While there is a wide range of incomes in the field of cyber security — as is the case when looking at any big topically-linked set of employment — we can say one thing for certain: the field is growing. When compared to other degrees of the same level, cyber security graduates employed in the industry earn significantly more than the average income for all degree types of the same level across all industries and countries. Some of these hidden gems pay exceptionally well, such as a position that requires only an associate’s degree but pays an average of $73,000 per year, according to Payscale. Having said that, there is a vast range of employer kinds and levels of responsibility that can have a significant impact on a person’s security pay and other benefits. One thing to keep in mind for people looking for careers in cyber security is that it is unquestionably a graduate’s market. If you believe that you are being undervalued by a certain offer, you should look elsewhere. In the cyber security field, it is anticipated that there will be 1.5 million unfilled job positions by 2019, and at the current rate of production, there will not be nearly enough cyber security graduates to fill that gap.
When it comes to compensation expectations for those with a cyber security degree, the range is normally between $70,000 and $120,000, depending on previous experience. The majority of cyber security wages are comparable to those of other in-demand technological roles. Only the most competent developers will earn more than $200,000, though rising through the ranks of a larger business might easily result in salaries that exceed that amount. Additionally, as with other IT sectors, there is always the option to branch out and start your service or product line. While this may not initially result in a wage, the payback can be significant if you can get your firm up and operate sustainably. And, given the current scarcity of cyber security skills, there is no dearth of cyber security clients to satisfy their needs.
For a more concrete answer to the question of what type of compensation one may expect with a cyber security degree, let’s take a look at some of the most frequent cyber security occupations by the level of schooling.
WHAT SALARY CAN I EXPECT WITH AN ASSOCIATE IN CYBER SECURITY?
In the same way that associates can get you into other IT sectors, associates can get you into many cyber security firms. As is true of many areas that rely heavily on information technology and software development, there are numerous methods to break into the sector without a degree. Although many larger, more traditional firms will identify the degree level they are searching for on a role-by-role basis, many smaller, more entrepreneurial organizations will not. Here are the salaries for some of the most frequent associate-level professions in the field of information technology and cyber security.
a median salary of $73,426 for a security specialist
How to Become a Security Specialist (Guidelines)
The median annual salary for a vulnerability assessor is $64,000.
Vulnerability Assessor Security Administrator: A Step-by-Step Guide — Median Salary: $61,500
WHAT SALARY CAN I EXPECT WITH A BACHELOR’S IN CYBER SECURITY?
In most information technology and development industries, a bachelor’s degree — particularly if you have some projects in your portfolio — is sufficient to get you hired by the majority of firms. While credentials are vital in cyber security (and can help you earn more money), many certification exams require you to have several years of on-the-job experience before you can sit for the certification exam. As a result, we’ve included the salaries of some of the most frequent bachelor’s-level roles in cyber security for those who do not have cyber security certificates in the table below.
Security Architect — Median Salary: $120,091 Guide to Becoming a Security Architect Security Auditor — Median Salary: $90,497 Guide to Becoming a Security Auditor Cryptographer — Median Salary: $112,560 Guide to Becoming a Cryptographer
How to Become a Security Auditor: A Step-by-Step Guide
a median salary of $85,177 for a security engineer
The typical Salary for Ethical Hackers is $72,000 per year.
How to Become a Security Engineer (Guidelines)
The median salary for a penetration tester is $71,600.
How to Become a Penetration Tester (Guidelines)
Security Analyst — Median Salary: $70,096 How to Become a Security Analyst Security Software Developer — Median Salary: $68,927 How to Become a Security Software Developer
Guide to Becoming a Security Software Security Code Auditor — Median Salary: $64,721 Guide to Becoming a Security Code Auditor Forensics Expert — Median Salary: $54,000 Guide to Becoming a Security Software Security Code Auditor — Median Salary: $64,721
Guide to Becoming a Forensics Expert Incident Responder — Median Salary: $50,000 Guide to Becoming a Forensics Expert Incident Responder — Median Salary: $50,000 Guide to Becoming an Incident Responder
WHAT SALARY CAN I EXPECT WITH A MASTER’S IN CYBER SECURITY?
While just a small number of cyber security professions will require a master’s degree from every applicant, master’s degrees can help you land jobs with firms that are working on more cutting-edge technology or offer you an advantage in the competition for top positions. Candidates with master’s degrees are also more likely to climb up the ranks of a cyber security business once they have gained some experience (if they don’t have any at the time of application). Jobs in cyber security that are performed by master’s degree holders in cyber security or similar subjects are also more likely to be higher paying. Master’s degree holders in cyber security are normally qualified for all occupations listed above in the bachelor’s and associate’s categories, and they are likely to be paid even more than those who hold bachelor’s degrees in cyber security. It is important to note that we are given average salaries, which puts us roughly in the middle of a pay range. In addition to looking at the salaries in the bachelor’s category higher above, you can also look at our extensive guide pages on careers for a range of earnings by position to get a better idea of what a master’s degree might net you in one or more of the professions in the categories listed above. Another thing to keep in mind is that many of the roles listed below require several years of relevant experience. So, even if you have a master’s degree, if you haven’t worked or haven’t worked for a lengthy period, you will most likely work your way up to the roles listed below through bachelor’s-level positions first. We’ve compiled a list of positions where a master’s degree in cyber security (or a similar topic) is frequently specified in job descriptions.
Compensation for a Chief Information Security Officer: $204,000 on average
Architect, Security — Median Annual Salary: $120,091
Guide to Becoming A Security Architect Security Manager — Median Salary: $100,215 Guide to Becoming A Security Manager Security Consultant — Median Salary: $81,140 Guide to Becoming A Security Manager Security Consultant — Median Salary: $81,140
An Overview of the Career Pathway to Become A Security Consultant Security Director — Median Salary: $75,474
How to Become a Security Director (Guidelines)
WHAT SALARY CAN I EXPECT WITH AN DOCTORATE IN CYBER SECURITY?
I’m thinking about getting a doctorate in cyber security, and I’m wondering what kind of salary I may expect.
A doctorate in cyber security is required for just a small number of professions outside of academic and research contexts. Doctorates are becoming increasingly frequent among high-level information assurance policymakers, high-level managers in government organizations, cutting-edge research labs, and high-value consultants, even though doctorates are becoming less common overall. A handful of the positions that PhDs in information assurance may find themselves in are listed further down on this page.
Professor of Information Security (tenure-track) — Median Salary: $113,857 dollars
Compensation for a Chief Information Security Officer: $204,000 on average
Architect, Security — Median Annual Salary: $120,091
