Computer network defense analysts assist in creating robust and secure systems. They collect information from different areas and analyze it to find vulnerabilities. They also collaborate with other personnel to develop mitigation strategies to strengthen cybersecurity.
Average salary: $83,212 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as cybersecurity, computer science, or IT
Skills and experience needed:
- Knowledge of computer systems, networks, and cybersecurity protocols
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Research
19. Cybersecurity incident handler
A cybersecurity incident handler responds when an organization experiences a cyber attack. This personnel researches and investigates different issues to determine a particular incident’s origin and cause. They’ll also recommend security measures to protect an organization from further damage.
Average salary: $98,558 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, IT, or a related field
Skills and experience needed:
- Knowledge of computer systems and networks
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Organization
- Communication
- Data analysis
20. Network engineer
As the job title suggests, a network engineer’s primary tasks revolve around network security. This expert installs devices or software, monitors suspicious activities, configures firewalls, and updates equipment. This role also assists other personnel whenever they experience network-related issues. Mostly, a network engineer must work on-site versus remotely.
Average salary: $80,879 per year
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science, or computer engineering
Skills and experience needed:
- Understanding of computer networks
- Computer systems troubleshooting
- Configuring firewalls
- Problem-solving
- Data analysis
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
Which companies are hiring job seekers with cybersecurity degrees on Handshake?
Whether you major in computer science, IT, software engineering, or a related field, you can land plenty of full-time cybersecurity jobs and achieve your dreams.
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Sources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cyber-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cyber-security-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,23.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm#tab-1
- Cybersecurity officer salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cyber-security-officer-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
- Penetration tester salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/penetration-tester-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
- Security architect salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/security-architect-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
- Security manager salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/security-architect-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
- Security specialist salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cyber-security-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
- Cyber policy and strategy planner salary: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Cyber-Security-Policy-Salary
- Information technology (IT) auditor salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/it-auditor-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm
- Cyber workforce developer salary: https://www.comparably.com/salaries/salaries-for-cyber-security-exercise-developer-and-trainer
- Cyber instructional curriculum developer salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/ThriveDx-Cybersecurity-Curriculum-Developer-Salaries-E6279226_D_KO9,43.htm
- Cyber defense forensics analyst salary: https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/cyber-forensics-analyst-salary
- Vulnerability assessment analyst salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/vulnerability-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm
- Cyber defense incident responder salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/GE-Cyber-Security-Incident-Responder-Salaries-E277_DAO.htm?filter.jobTitleExact=Cyber+Security+-+Incident+Responder
- Security systems administrator salary: https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/systems-administrator/salary/
- Cryptography engineer salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cryptography-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm
- Computer network defense analyst salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/network-defense-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,23.htm
- Cybersecurity incident handler salary: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Cyber-Incident-Handler-Salary
- Network engineer salary: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/network-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm