Did you know there are 3.4 million cybersecurity jobs in the USA? With cyber threats getting more common and complex, there’s a huge need for cybersecurity pros. Every company now sees cybersecurity as key for staying safe and growing.
This article will look at the top cybersecurity jobs in the USA. We’ll cover what each job does, the skills and certifications you need, and what your career and salary might look like.
As you explore exciting cybersecurity jobs in the USA, it’s essential to understand the various career paths available to you. From penetration testers to security consultants, there are many rewarding careers that can help you grow professionally and personally. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most in-demand cybersecurity roles, including incident responders, threat hunters, and security engineers. By understanding these career paths, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your future in the field.
The cybersecurity job market is rapidly evolving, with new roles and specializations emerging all the time. In this guide, we’ll explore the latest job trends in cybersecurity, including the skills that are most in demand by employers. Whether you’re looking to transition into a new role or advance your current career, understanding these job trends will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Resume Tips: When applying for cybersecurity jobs, having a strong resume is crucial for standing out from the competition. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips and best practices for crafting a winning cybersecurity resume. From highlighting relevant certifications to showcasing your problem-solving skills, we’ll show you how to make your resume shine.
The interview process can be nerve-wracking, but with preparation and practice, you can ace even the toughest cybersecurity interviews. In this guide, we’ll offer valuable insights and strategies for acing common cybersecurity interview questions, from behavioral questions to technical challenges. By being well-prepared, you’ll be able to confidently showcase your skills and experience.
In today’s fast-paced cybersecurity landscape, it’s essential to continuously develop new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to improve your cybersecurity skills, from online courses and certifications to networking and mentorship opportunities. By prioritizing skill development, you’ll be able to remain competitive in the job market and advance your career.
Key Takeaways
- The global cybersecurity market is expected to grow from $170 billion in 2017 to $202 billion in 2023.
- More than 1 million cybersecurity jobs will be available by 2023, but less than 400,000 cybersecurity professionals will be trained by then.
- The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that information security analysts earn a median salary of $112,000 per year in the cybersecurity field.
- Over the next eight years, the job outlook for cybersecurity is projected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 32%.
- Lockheed Martin offers the Cyber Accelerator Program (CAP) for its technical employees, providing a structured approach to skills development in cybersecurity.
Introduction to Cybersecurity Careers
The need for skilled cybersecurity pros in the USA has grown fast. The field is expected to grow by 11% in 2023 and 20% in 2025. This is because cyber attacks are happening more often and we rely more on digital stuff.
Every 39 seconds, hackers strike. So, companies need experts to protect their important systems and data. This is a big chance for those looking for a cybersecurity career.
The Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
There’s a big shortage of cybersecurity workers, with only about 400,000 trained by 2023 for over 1 million jobs. This is a great chance for a cybersecurity career. The cybersecurity job market offers good pay, job security, and chances for cybersecurity career growth and cybersecurity job satisfaction.
Why Pursue a Career in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is exciting and always changing. You need to keep learning to beat the bad guys. People in this field protect important info and networks, helping businesses and people a lot.
The cybersecurity job growth and cybersecurity workforce shortage look promising. The benefits of a cybersecurity career include different jobs, good pay, and the chance to work in areas you like.
Cybersecurity Roles | Average Salary |
---|---|
Entry-Level Cybersecurity Specialist | $106,265 |
Incident and Intrusion Analyst | $85,000 |
Mid-Level Cybersecurity Analyst | $107,517 |
Penetration and Vulnerability Tester | $120,662 |
Cybersecurity Manager | $128,665 |
Cybersecurity Engineer | $127,094 |
Threat Hunter (Threat/Warning Analyst)
In the world of cybersecurity, threat hunters are key. They look for threats before they happen. They use new threat info to find attackers missed by others. They need skills in threat intelligence, system and network forensics, and solving mysteries.
The Role and Responsibilities of a Threat Hunter
Threat hunters find attackers missed by usual checks. They often find enemies that have been there for a long time. Their work helps make cybersecurity better.
They work with teams that handle security issues. They give important advice to make defenses stronger.
Skills and Certifications for Threat Hunting
To be good at threat hunting, you need certain skills. These include:
- Threat intelligence to spot and study new threats
- System and network forensics to find proof of attacks
- Investigative development processes to track and fight threats
Recommended SANS courses for threat hunters are:
- FOR508 (GCFA Certification)
- FOR572 (GNFA Certification)
- FOR578 (GCTI Certification)
- FOR608
- FOR610 (GREM Certification)
- SEC504 (GCIH Certification)
- SEC541
- ICS515 (GRID Certification)
- ICS612
These courses teach important skills. They cover digital and network forensics, threat intelligence, and how to respond to incidents. These skills are key for threat hunting.
Red Teamer (Adversary Emulation Specialist)
As a red teamer, I look at problems from an attacker’s point of view. My job is to make the Blue Team stronger. I do this by testing how well they can spot and react to threats.
I use adversary emulation to test the Blue Team. I act like a real attacker would, using the same tactics and methods. This helps find weak spots in the organization’s defense.
Location | Salary Range (USD) |
---|---|
Alexandria, Virginia, United States | $63,000 – $147,000 |
Latin America and Europe | $38,000 – $71,000 |
Central Bohemian (Prague) | €34,000 – €79,000 |
Level 2, Wing A & B, Tower (unknown location) | $24,000 – $56,000 |
Jakarta, Indonesia | $45,000 – $84,000 |
Walldorf, Germany | €27,000 – €63,000 |
Paris, France | €34,000 – €79,000 |
Bangalore, India | $31,000 – $73,000 |
Kansas, United States | $102,000 – $189,000 |
Stafford, VA, United States | $42,000 – $98,000 |
Denver, Colorado, United States | $63,000 – $147,000 |
Dublin, Ireland | €87,000 – €162,000 |
CrowdStrike (remote locations) | $84,000 – $123,000 |
Google New York, USA | $114,000 – $168,000 |
Visa Austin, Texas, United States | $119,000 |
Oracle North Ryde, Australia | AUD 46,000 – AUD 107,000 |
The SEC565 course from SANS Institute is great for red teamers. It covers six sections on Red Teaming, technical skills, and analyzing the Blue Team’s response.
To be a red teamer, you need certain tech and software. You’ll need a strong CPU, lots of RAM, and enough storage space. Your computer must run the latest Windows or macOS, and you’ll need VMware installed.
Red teamers often work for companies that test cybersecurity for others. There’s no one way to become a red teamer. Employers look for a mix of skills, including tech knowledge and experience in security.
Digital Forensics Analyst
In the world of cybersecurity, digital forensics analysts are key. They find the digital clues left by criminals. They work with computers, smartphones, cloud data, and networks to solve crimes and help in court.
Unraveling Digital Footprints
These experts are like digital detectives. They collect and study evidence from devices and systems. They use their skills to solve puzzles and find out what really happened in a crime.
Their work is crucial in responding to incidents. They give insights that physical evidence alone can’t.
Education and Training for Digital Forensics
To be great at digital forensics, you need many skills. This includes knowledge in computer, smartphone, cloud, and network forensics. FOR498 (GBFA Certification), FOR500 (GCFE Certification), FOR508 (GCFA Certification), FOR509, FOR518 (GIME Certification), FOR572 (GNFA Certification), FOR585 (GASF Certification), and SEC501 (GCED Certification) are some recommended courses.
These courses teach you how to analyze digital evidence and respond to incidents. They give you the skills and knowledge you need.
Digital forensics analysts in the USA can earn between $59,033 and $135,498 a year. They usually work about 40 hours a week. Most employers want a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or cybersecurity. Some might want a master’s degree. Certifications like GCFE, GCFA, GIME, GNFA, GASF, and GCED can make you more credible and increase your pay.
Purple Teamer
In the world of cybersecurity, purple teamers are becoming key. They mix offensive and defensive skills. This helps bridge the gap between red and blue teams.
Purple teamers work on simulating attacks and finding new ways to improve security. They help make the security center better at spotting threats. They also suggest ways to make the organization stronger against attacks.
They connect the red and blue teams. This ensures everyone works together to make the organization safer.
There’s a big need for purple teamers. They can earn around $130,000 to over $200,000, depending on where they work and their skills. Purple team engineers are often in big companies that support both offensive and defensive teams.
To be a good purple teamer, you need many skills. You should know about cloud security, IAM, coding, and programming languages. You also need to be good at working with others. This is because you’ll work with the red and blue teams to keep the organization safe.
There are special courses available for those who want to be purple teamers. For example, the SANS Institute offers training. This shows how important purple teamers are becoming in the world of cybersecurity.
Malware Analyst
As a malware analyst, you face cybercriminals head-on. You dive deep into malicious software to understand its threats. Your job is to find out how it got in and what harm it can do.
Malware analysis needs special skills. You must know about reverse engineering, binary analysis, and threat intelligence. These skills help you uncover the true purpose of the malware. This lets your team defend against threats better.
Equipping Yourself for the Challenge
To be great at malware analysis, get the right training and certifications. The SANS Institute offers courses just for this job. They suggest certifications like:
- GIME (GIAC Incident Response Essentials) for learning about malware and how to respond
- GASF (GIAC Advanced Smartphone Forensics) for deep mobile device checks
- GREM (GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware) for advanced malware skills
- FOR710 for better malware analysis and reverse engineering
- SEC501 (GCED) for a broad view of cybersecurity
These programs teach you how to spot malware and trace its steps. With these skills, you’ll be key in your team’s fight against cyber threats. You’ll help detect, analyze, and stop complex cyber attacks.
Metric | Value |
---|---|
Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) | 33% (much faster than average) |
2020 Median Pay | $103,590 |
Median Malware Analyst Salary | $91,886 |
Average Malware Analyst Salary | $90,383 – $165,000 |
As technology grows, so does the need for malware analysts. With the right training and certifications, you can lead in this field. You’ll play a key role in protecting organizations from malware threats.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is key in any company. They lead the cybersecurity efforts and handle risks. They make sure the company’s data and systems are safe from cyber threats.
Leading Cybersecurity Strategies and Risk Management
A CISO’s job is to make and carry out security plans to protect the company’s assets. This means:
- Identifying and checking security risks in the company
- Creating security rules and controls to lessen these risks
- Managing security technologies and solutions
- Seeing to it the company follows security laws and standards
- Teaching employees about cybersecurity best practices
To do well, you need to know the latest in cybersecurity and have strong leadership and communication skills. You’ll work with different teams and people.
Salary Range for CISO Roles in the USA | Relevant CISO Salary Information in the USA |
---|---|
Approximately $105,916 to $254,716 per year | $116,000 to $216,000 per year |
As a CISO, you’re at the front line of protecting your company’s important assets. With the right skills in tech, business, and leadership, you can greatly help keep your company safe for the future.
Blue Teamer – All-Around Defender
As a blue teamer, or cybersecurity defender, I protect organizations in tough spots. My job as a cyber defense analyst covers many tasks. I do security operations, incident response, and manage security tools. I’m a cybersecurity generalist with many skills to keep my organization safe.
The blue team fights off threats to an enterprise’s systems. I must spot oddities, figure out if they’re threats, and act calmly. Tools like Security Orchestration & Automated Response (SOAR) help me act fast to stop attacks.
To do well, I got certifications like the Certified Network Defender (CND v2), Certified SOC Analyst (CSA), and Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA). These have given me many career chances, from basic network security to advanced security analysis.
With more cloud breaches during the pandemic, the need for skilled blue teamers like me is huge. I’m happy to be on the front lines. I use my skills and knowledge to protect my organization and its assets.
Cybersecurity Jobs
The cybersecurity field has many job roles and paths. Each job has its own set of tasks, skills needed, and chances for growth. You can find technical jobs like cybersecurity engineer and security analyst. Or, you might like managerial roles like security architect and chief information security officer (CISO).
Some of the most wanted cybersecurity jobs in the USA include:
- Cybersecurity Engineer – Average salary: $124,101 per year
- Security Analyst – Average salary: $102,913 per year
- Network Security Architect – Average salary: $158,445 per year
- Security Software Developer – Average salary: $124,739 per year
- Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker – Average salary: $103,566 per year
- Security Architect and Engineer – Average salary: $159,297 per year
The demand for cybersecurity workers is growing faster than the supply. This means great job opportunities and a bright future. The average salary in the USA is $117,010 per year. Entry-level jobs start at $87,988, and experienced pros can earn over $165,000.
With a 31% job growth expected in the next 10 years, cybersecurity is booming. It offers many chances for a rewarding career. Whether you like technical work, leadership, or both, there’s a place for you in cybersecurity.
Security Architect and Engineer
In the world of cybersecurity, security architects and engineers are key. They design and put into action strong security plans. They make sure organizations stay safe from cyber threats.
These experts have both technical skills and a big-picture view. They look at an organization’s security needs. They balance business and tech needs while thinking about security rules and steps. Their goal is to create security plans that stop, find, and handle cyber threats.
Designing Secure Systems and Architectures
Security architects and engineers are great at making secure systems. They check an organization’s setup, find weak spots, and fix them with special security solutions. They use things like firewalls, systems to stop intruders, encryption, and ways to manage who can access things.
They also help make plans for emergencies to keep the business running after a cyber attack. Working with different teams, they make and test plans for handling and bouncing back from security issues. This helps the organization deal with and recover from security problems fast.
Key Responsibilities of Security Architects and Engineers |
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The need for strong cybersecurity is growing, making security architects and engineers more important. They lead in keeping organizations safe from cyber threats. They make sure important data and systems stay safe and available.
Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker
As a penetration tester or ethical hacker, I protect organizations from cyber threats. My job is to find weaknesses and make defenses stronger. I act like hackers to find and fix problems in networks and systems.
Penetration testing helps me check an organization’s security from a hacker’s view. I use special tools and methods to pretend to attack, finding weak spots. This helps my clients fix security issues before hackers can.
Identifying Vulnerabilities and Strengthening Defenses
My work involves planning and understanding what the organization needs. Then, I use ethical hacking to find and test weaknesses. This helps me see where the security is weak.
- Conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to uncover potential entry points
- Perform simulated attacks to test the effectiveness of security controls
- Analyze the results and provide detailed reports with actionable recommendations
- Collaborate with the security team to implement the necessary remediation measures
Being a penetration tester helps organizations stay safe from cyber threats. My work is key to protecting important data and assets from hackers.
Metric | Value |
---|---|
Average Annual Salary (USA) | $82,500 |
Potential Bonuses and Commissions | $17,000 |
Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | 33% |
Common Certifications | GIAC, OSCP, CISSP, CEH |
Conclusion
The cybersecurity field in the USA is full of exciting and rewarding jobs. With more cyber threats, the need for skilled people is growing fast. This means great job chances for those with the right cybersecurity skills and cybersecurity certifications.
There are many roles to choose from, like threat hunting and security leadership. You could even become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
The cybersecurity workforce in the USA is big, with 1.33 million people working in it. But, there’s still a big need for more people, about 4 million more worldwide by 2023. This is a chance for you to join and make a big difference.
Working in cybersecurity means you’ll always be learning and growing. It’s a field that’s always changing. It’s a great way to help protect digital security and grow in your career.
Source Links
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