Top 9 Highest Paying Cybersecurity Jobs: What’s the Right Fit for You?

With enterprises having faced a 50% increase in attempted cyberattacks in 2021, it is no surprise that they are willing to pay more to hire top-notch cybersecurity professionals to protect sensitive data. As a result, cybersecurity-related professionals such as ethical hackers, cloud security specialists, and chief information security officers are all earning lucrative salaries. In this article, we have listed the highest-paying cybersecurity jobs in the US to help you explore exciting career opportunities in this field. Take a look.

What are the Benefits of a Career in Cybersecurity?

Secures the Future 

It has been observed that a cyber attack takes place every 44 seconds. Additionally, Cybersecurity Ventures forecasts that by the end of 2025, the yearly worldwide cost of cybercrimes would cross $10.5 trillion. Thus, companies must constantly protect themselves against cyber criminals. This indicates that a career in cybersecurity is both lucrative and secure, with no signs of saturation in the future. 

High Average Salary 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for cybersecurity specialists is $102,600 per year. The compensation is far higher than other IT jobs. 

Remote Work Opportunities

The majority of cybersecurity requirements are primarily online. This indicates that you are not required to be in an office. You would not have any trouble working while traveling because you can access your employer’s networks remotely. 

Access to Public and Private Sector Jobs 

Cybersecurity is one of those careers that provides job opportunities in both private and public sectors. Both the US Federal and State Governments hire cybersecurity specialists to defend against cybercrimes. Therefore, professionals in this field have the flexibility to explore a government or a private sector job. 

Self-Employment Opportunities

Cybersecurity professionals may launch their own businesses, create networks for people or offer managed services. Alternatively, they can work as subcontractors for a predetermined time period and function. 

ALSO READ: What is Cybersecurity and Why is it a Great Career Choice for You

Top 9 Highest-Paying Cybersecurity Jobs

Information Security Analyst

Installing security tools like firewalls on computer networks is one of the primary duties of information security analysts. To assure security and safeguard data infrastructures, they plan, implement, and monitor security procedures. Additionally, security analysts try to identify system flaws when cyberattacks or breaches happen. 

Skills Required

• Analytical skills for assessing computer systems and networks for evaluating online threats 
• Must have skills to foresee information security issues and put new strategies into practice
• Attention to detail to detect network performance changes, as cyberattacks are often hard to spot  
• Problem-solving abilities to respond to security alerts promptly, find and address vulnerabilities in networks and computer systems

Average Remuneration: $91,017 per year 

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

An organization’s entire information security is overseen by a senior-level professional known as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). In addition to interacting with stakeholders and informing them of the issues with information security, CISOs are in charge of creating and maintaining programs for information security and risk management. 

Skills Required

Due to the seniority of this position, it is preferred that candidates for CISO positions have both an MBA and a degree in computer science. Here are some of the skills they need to have: 

• IT knowledge 
• Incident management and administration 
• Business knowledge 
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Risk management 

Average Remuneration: $1,73,001 per year 

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity engineers plan security measures to protect a company from cyber attacks. They are in charge of safeguarding the organization’s data and network infrastructure. To preserve overall security, they work with the other teams to build cybersecurity platforms. 

Skills Required

The first step in becoming a cybersecurity engineer is earning a degree in computer science or information technology. You should have at least two years of work experience in the sector before taking on the role of a cybersecurity engineer. Let’s examine some additional skills that a cybersecurity engineer should possess: 

• Strong networking abilities 
• Knowledge of operating system architecture and management 
• Proficiency in programming languages, such as C, C++, Python, and Java 
• Strong communication and presentation skills

Average Remuneration: $99,784 per year 

Penetration Tester

A penetration tester, also commonly known as an ethical hacker, is a network security expert who tests for vulnerabilities in a system. They create fresh penetration tools and record the outcomes of the tests. 

Skills Required

Professionals need at least one to four years of experience in information security. The following are some additional crucial skills: 

• Strong networking abilities 
• Understanding of the Linux, Windows, and UNIX operating systems
• Knowledge of C and C++ skills 
• Java, Python, and Perl proficiency 
• Black box testing skills 
• Exceptional reporting, communication, and presentation abilities

Average Remuneration: $130,666 per year 

Computer Forensics Analyst

In cyberattack situations, computer forensics analysts collect digital evidence and retrieve data. They focus on restoring data that has been altered, erased, or stolen. 

Skills Required

A bachelor’s degree and previous professional experience in the subject are prerequisites. Additionally, the following skills are needed: 

• Networking expertise 
• Understanding of cybersecurity 
• Knowledge of law and criminal investigation 
• A strong analytical mind with attention to detail
• Effective communication skills 

Average Remuneration: $75,005 per year 

Malware Analyst

A malware analyst recognizes and investigates online threats like viruses, worms, bots, and trojans to understand their nature. Additionally, they outline the ways to defend against malware attacks after developing tools for malware protection. 

Skills Required

Like other cybersecurity positions, the first requirement to working as a malware analyst is a degree in computer science or information technology. It is also recommended to have at least two years of relevant professional experience. Other abilities that a malware analyst should have include: 

• Knowledge of operating systems, like Windows, Linux, and UNIX 
• Knowledge of C and C++  
• Proficiency in programs, like IDA Pro, OllyDbg, RegShot, and TCP view
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills

Average Remuneration: $92,880 per year

Cloud Security Specialist

A cloud security specialist’s job is to defend networks, systems, and data stored on a cloud server against cyber-attacks. They accomplish this by identifying data risks and vulnerabilities, implementing safety measures, monitoring incursions on networks, and checking legal compliance. 

Skills Required

• A deep understanding of programming languages like Java, Python, and Ruby
• Proficiency in operating systems like Linux, Windows, and UNIX
• Knowledge of how cloud providers function

Average Remuneration: $1,36,485 per year 

Database Administrator

Any organization’s ability to operate smoothly depends on its database administrators. They are in charge of designing, building, and maintaining the database. Additionally, database managers must guarantee the safety and security of the data stored. 

Skills Required

• Thorough understanding of databases
• Knowledge of IT architecture
• Proficiency in programming languages like Java, Python, and Ruby

Average Remuneration: $74,570 per year 

Incident Manager

An incident manager is responsible for managing and resolving incidents. The ability to think quickly and handle various situations are the two most crucial requirements for this position.

Skills Required: 

• Attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Must possess a methodical mind
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Average Remuneration: $90,864 per year 

ALSO READ: A Comprehensive Guide to the Top Jobs in the Cybersecurity Field

Top Companies Offering Highest-Paying Cybersecurity Job

In the current US job market, the following cybersecurity companies and security consulting organizations are offering highly competitive salaries for cybersecurity professionals: 

• CrowdStrike
• Splunk
• Palo Alto
• ZScaler
• FireEye 
• Mandiant

Boost Your Cybersecurity Skills and Salary with Emeritus Online Courses and Programs

Having learned what the highest-paying cybersecurity jobs are, build your skill sets and expertise to get an edge in this competitive field. For that, you can choose from a wide selection of online cybersecurity courses at Emeritus, and boost both your cybersecurity skills and career prospects. 

By Rupam Deb 

Write to us at content@emeritus.org