Average salary cyber security: Cybersecurity Salaries and Job Outlook

Cybersecurity Salaries and Job Outlook

April 25, 2019 

Gone are the days when a security guard, a card key, and your dog’s name as your password kept an airtight seal around you and your company’s private information. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and with it has come a barrage of cybercrime. As a result, cybersecurity professionals with expertise in protecting digital information are in high demand.

As the lead federal agency for investigating cyberattacks, the FBI reports that cybercrime is a menacing threat that continues to grow. Computer and network invasions are one of the agency’s biggest concerns.

“The collective impact is staggering. Billions of dollars are lost every year repairing systems hit by such attacks. Some take down vital systems, disrupting and sometimes disabling the work of hospitals, banks, and 911 services around the country, ” according to the FBI website.

Cybersecurity is now a priority business issue, and there is no scenario that is beyond possibility when it comes to cyberattacks, retired Adm. Michael Rogers told CNBC in 2018 after leaving the National Security Agency, which he oversaw for almost four years.

“It’s something that can take your company to its knees,” Rogers said.

Because of this trend, careers in cybersecurity are on the upswing. Companies need cybersecurity professionals who can protect their financial information and intellectual property, fight online fraud, and create hack-proof client records, among other tasks. Many are willing to pay top salaries for experienced cybersecurity professionals.

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies says that the demand for cybersecurity experts is growing 12 times faster than the current US job market. The US Department of Commerce estimated there are more than 300,000 cybersecurity jobs waiting to be filled in 2019 —  and the field is expected to keep growing. There will be as many as 3.5 million unfilled positions in the industry by 2021, (PDF, 751 KB) as predicted by Cybersecurity Ventures, a company that provides cyber economic market data, insights, and predictions to professionals in the field.

Cybersecurity engineers, analysts, specialists, consultants, and architects are among the jobs that organizations are looking to fill. Senior leadership in cybersecurity, especially those who work in major cities or specialty fields such as the military , can pull in annual earnings in the six-figure range; this is particularly the case for chief information security officers (CISOs)¹ , which are typically the highest-ranking cybersecurity employees in a company. Every state now has a CISO or the equivalent to make sure that statewide security management programs are keeping government information protected.

CISO is not the only position in the field pulling in a competitive wage, though. Other cybersecurity jobs that offer competitive salaries include the following:

Computer network architect. Computer network architects are responsible for designing and building their organization’s data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. They’re often tasked with upkeep of these networks, too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the median annual salary for a computer network architect is $109,020.

Computer programmer. There are plenty of cybersecurity jobs that do not require programming, but if you do know how to code, it’s a strength you can bring to any cybersecurity position. Source code auditors , for example, go line by line through source code to find vulnerabilities. You’ll need to know the coding language your company uses — be it C, C++, Java, or other languages. BLS data show the annual median salary for a computer programmer in any field is $84,280.

Information security analyst. Most information security analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Employers — typically in the computer, business, financial, and consulting industries — tend to hire analysts with experience in a related occupation where they’ve learned to plan and carry out security measures that protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. The median pay for an information security analyst is $98,350 per year, according to the BLS . Those in management level jobs can net more than $120,000.

Cybersecurity is a relatively new profession, and those in the field have varied school and professional backgrounds. A bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science is often a requirement (but not always), and a master’s degree in cybersecurity can boost a job applicant’s appeal factor. Classes cover topics such as cybersecurity leadership, cryptology, government and national security, network security, privacy engineering, and problem-solving skills.

Companies are also looking for employees with project management experience; analytics and data science backgrounds; technical writing skills; and expertise in law, policy, and physical security such as law enforcement and military experience, says Pete Metzger, a recruiter of C-suite cybersecurity professionals with consulting firm DHR International, to CNBC.com . Metzger started his career in the Marine Corps and later served as a Central Intelligence Agency foreign intelligence officer.  Organizations are seeking people with leadership skills who can problem solve and help them “reshape” how they think about security, he said. And even if you don’t have a cybersecurity degree, it’s never too late to advance your education so you gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Cybersecurity salaries by state are listed below for three job categories in the profession; all are mean salaries based on BLS data.¹ Some state data was unavailable.

¹ Morgan, Steve. “Top Cyber Security Salaries In U.S. Metros Hit $380,000,” Forbes, January 9, 2016. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
² Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment Statistics, OES Data, May 2017, National,” March 30, 2018. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference

6 Highest-Paid Cyber Security Jobs & Salaries

IBM’s annual Cost of a Data Breach study revealed a single data breach can cost a company up to $3.29 million, a 12 percent increase from the cost of breaches from the previous year.

Add to this the devastating impact cyberattacks have had on corporations like Equifax, Facebook, and T-Mobile and there’s no wonder businesses are paying more than ever to net in-demand cybersecurity professionals to protect their sensitive data and valuable assets.

According to our 2023 Tech Salary Guide, let’s look at the six highest-paid cybersecurity jobs and their average cybersecurity salary ranges, so you have the salary insights you need to hire the expert talent you need.

Cyber Security Salary by Position, Low & High

Information Security Manager Salary, Cyber Security

Information Security Managers top the list of highest-paid cybersecurity jobs with an average salary range of $150,000 to $225,000.

This position plays a key role in avoiding security disasters by identifying any areas that might make your information systems vulnerable. These are the professionals who are tasked with assessing current security measures and mitigating future attacks against your company’s computers, networks, and data.

• When to hire Information Security Managers? Looking to protect consumer data and avoid the fees & fines that are related to getting your sensitive data hacked or stolen? Do yourself a favor and hire for this role before your bottom-line pays the price and you’re forced to allocate funds to hefty fines for failing to protect consumer data, like Uber when the company was fined $148 million for violating state data breach notification laws.

Cyber Security Engineer Salary

The Cybersecurity Engineer position also nets one of the highest salaries, coming in #2 for the security industry, with average cybersecurity salaries ranging from $126,000 to $213,000.  

Companies invest in these professionals for their skill sets and experience as they are primarily responsible for multiple security engineer functions, including designing, developing, and implementing secure network solutions to defend against advanced cyberattacks, hacking attempts, and persistent threats.

• When to hire Cyber Security Engineers? Hiring a Cybersecurity Engineer will strengthen your cybersecurity team thanks to the in-depth knowledge and experience professionals in this role bring to the table. When looking to take your team to the next level, this is the role you should prioritize hiring first.

Application Security Engineer Salary

The 3rd highest-paid cybersecurity job, Application Security Engineers, make on average between $130,000 to $200,000.

If your company uses software solutions provided or hosted by third party organizations like AWS or Microsoft’s Azure or even if you custom build your own solutions, hiring an Application security engineer is crucial.

These professionals will be tasked with securing all software and business applications used throughout your workforce and ensuring that all privacy and compliance constraints are built into the software and followed.

• When to hire Application Security Engineers? This role is crucial for any business looking to integrate software, like AWS or Azure into their day-to-day operations. Why? Application Security Engineers have the experience and skill sets needed to ensure the security and stability of your internal and external applications which helps prevent hackers or malicious systems from attempting to disrupt the integrity of your infrastructure.

Cyber Security Analyst Salary

The average cybersecurity salary for this position falls between $114,000 and $160,000, and they are worth every penny.

These security professionals help create, plan, and carry out security measures to keep your infrastructure secure.

They have the knowledge and experience to work with Penetration Testers and Information Security Managers to mitigate and avoid cyberattacks that could cripple your bottom line and are specially equipped to identify vulnerabilities before hackers have a chance. 

• When to hire Cyber Security Analysts? If your company has been hit by a data breach or infected by a malware virus, then your next step should be to hire a Cybersecurity Analyst who can help mitigate the attack and keep you protected from any future attacks.

Penetration Tester “Ethical Hackers” Salary 

Penetration Testers, commonly called Pen Testers or Ethical Hackers, on average, make between $80,000 to $130,000. 

A McAfee survey showed that security managers believe hiring ethical hackers offers a company a valuable understanding of logic used by hackers and skills critical to cybersecurity. Does your company conduct quarterly, monthly, or daily security tests?

If so, then these are the professionals you need to invest in attracting and retaining. Penetration Testers complete various, in-depth tests across your computer systems, networks, and even web applications to identify vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals.

• When to hire Ethical Hackers? How safe is your business from high-level cyberattacks? This is the individual that can answer that question and make sure you remain one step ahead of the latest hacking strategies. Though it may seem counterintuitive to hire hackers for your security roles, it will open up a new pool of candidates with insider knowledge to help secure your assets.

Network Security Engineer Salary, Cyber Security

Rounding out this list of the highest-paid cybersecurity jobs, the average salary for the Network Security Engineer role now ranges between $120,000 to $208,000.

Much like the Cybersecurity Engineer position, this is a multifaceted position; tasked with maintaining your LAN, WAN and server architecture while also maintaining and monitoring virtual networks, firewalls, email security and web protocols, security, and programs.

When it comes to a business’s computer network, you can never be too secure, and this role helps guarantee your company’s network is safe and secure.

• When to hire Network Security Engineers? If your company is experiencing issues with your network or discovering vulnerabilities you weren’t aware of, then it’s time to onboard a Network Security Engineer; They will help clean and protect your networks.

We hope this exclusive guide to the highest-paid cybersecurity jobs is helpful so you can allocate the necessary funds to get the security hires you need in the door.

For a complete breakdown of the top 10 cybersecurity salaries, download our 2023 Salary Guide across Tech, Creative & Digital Marketing.

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Need to hire Cyber Security Experts & Professionals?

With experts projecting cybercrimes to cost the world $6 trillion annually, it’s crucial you hire cybersecurity talent today and ensure you’re offering competitive salaries so you don’t miss out on the high-end talent you need.

If you lack the cybersecurity professionals you need or want to learn more about the salary ranges for related roles, contact Mondo today.

We’ll provide you with the salary insights and candidates you need to elevate your cybersecurity strategies.

Continued Cyber Security reading:

• Traits to Look For When hiring Cyber Security Candidates
• How to Hire the Best Cyber Security Talent

best cybersecurity jobs

In today’s world, using your name in a secure password is quite risky. Use secure printing for sensitive business information. Hence, we will discuss cybersecurity pay in a year in Texas and in Georgia.

Top Jobs & Salaries in Cyber ​​Security (Pay)

Companies are looking for positions such as Cyber ​​Security Engineers, Analysts, Specialists, Consultants and Architects. Senior cybersecurity executives, especially in large cities or in specialized sectors like the military, can earn six figures; this is especially true for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), who are typically the most senior cybersecurity officers in a company. Currently, each state has a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Or the equivalent should be used to ensure that government security management systems protect government information.

However, CISO is not the only well-paid position in this sector. Other cybersecurity careers with competitive pay include the following:

#1. Computer network designer.

New Open Network Architects are responsible for designing and building their company’s data networks, which include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. They are also often responsible for maintaining the network. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for a computer network architect is 109$.020.

№ 2. Computer programmer.

There are many cybersecurity professionals who don’t need to code external links. But being able to code is a skill you can use in any cybersecurity position. Source Code Auditors, for example, review the source code line by line to identify flaws. You must be familiar with the programming language used in your organization, be it C, C++, Java, or another. According to BLS statistics, the average annual salary for a programmer in any sector is $84,280. open external link in new window

#3. Analyst in the field of information security.

Most information security analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Employers—often in the computer, business, finance, and consulting industries—prefer to hire analysts who have prior experience in planning and implementing security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. The annual salary of an information security analyst is 9$8,350 $120,000. According to the BLS, those in leadership positions can earn over $5,000 per year. open external link in a new window

How to increase pay for cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a relatively new profession, and the people who work in it come from a variety of backgrounds and professional backgrounds. Often (but not always) a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science is required, and a master’s degree in cybersecurity can increase the applicant’s attractiveness factor. Cybersecurity leadership, cryptology, public and national security, network security, privacy and problem solving are among the topics covered in the classes.

According to Pete Metzger, senior cybersecurity recruiter at consulting firm DHR International, companies are also looking for employees with experience in project management, analytics and data science, technical writing skills, and knowledge of law, policy, and physical security. such as law enforcement and military experience. Metzger began his career in the Marine Corps and then worked as a foreign intelligence officer in the Central Intelligence Agency. Organizations are looking for employees with leadership abilities who can solve problems and reshape their perception of security. Even if you don’t have a cybersecurity degree, it’s never too late to continue your education and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

What is the average salary for an entry level cybersecurity analyst in Texas?

As of 2022, the average salary for an entry level cybersecurity analyst in Texas is $70,719 and salaries range from $70,719 to $77,510. Salary ranges can vary greatly by city and many other important aspects such as education, certifications, additional talents, and the number of years you have worked in your field.

Cyber ​​Security Specialist Pay in Texas Major Cities

The Robert Half Technology Salary Guide lists the pay for cyber security analysts and administrators in several areas of Texas. Professionals with a master’s degree can expect salaries at or near the top of the following salary ranges:

Data Security Analysts:

• First, $117,802 to $166,064 in Austin.
• Second, $119,453 to $168,392 in Dallas.
• Third, El Paso $79,268 to $111,744.
• Then $118,352 to $166,840 in Fort Worth.
• Also $118,352 to $166,840 in Houston.
• Then $126,609 to $178,480 at Midland/Odessa.
• Finally $110,095 to $155,200 in San Antonio.

System security administrators:

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas offered a significant number of jobs for information security analysts:

First, the state ranks third in the number of jobs.

Secondly, Dallas ranked third among the cities in the country in terms of the number of jobs.

Cyber ​​Security Job Overview (Paid) Georgia

Digital data is constantly under attack in today’s interconnected society. Without trained cybersecurity professionals, hackers, identity thieves, and other cybercriminals would gain access to countless of the most sensitive financial, medical, and personal data of businesses and individuals. How much they pay for cyber security in Georgia matters and they are critical for all businesses and organizations; without it, they risk losing the trust of their customers as well as their own trade secrets. The work in the field of cybersecurity is occupied by highly educated and experienced people who have received special training in the field of data security.

If you are interested in protecting computer systems, networks and sensitive data, a job in cybersecurity might be for you. You will detect, monitor and mitigate cyber risks to protect sensitive data, personal information, financial information, medical records and intellectual property. As more data is digitized, the demand for cybersecurity will grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 31% increase in new cybersecurity positions in the US over the next ten years. This is a significantly faster growth rate than most other professions.

You can broaden your computer job search by looking at the following positions:

• Information Systems Manager Jobs in August
• Information Security Analyst Jobs in Augusta
• Network Engineer Jobs in Augusta
• Jobs in Augusta, Georgia

What else?

Augusta is the third largest city in Georgia and a major regional research center, especially in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and cyber security. As a result, many jobs in Augusta have been in academic fields, usually initiated by Augusta University, which houses the state’s only public health degree programs and is one of the area’s top employers. The state-of-the-art Georgia Cyber ​​Center is also located here. In addition, artist Jasper Johns was born in Augusta, and subsequently the family of singer James Brown moved there. On Artists Row along Broad Street, you’ll find a variety of museums, annual festivals, galleries, and several performance venues, including the Imperial Theater, where The Godfather of the Soul used to perform. Locals also enjoy the fresh air by walking along the Savannah River.

Augusta is well known as a golfing destination with an annual Masters Tournament at the prestigious Augusta Country Club. Which was created in the late nineteenth century and is located in an area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Jobs are predictable and are growing at a faster-than-national average of 38. 5% over the next decade, while the overall cost of living is 19.3% lower than in the rest of the United States. Housing is almost 50% cheaper. If necessary, you can explore further career opportunities in Athens, Macon and Atlanta.

Update Your Cybersecurity Resume Augusta

Do you have the skills and qualifications that cybersecurity companies need? Make them stand out on your resume right now. Do you need help with this? To get an idea of ​​how to organize information about your experience, check out our information security specialist resume template. A strong cover letter will also make it more likely that your resume will be reviewed. Have you ever written a cover letter before? Monster provides many sample cover letters and writing suggestions. Our checklists will help you write and format a great cover letter.

What is the pay for a cybersecurity job in Augusta, GA?

Do you have financial problems? You really should! Check if you are being paid what you are worth. Our payroll tools will help you understand what your salary should be or how you expect to earn in cybersecurity positions in Augusta, GA, as well as what skills will add value to you and help you take the next steps in your career. Right now, the median annual salary for a cybersecurity engineer in Augusta is $82,653, which is 24% less than the national average.

Is cybersecurity a profitable area?

Many cybersecurity jobs pay more than other computer jobs, even though more experienced professionals are likely to earn more.

Is cybersecurity a challenge?

Cybersecurity is not complicated. Cybersecurity is one of the few sectors in the computer world that does not require a strong technical background, despite the ability to implement complex ideas such as cryptography or areas that require a deeper technical understanding.

Is coding required for cyber security?

Are there analysts for cybersecurity programs? Most entry-level cybersecurity positions do not require coding knowledge. However, coding may be required for growth in this area if cybersecurity professionals are looking for middle or senior level positions.

Is working in cybersecurity stressful?

Cybersecurity jobs can be challenging, as employees must not only monitor threats from cybercriminals, ransomware groups, and even government-sponsored hacking campaigns, but also must ensure that their users have the tools they need to stay safe, often while working on tight deadlines.

Can I learn cybersecurity in one year?

It takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. You can then complete your master’s degree within two years. Alternatively, you can study cybersecurity with online tools and programs. You will need to do this for six months to a year to understand the basics and be ready to go.

Is cybersecurity easy to learn?

While cybersecurity education can be difficult, it is not necessary, especially if you have a strong interest in technology. Develop an interest in the technologies you use and you will find complex abilities become easier.

Do I need Python for cyber security?

Python’s numerous libraries make it useful for cybersecurity. Python includes many modules and frameworks that are quite useful and make the job of a cybersecurity professional easier. Also, it is very useful for pen testing.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is critical for all businesses and organizations; without it, they risk losing the trust of their customers as well as their own trade secrets. The work in the field of cybersecurity is occupied by highly educated and experienced people who have received special training in the field of data security.

How Much Does Cyber ​​Security Pay Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Cyber ​​Security Cost?

The starting salary for cybersecurity analysts is typically between £25,000-35,000 to £35,000-60,000. Experienced and senior cybersecurity analysts can expect to earn between £1,000 and over £1,000.

Is cybersecurity a good career?

Cybersecurity is a great career to start right now as there is a lot of demand for professionals with these skills.

Is cybersecurity difficult?

Cybersecurity is easy to learn, especially when compared to other technical fields.

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How much does a cybersecurity analyst earn? • BUOM

March 5, 2021

If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity, the earning potential of that job is probably one of the many factors you’re considering. While there are many possible careers in the information technology industry, the job of a cybersecurity analyst is highly sought after and allows you to protect organizations from cyberattacks by hackers.

In this article, we will discuss how much cybersecurity analysts earn, their main responsibilities, and the educational requirements required to become one. We also look into the work environment, general skills required, and job outlook for cybersecurity analysts so you can decide if this career is right for you.

The average salary for a cybersecurity analyst is

The average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in the country is $86,951 per year. average salaries for cybersecurity analysts are updated frequently on Indeed. Salaries range from $25,000 to $183,000 per year depending on experience, industry, and geography.

What does a cybersecurity analyst do?

The Cyber ​​Security Analyst is responsible for analyzing and evaluating potential vulnerabilities in the company’s IT infrastructure—networks, hardware, and software—and reporting any hacking attempts in order to develop stronger security procedures. They perform ongoing security management activities and control and mitigate threats.

Cybersecurity analysts not only protect against possible attacks, but can also identify ways to improve the security of systems. Many cybersecurity analysts provide consulting services to help companies protect their data from threats. They can also assess the damage that has occurred as a result of a security issue. Some of their main responsibilities include:

• Monitor computer networks for potential security issues

• Investigate security breaches or other cyber security issues

• Install software and take other measures to protect systems and information infrastructure

• Collaborate with security teams to conduct tests and identify possible vulnerabilities in a computer network

Keep up to date with the latest best practices, trends and news

• Explore possible security improvements to recommend to management

Cybersecurity Analyst Work Environment

Most cybersecurity analysts are full-time, and some are self-employed and consult with multiple companies. Cybersecurity analysts often need to be on call after hours in the event of a security breach or other emergency. Some analysts may need to work more than 40 hours per week.

How to become a cybersecurity analyst

Here are the main steps you can take to become a cybersecurity analyst:

1. Get a bachelor’s degree

Although the cybersecurity analyst career path may vary depending on the requirements of individual employers, aspiring analysts must have a bachelor’s degree. Some of the recommended degrees for this field are computer science or management information systems. Related fields such as mathematics or engineering can also create opportunities for cybersecurity.

2. Take an internship

Because many employers require a certain level of experience, an internship can be a great way to access on-the-job training. Internships are sometimes included in a student’s formal education. They can provide hands-on experience and allow aspiring analysts to develop relationships with IT professionals who can help them find jobs after college.

3. Get Certified

Certifications are especially important in the field of cybersecurity as they validate an applicant’s qualifications and abilities. Most employers view certifications as the industry standard. Certifications are available from professional associations, software and hardware companies, and other organizations. The CompTIA CSA+ certification, for example, is a vendor-independent certification that focuses on applying behavioral analytics to improve the overall security posture.

4. Consider a degree

Although a master’s degree is not required to be a cybersecurity analyst, some companies prefer applicants to have a more advanced formal education, such as a master’s degree in engineering in cybersecurity policy, in addition to the real, on the job. experience.

Cybersecurity Analyst General Skills

Here are the most common skills that successful cybersecurity analysts possess:

• Analytical: Cybersecurity analysts must have strong analytical skills to study computer systems, assess risks, and find possible solutions.

• Communication: To educate users who may be less tech-savvy, cybersecurity analysts must be able to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. They must also have strong active listening skills to understand and respond appropriately to the questions and concerns of colleagues, management, and supervisors.

• Creativity. Cybersecurity analysts must be creative and forward-thinking to anticipate cyber threats before they happen.

• Attention to detail: Since threats to an organization’s security are hard to detect, cybersecurity analysts must be able to notice any minor changes and anticipate potential problems, no matter how small.

• Technical knowledge. Cybersecurity analysts must have a deep knowledge of information technology and constantly update this knowledge, using it to shape their problem-solving strategies.

Job outlook for cybersecurity analysts

Cybersecurity analyst employment is expected to grow by 32% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the 5% average for all occupations.