Top 10 High-paying Cybersecurity Jobs.

According to the Information Security Analyst’s Outlook from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cybersecurity job market is expected to expand rapidly, with a projected growth rate of 31% by 2029. This growth rate is over seven times higher than the average job growth rate of 4% across other industries.

1. Chief Information Security Officer – CISO.

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a high-ranking executive tasked with safeguarding an organization’s sensitive information.

This entails designing and managing information security and risk management strategies. CISOs are also expected to liaise with stakeholders and keep them informed about information security issues. Typically, a CISO would have had prior experience in various cybersecurity job positions before rising to the rank of CISO.

Skills required for CISO job.

In order to start a job as a CISO, it is advisable to have a computer science degree and an MBA due to the high level of responsibility associated with the role. However, in addition to educational qualifications, a potential candidate must possess a set of vital skills. The following are some of the most crucial ones:

• Business expertise
• Risk management
• Supervisory and Incident management
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• IT experience

Required Certifications.

In the cybersecurity field, having relevant certifications is often a requirement for many job positions. The more certifications you hold, the more your career in cybersecurity can grow.

For those aspiring to become a CISO, two of the most preferred certifications are the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These certifications demonstrate the candidate’s knowledge and skills in information security management and are highly valued in the industry.

The process of obtaining these certifications can be long and comped. For instance, the CISSP certification requires at least 5 years of working experience. Therefore, on the way to CISSP, one can also start from obtaining more basic certification, such as, in example, Holistic Information Security Practitioner (HISP) Institute (HISPI) certification.

CISO’s Salaries in the US as per 2023.

As per the data from PayScale, the average yearly salary for a CISO in the United States is $173,130, which indicates that this is a lucrative career path.

Let’s move on and explore the next important position in the field of cybersecurity.

2. Security Architect.

A Security Architect is a crucial role in cybersecurity, responsible for designing and implementing robust security structures to prevent malware attacks. They perform vulnerability tests to identify weaknesses in the system and provide technical assistance to other members of the security team. Their expertise ensures the organization’s security is maintained and that sensitive information is protected from cyber threats.

Skills Required for Security Architect Job.

If you aspire to become a security architect, it is preferable to hold a degree in computer science or information technology. A few essential skills required for this job role are:

• Experience in the risk management sector
• Knowledge of security protocols and cryptography
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Strong IT experience
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Network hardware configuration

Required Certifications.

To get a role as a security architect, it is recommended to hold certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). These certifications can enhance your skillset and provide you with the knowledge needed to design secure systems and prevent cyber attacks.

Security Architect Salary in the US as per 2023.

Based on data from PayScale, the average annual cybersecurity salary for a Security Architect in the United States is $134,348.

Certainly, let’s delve into the role of a cybersecurity engineer.

3. Cybersecurity Engineer.

Cybersecurity engineers are tasked with devising and implementing security strategies to safeguard their organization from cyberattacks. They’re responsible for ensuring that their organization’s networks and data are secure. They develop cybersecurity frameworks and work collaboratively with other teams to maintain a comprehensive security posture. 

Skills Required for Cybersecurity Engineer Job.

To start a professional career as a cybersecurity engineer, it is important to have a degree in computer science or information technology. Before stepping into the role of a cybersecurity engineer, it is recommended to have at least two years of experience in the relevant field. Apart from these prerequisites, there are a few key skills that a cybersecurity engineer should possess, including:

• Knowledge of various operating systems, databases, and networks.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, including encryption and secure coding practices.
• Expertise in security assessment tools and techniques.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Required Certifications.

To enhance their career, cybersecurity engineers can opt for industry-recognized certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).

Cybersecurity Engineer Salaries in the US as per 2023.

In the United States, the average annual salary for a cybersecurity engineer, according to PayScale, is $100,131.

4. Malware Analyst.

A malware analyst plays a crucial role in identifying and analyzing cyber threats, including viruses, worms, bots, and trojans, to gain insights into their nature. They work on developing malware protection tools and document the methodologies to mitigate malware threats.

Skills Required for Malware Analyst job.

To become a malware analyst, it’s recommended to hold a degree in information technology or computer science. It’s also beneficial to have at least two years of work experience in a related field before pursuing a career as a malware analyst. Additionally, a malware analyst should have the following skills:

• Strong analytical skills to analyze and identify malware threats
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, C++, and assembly language
• Understanding of malware behavior, including how it spreads and infects systems
• Experience with malware analysis tools such as IDA Pro, OllyDbg, and Wireshark
• Strong communication skills to explain technical information to non-technical stakeholders
• Continuous learning and updating skills as new malware threats emerge.

Required Certifications.

Moreover, obtaining industry-recognized certifications like GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM) and Certified Malware Investigator (CMI) can help advance the career of a malware analyst. 

Malware Analyst salaries in the US as per 2023.

The average annual cybersecurity salary for malware analysts in the United States, according to PayScale, is $92,880.

5. Penetration Tester.

A penetration tester, also known as an ethical hacker, is a network security consultant responsible for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in systems, just like a hacker would.

They use various techniques to simulate attacks and test the security of an organization’s systems and networks. They design new penetration tools, document the test results, and provide recommendations for improving security measures.

Skills Required for Penetration Tester job.

In order to have a career as a penetration tester, it is imperative to have a minimum of 1 to 4 years of prior experience in the information security domain. Additionally, there are several other critical skills that are required, which include:

• Knowledge of Windows, Linux, and UNIX operating systems. Also, knowledge of C and C++ is required
• Black box testing
• Good networking skills
• Knowledge of Java, Python, and Perl is also vital
• Strong reporting, communication, and presentation skills

Required Certifications.

To secure a position as a penetration tester, it is necessary to obtain certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT), and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). These certifications are crucial in demonstrating the required skills and knowledge for the job.

Penetration Tester Salaries in the US as per 2023.

As per PayScale, the average annual salary for a penetration tester in the United States is $134,348. This figure represents the average compensation earned by individuals in this profession.

Now that you have comprehended the job responsibilities of a penetration tester let’s shift our focus to the role of a computer forensics analyst in the realm of cybersecurity jobs.

6. Computer Forensics Analyst.

Computer Forensics Analysts are responsible for handling cyberattack cases by collecting digital evidence and retrieving lost data. They specialize in recovering information that has been deleted, tampered with, or stolen.

Skills Required for Computer Forensics Analyst job.

To land a job as a computer forensics analyst, an individual must possess a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience in the field. Additionally, the following skills are necessary for this role:

• Networking knowledge
• Knowledge of cybersecurity
• Understanding of law and criminal investigation 
• A sound analytical mind with attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

Required Certifications.

Computer forensics analysts can bolster their credentials by obtaining certifications such as Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) and Certified Computer Examiner (CCE). These certifications demonstrate the individual’s proficiency in the required skills and knowledge for the job.

Computer Forensics Analyst Salaries in the US as per 2023.

As per PayScale, the average yearly income of a computer forensics analyst in the United States is $75,525.

7. Application Security Engineer.

The role of an application security engineer involves developing, implementing, and maintaining the security of a company’s applications. This includes designing and enforcing policies to safeguard against both internal and external threats.

Typically, an application security engineer’s day involves reviewing the previous day’s findings to identify and address any bugs or vulnerabilities. They may also collaborate with other engineers to plan upcoming projects.

The salary for an application security engineer can vary based on factors such as the company they work for and their level of experience. On average, this role commands a salary ranging from $77,000 to $116,000. However, senior-level engineers or those with more than ten years of experience can earn up to $111,000.

8. Cloud Security Specialist.

With the increasing reliance on cloud technology, the demand for cloud security specialists has grown significantly and is expected to continue to do so in the future. The primary responsibility of a cloud security specialist is to safeguard data, systems, and networks from cyber-attacks.

This involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, implementing protective measures, monitoring networks for signs of intrusion, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Cloud security specialists are responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures to secure data stored on cloud servers. Their goal is to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure of sensitive information. The salary for a cloud security specialist varies based on their level of experience.

An entry-level specialist can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from $82,000 to $105,000, while an experienced professional can earn between $137,000 to $172,000 per year.

9. Database Administrator.

With the increasing reliance on cloud technology, the demand for cloud security specialists has grown significantly and is expected to continue to do so in the future. The primary responsibility of a cloud security specialist is to safeguard data, systems, and networks from cyber-attacks.

This involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, implementing protective measures, monitoring networks for signs of intrusion, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Cloud security specialists are responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures to secure data stored on cloud servers. Their goal is to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure of sensitive information. The salary for a cloud security specialist varies based on their level of experience.

An entry-level specialist can expect to earn a yearly salary of about $85,000.

10. Incident Manager.

An incident manager is responsible for managing and resolving any incidents that may arise. They need to be capable of handling various situations and thinking on their feet to solve them efficiently.

The salary of incident managers depends on factors such as their location, experience, and the company they work for. However, on average, an incident manager can expect to earn around $100,000 per year.

If you’re a certificate collector or love to have certificates especially related to cybersecurity, here is a tip for you. Coursera has listed the top 10 updated certificates that can lift your level and experience in the field swiftly.