The Top 7 High Demand Cybersecurity Jobs and How to Land Them
John Greenwood
Posted On March 20, 2023
Looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity? Learn about the most sought-after cybersecurity jobs and the qualifications needed to land them.
In today’s AI dominated era, cybersecurity has become a top priority for organizations across all industries. With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has also risen.
In this article, we will discuss the top 7 high demand cybersecurity jobs, including their job roles, required skills, qualifications, average salaries, top industries hiring them, certifications and courses, job outlook, and growth potential.
Top 7 cybersecurity jobs in demand:
| Job | Salary | Certifications Required | Experience Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Consultant | $76,410 | CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CISSP | 2-5 years |
| Information Security Analyst | $99,730 | CISSP, CISM, CompTIA Security+ | 3-5 years |
| Penetration Tester | $103,000 | OSCP, CEH, CompTIA PenTest+ | 3-5 years |
| Cybersecurity Consultant | $120,000 | CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA | 5-7 years |
| Cybersecurity Manager | $129,000 | CISSP, CISM, PMP | 7-10 years |
| Incident Manager | $84,000 | CISSP, CISM, CISA, ITIL | 5+ years |
| Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | $174,000 | CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA, CGEIT | 10+ years |
1. Security Consultant
A security consultant is responsible for developing and implementing security solutions for businesses or organizations. They evaluate existing security systems, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend improvements. The job requires a deep understanding of cybersecurity best practices and emerging threats. Security consultants must also have strong communication skills to work with clients and explain complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
- Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CISA
- 5+ years of experience in information security
Salary
According to Payscale, the average salary for a security consultant is $84,000 per year in the United States.
Courses and Certifications
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- CompTIA Security+
2. Information Security Analyst
A Information security analyst is responsible for monitoring an organization’s security systems and identifying potential threats. They use tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software to detect and prevent security breaches. Security analysts must have strong analytical skills and be able to quickly respond to security incidents.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
- Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, SSCP, or GIAC
- 3+ years of experience in information security
Salary
According to Payscale, the average salary for a Information security analyst is $70,000 per year in the United States.
Courses and Certifications
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
3. Penetration Tester
A penetration tester, also known as an ethical hacker, is responsible for testing an organization’s security systems by attempting to exploit vulnerabilities. They use tools and techniques to simulate attacks and identify weaknesses in the system. Penetration testers must have a deep understanding of cybersecurity threats and countermeasures.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
- Certifications such as OSCP, CEH, or GPEN
- 3+ years of experience in information security
Salary
According to Payscale, the average salary for a penetration tester is $86,000 per year in the United States.
Courses and Certifications
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
4. Incident Responder
An incident responder is responsible for investigating and responding to security incidents in an organization. They must have strong technical skills to identify and contain security breaches. Incident responders must also have good communication skills to work with other members of the security team and stakeholders.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
- Certifications such as GCIA, GCIH, or CISSP
- 3+ years of experience in information security
Salary
According to Payscale, the average salary for an incident responder is $82,000 per year in the United States.
Courses and Certifications
- GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
5. Cybersecurity Manager
A Cybersecurity Manager is responsible for overseeing an organization’s security measures, including risk management, vulnerability assessments, incident response, and policy development. They develop and implement security strategies, manage security teams, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
Requirements Bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CISA 5+ years of experience in information security, including 2+ years of managerial experience Strong knowledge of security frameworks and standards, such as NIST, ISO, and CIS Excellent communication and leadership skills
Skills and Qualifications:
- In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity concepts and principles, including threat intelligence, risk management, and incident response.
- Familiarity with various cybersecurity technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and encryption tools.
- Experience with cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST, ISO, and CIS Controls, and ability to implement them in a real-world environment.
- Strong communication and leadership skills to manage a team of cybersecurity professionals and collaborate with other departments.
- Industry-standard cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM, and CompTIA Security+.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field, and relevant work experience in the cybersecurity domain.
Salary
According to Indeed, the average salary for a Cybersecurity Manager is $119,000 per year in the United States.
Courses and Certifications
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Cybersecurity Management
6. Cybersecurity Consultant
Cybersecurity consultants work with organizations to assess their security needs and develop solutions to mitigate risk and improve their overall security posture. They provide guidance on security best practices, conduct security assessments, and help organizations develop and implement security policies and procedures.
Education and Training
Cybersecurity consultants typically hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information security, or a related field. Some employers may require a master’s degree in cybersecurity or relevant certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
Skills and Qualifications
- Strong understanding of security principles, risk management, and compliance regulations
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong project management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience with security assessment tools and techniques
Job Outlook and Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management analysts (which includes cybersecurity consultants) can expect a job growth of 11% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for management analysts was $87,660 in May 2020.
7. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for overseeing an organization’s overall security strategy and ensuring that security policies and procedures are being followed. They work with other senior leaders to identify and mitigate security risks and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Education and Training
CISOs typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, information security, or a related field. They may also hold relevant certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
Skills and Qualifications
- Strong understanding of security principles, risk management, and compliance regulations
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- Strong project management skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Experience with security assessment tools and techniques
Job Outlook and Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executives (which includes CISOs) can expect a job growth of 4% from 2020 to 2030, which is about the same as the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for top executives was $107,680 in May 2020.
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the demand for cybersecurity professionals will continue to grow. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and frequent, organizations are investing heavily in their cybersecurity defenses. This has resulted in a surge in demand for cybersecurity professionals, with a wide range of roles available across different industries and locations.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, there are several paths you can take. Whether you are interested in becoming a penetration tester, a security analyst, or a cybersecurity engineer, there are plenty of opportunities available. By obtaining the necessary education, certifications, and work experience, you can position yourself for a successful and rewarding career in this exciting and rapidly growing field.
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