Cybersecurity Salaries: How Much Can You Earn?

by | May 6, 2022

It is well known that cybersecurity is a field with amazing salaries. But, how much can you earn? The answer does not come easy. There are different variables such as your expertise, skills, certifications, employer, and location.

In this article, we want to provide you with the salary statistics for the top cybersecurity job titles, and some tips on how you can boost your income.

Cybersecurity Salaries For Top Job Titles

According to Cyberseek.org, the cybersecurity workforce in the US has a little over 1 million professionals, but there are almost 600,000 job openings. In other words, the field is experiencing a major growth, while still suffering the consequences of a never-ending talent gap.

On the good side, the field is packed with a lot of lucrative jobs, that require certain skills and knowledge, for anyone who wants to fill them up.

Cybersecurity Analyst

The one responsible for the IT infrastructure, who has to monitor it at all times, and has to evaluate any potential risks and breaches. The Cybersecurity Analyst handles the task of protecting an organization from cyberthreats.

Available jobs: 30,279

Average salary: $100,603

One great way to continue moving forward in this path, and increasing your salary, is to get certified in:

  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
  • A+ (CompTIA)
  • Cybersecurity Analyst Certification, CySA+ (CompTIA)
  • Network+ (CompTIA)
  • Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional (CompTIA)
  • Network Security Professional (CompTIA)
  • Security Analytics Professional (CompTIA)
  • Security+ (CompTIA)
  • Project+ (CompTIA)
  • PenTest+ (CompTIA)
  • IT Operations Specialist (CompTIA)
  • Secure Infrastructure Specialist (CompTIA)
  • ITIL®1 Foundatio

Cybersecurity Manager

A Cybersecurity Manager is the person responsible for observing all the operations that happen in an organization’s network and for managing the infrastructure where they all happen. One of the main responsibilities this person has, is the implementation of software upgrades and the necessary maintenance on hardware.

Available jobs: 10,608

Average salary: $90,120

Aside from getting certifications such as Information Systems Security Management Professionals (CISSP-ISSMP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISM), Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), a Cybersecurity Manager must develop skills in communications, vulnerability assessment, NIST framework, and network security.

Cybersecurity Engineer

The person in charge of designing and implementing secure network solutions designed to defend the organization against cyber-attacks or potential threats. Part of their responsibilities is to regularly test and monitor systems to make sure the defenses are updated and working.

Available jobs: 64,008

Average salary: $105,349

Once you have reached this position, you are at one of the highest roles in cybersecurity. Yet, there are certain things that can help you boost your salary. For example, you should focus on developing skills in container security, cloud security, SaaS application security, and comprehensive software security. Those will definitely help your projected growth.

Penetration & Vulnerability Tester

The person responsible of designing and assessing the security systems within an organization. As parts of their responsibilities, they need to conduct tests and attempt to exploit computer systems, software, and policies to detect any weakness. They also need to plan and determine what actions will be taking place to improve security measures.

Available jobs: 22,873

Average salary: $101,231

In order for you to improve your salary as a Penetration Tester, you should add to your resume the following certifications: SANS/GIAC Certification (Various), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), CompTIA Security+, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). You should also excel at Python, Java, and Linux.

Now that you know how much you can earn on the most common cybersecurity roles, have you made up your mind on which one you want to become? Cybersecurity is one of the most rewarding and lucrative fields, but it takes a lot of studying and practicing to reach the highest levels.

Are you interested in learning cybersecurity?