Upper-level network security engineers may be asked to develop architecture and research solutions to secure a network, working as part of a team. Upward mobility is typically good, as a stepping stone to a security architect or developer role. Bachelor’s degree holders typically earn the lowest salary in the cybersecurity field. According to Payscale, cybersecurity professionals with a bachelor’s degree earn an average annual salary of $70,232. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports information security analysts, a career similar to security specialists, earned a median annual salary of $103,590 as of 2020.

If you do not have a cybersecurity degree, it’s never too late to advance your skill set and pursue course programs that help you gain a competitive edge in the job market. The total compensation also includes bonuses, stocks, perks, and other benefits in addition to the base salary. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts cyber security specialist opportunities will grow 33 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is on a much faster pace than average for all US professions. how to become a security specialist According to ZipRecruiter, the cyber security specialist annual base salary is $111,052 in the US, and Glassdoor lists the annual salary as $103,746 per year. In terms of an entry level position, the The National Association of Colleges and Employers has found that the starting salary for a cybersecurity professional with a bachelor’s degree is $62,200 per year. Top universities with well-established cybersecurity programs are also offering graduate certificate programs.

Security Software Developer

On average, across the United States there are 5.8 employed workers for each job opening. The cybersecurity industry as a whole suffers from a lack of qualified personnel. This supply and demand mismatch is only likely to increase, as the world goes increasingly digital and even more computer infrastructure is built out.

Only the first and last steps are shown to indicate the pay range for each grade level. Any US citizen or national can apply for jobs that are open to the public. Citizens in rare cases when the annual Appropriations Act, the Immigration Law, and the agency’s internal policies allow it. Those interested in programming and software design can pursue a career as a security software developer. This guide contains everything you need to know to get up to speed on the rapidly growing cybersecurity job market.

Senior Cyber Security Information Protection Data Loss Prevention Specialist

Since technology is always changing, the techniques used in the field will change as well. Online learning websites can help bridge the gap between what was learned in the classroom and what new techniques have been discovered.

As you can see above, there are financial benefits from reaching master’s degree level, but don’t expect to see much of a salary increase until you have completed the degree. With two to five years of experience the average Cyber Security Specialist salary would increase to 161,600 SAR. If your salary is lower than the average and the median salary, it could indicate you are not being paid well enough. If your salary is higher than the average and the median salary, you are earning well compared to others. If you’re not earning more than the median salary, your objective should be to increase your earnings to be at least as high as the median salary . If you are earning more than the median salary, that’s a good indicator that you are being paid well.