High pay and job stability are hallmarks of a career in cybersecurity.

With the rise in cybersecurity attacks, it's no surprise that cybersecurity is a top concern for businesses worldwide. In 2024 alone, cybercrime is projected to cost $9.5 trillion in the U.S. The heightened focus on cybersecurity has created a demand for cybersecurity professionals, which in turn means those who choose this career path can generally bank on job security and a high cybersecurity salary. 

What is cybersecurity?

Technology plays an integral role in how businesses function and how individuals interact with each other. Technology has become so ingrained in our daily lives to the point that it's difficult to function without it. Unfortunately, there are malicious actors out there who bank on this and use technological advancements, like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to carry out cyber attacks. They aim to wreak havoc on businesses and individuals alike by stealing sensitive data and disrupting and attacking networks and software systems. 

The primary goal of cybersecurity is to protect against cyber attacks. This includes reducing the risk of digital attacks against software programs, devices, and networks that can lead to theft and damage. Another vital function of cybersecurity is increasing the integrity and confidentiality of data and information. 

Cybersecurity is necessary for a broad scope of information technology elements, including the security and protection of:

  • The Cloud

  • Digital data and information

  • Software applications

  • Devices like phones and computers

  • Various networks that support public areas, organizations, and homes

What are some typical cybersecurity roles?

Cybersecurity professionals help ensure entities and individuals understand what's necessary to keep digital information and systems secure. They are also responsible for strategizing and implementing processes, procedures, and programs to keep organizations safe from digital attacks. 

Some typical cybersecurity-focused roles within organizations include:

  • Security Engineer

  • IT Auditor

  • Digital Forensic Examiner

  • Cybersecurity Specialist

  • Security Architect

  • Vulnerability Assessment Analyst

  • Cybersecurity Analyst

  • Data Loss Prevention Specialist

  • Cryptographer

  • Cybersecurity Manager

  • Cybersecurity Architect

  • Penetration and Vulnerability Tester

  • Cybersecurity Consultant

  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

  • Cyber Crime Analyst

  • Incident and Intrusion Analyst

What are current cybersecurity salary and job growth trends?

The overall cybersecurity salary and job outlooks are very positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2023 median pay for cybersecurity Analysts was $120,360. Additionally, the average cybersecurity salary was $124,740, nearly twice as much as the average salary for all jobs in the U.S.

The estimated job growth rate for this occupation category is 33% through 2033, projecting an average of 17,300 job openings each year. By 2033, there are expected to be 180,700 cybersecurity Analyst jobs. 

Currently, CyberSeek reports 469,930 job postings seeking those with cybersecurity-related skills, indicating an ongoing shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The organization also reports that it takes 21% longer for organizations to fill cybersecurity roles compared to other IT positions. The high demand for cybersecurity professionals bodes well for those with or acquiring this skillset, putting them in a position to easily land a job with the high salary and total compensation package they desire. 

To enter the cybersecurity profession, most need a Bachelor's degree and less than five years of experience. Many organizations also require individuals to pass a pre-employment skills test before hiring them. 

Entry-level cybersecurity salary trends

Many entry-level cybersecurity positions are found in the networking, systems engineering, financial and risk analysis, security intelligence, and IT support categories. According to CyberSeek, here are some common entry-level information system security roles with their average salary and number of job openings:

  • Cybersecurity Specialist: Average salary: $88,149; Job openings: 6,372

  • Cyber Crime Analyst: Average salary: $100,150; Job openings: 1,823

  • Incident and Intrusion Analyst: Average salary: $101,130; Job openings: 5,538

  • IT Auditor: Average salary: $85,221; Job openings: 6,069

Mid-level cybersecurity salary trends

Individuals often move from the entry-level roles noted above into the following mid-level roles. Most will have three to five years of experience to move into one of these positions. 

  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Average salary: $115,795; Job openings: 24,465

  • Cybersecurity Consultant: Average salary: $125,243; Job openings: 5,177

  • Penetration and Vulnerability Tester: Average salary: $132,457; Job openings: 4,362

Advanced-level cybersecurity salary trends 

Below are common advanced-level roles in cybersecurity. Candidates generally have 10 to 15 years of experience when landing one of these roles. 

  • Cybersecurity Manager: Average salary: $152,403; Job openings: 27,171

  • Cybersecurity Engineer: Average salary: $143,992; Job openings: 41,333

  • Cybersecurity Architect: Average salary: $150,989; Job openings: 4,354

What factors influence cybersecurity salaries?

Like most careers, cybersecurity salary offers are based on several factors, the most significant being experience. Those with more cybersecurity experience are generally paid more. Additional factors that influence cybersecurity salaries include:

  • Industry. Some industries pay more than others for cybersecurity skills. Internet technology, media, and finance industries rank among those that pay the most. 

  • Education level. Many computer and internet technology positions require a bachelor's degree, though not always. Those with a bachelor's degree are often paid more than those with an associate's or no degree. Likewise, those with a master's degree typically get paid more than those with a bachelor's degree. Where those with a bachelor's degree can easily make between $100,000 and $150,000, a 2022 UC Berkeley report even showed that those with a master's degree in cybersecurity reported an average salary of $214,000, with a median of $200,000. 

  • Certifications. Sometimes, certifications can boost your earning potential. Those with a certification related to a cybersecurity position may get paid more than those without certified training. Many cybersecurity open positions also require a specific type of certification to secure the job. CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) are examples of popular cybersecurity certifications. 

  • Location. Cybersecurity salaries can vary significantly by region based on factors like cost of living and demand. It's common for companies in urban areas to pay higher wages than those in rural areas due to these factors. 

  • Demand. Organizations with more openings for cybersecurity roles often offer higher salaries to compete and attract the talent they need.

  • Company size. Larger organizations tend to have bigger salary budgets than their smaller competitors. Additionally, they frequently have a higher cybersecurity budget – which means higher salaries – due to having more assets and consumers to protect.

Which branch of cybersecurity pays the most?

The branch of digital security that pays the highest cybersecurity salary varies between industries and organizations. Generally speaking, the following types of positions have some of the highest paying salaries outside of director and executive-level cybersecurity professionals:

  • Cybersecurity Consultant

  • Cybersecurity Architect

  • Application Security Engineer

  • Cybersecurity Engineer

  • Cybersecurity Manager

What industries have the highest pay for cybersecurity roles?

According to the BLS, the following industries pay the most for their cybersecurity roles:

  • Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing: annual mean wage = $184,190

  • Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services: annual mean wage = $182,660

  • Media Streaming Distribution Services: annual mean wage = $152,500

  • Software Publishers: annual mean wage = $146,030

  • Financial Investments: annual mean wage = $145,410

What industries have the most cybersecurity jobs?

Cybersecurity is necessary for virtually any business in today's world, and roles to support cybersecurity are generally found across most industries. The industries with the highest levels of Cyber or Information Security Analysts include:

  • Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 40,290 positions, 1.59% of industry employment

  • Management of Companies and Enterprises: 16,510 positions, 0.60% of industry employment

  • Credit Intermediation and Related Activities: 12,600 positions, 0.62% 

  • Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: 10,980 positions, 0.59 of industry employment

  • Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services: 9,390 positions, 0.85 of industry employment

The industries with the highest concentration of Cyber or Information Security Analysts include:

  • Monetary Authorities-Central Bank: 1,100 positions, 5.05% of industry employment

  • Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 40,290 positions, 1.59% of industry employment

  • Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting: 6,150 positions, 1.28% of industry employment

  • Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services: 9,390 positions, 0.85% of industry employment

  • Scientific Research and Development Services: 7,690 positions, 0.83% of industry employment

Is a cybersecurity role right for you?

A cybersecurity salary is among the highest entry-level salaries compared to all entry-level roles, and it's clear that cybersecurity skills are in high demand. Given the thousands of open cybersecurity roles needing to be filled, these trends will likely continue for quite some time. If you're interested in internet technology with a cybersecurity specialization, it could be worth identifying a path forward to land a job in this lucrative field! 

Do you feel confident you'll ace your upcoming cybersecurity job interview? Our TopInterview coaches can help ensure you do!

Recommended reading:

Related Articles: