The Ultimate Guide to Cyber Security Jobs in 2023: Explore Top Careers

by Hiration

Greetings, aspiring cyber defenders!

With the ever-evolving digital landscape, the demand for cyber security professionals has skyrocketed, with employment projected to grow 35% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

We will equip you with insider knowledge of the diverse cyber security careers that await. From ethical hackers to cyber analysts, we'll unveil the top gigs and the impressive salaries that come with them.

And we will start from square one - from the educational requirements that pave the way to success to the power of certifications and specialized training that can bolster your skills and open doors to high-flying cyber security careers.

Let's dive in, fellow job seekers, as we embark on this cyber security career exploration together! The types of cyber security jobs that we’ll cover are:

We have curated a list of 9 most-popular and highest-paying cyber security jobs for you. It will consist of the primary job description, followed by required qualifications and impactful certifications to consider, and potential pay.

Starting with entry-level roles focused on foundational skills, the list progresses to senior positions commanding strategic leadership.

These cyber security jobs are arranged in order of expertise and experience level. Let’s commence:

Cyber Security Analyst


Cyber security analyst jobs are pivotal as they protect an organization's IT infrastructure. They are responsible for monitoring security alerts, investigating security incidents, and implementing security measures to thwart potential threats. Their tasks include:
Conducting security assessments and risk analysis
Responding to security incidents and coordinating incident response efforts
Developing and implementing security policies and procedures
Conducting security awareness training for employees

  • Qualifications: To qualify for this role, a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field is typically required.

  • Relevant Certifications: Certifications including CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CySA+) and Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) can boost your prospects.

  • Average Salary: $96,749/year

Also read:
How to make a recruiter-friendly cyber security analyst resume?
What are the factors affecting cyber security analyst salary?

Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester


Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers, are authorized professionals who simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in an organization's systems and networks. Their responsibilities include:
Conducting penetration testing to assess system vulnerabilities
Identifying weaknesses and recommending security improvements
Preparing detailed reports on security assessments and findings

  • Qualifications: For entry-level cyber hacker security jobs, a solid background in computer science or information security is usually required.

  • Relevant Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) are highly valued in this domain.

  • Average Salary: $116,104/year

Cyber Security Engineer


Cyber security engineer jobs look after implementing and managing security solutions within an organization's IT infrastructure. They work closely with cybersecurity analysts and architects to ensure the proper functioning of security measures. Their tasks include:
Configuring and maintaining security systems, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems
Responding to security incidents and conducting investigations
Collaborating with IT teams to ensure secure software development practices

  • Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field is typically required for this role.

  • Relevant Certifications: Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are advantageous for aspiring cybersecurity engineers.

  • Average Salary: $1,31,616/year

Check out: Security Engineer Resume Template for 2023

Incident Response Analyst


Incident response analysts specialize in investigating and mitigating security incidents and breaches. They play a crucial role in minimizing the impact of cyberattacks and preventing future occurrences. Their responsibilities include:
Identifying and analyzing security incidents
Implementing immediate remediation measures
Improving incident response processes and procedures

  • Qualifications: A background in computer science, information security, or forensics is often required for this role.

  • Relevant Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) and Certified Cyber Threat Hunting Professional (CCTHP) demonstrate expertise in incident response.

  • Average Salary: $107,552/year

Check out: Top 15 Cyber Security Certifications

Security Consultant


Security consultants provide expert guidance to organizations on how to enhance their cybersecurity posture. They assess security risks, design security strategies, and offer recommendations for securing sensitive information. Their duties encompass:
Conducting security audits and risk assessments
Assisting in the implementation of security solutions
Collaborating with clients to understand their security requirements

  • Qualifications: A combination of technical expertise and excellent communication skills is vital for security consultants.

  • Relevant Certifications: Certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) are highly beneficial for aspiring security consultants.

  • Average Salary: $123,286/year

Also read: How to add your educational background and relevant certifications to your security analyst resume?

Cyber Security Architect


Cyber security architects are responsible for designing and building secure IT infrastructures. They assess the organization's security requirements, develop security frameworks, and ensure the implementation of robust security solutions. Their duties comprise:
Designing secure network architectures and security frameworks
Evaluating and selecting security technologies and tools
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement security measures

  • Qualifications: Cyber security architects often possess a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, information security, or a related field.

  • Relevant Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (CISSP-ISSAP) and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) can enhance their credentials.

  • Average Salary: $141,799/year

Malware Analyst/Reverse Engineer


Malware analysts or reverse engineers specialize in studying malicious software to understand its functionality and develop countermeasures. They play a vital role in defending against advanced cyber threats and sophisticated attacks. Their responsibilities include:
Analyzing and dissecting malware to identify its behavior and patterns
Developing tools and signatures to detect and remove malware
Collaborating with cybersecurity teams to enhance threat intelligence

  • Qualifications: A strong background in computer science or information security is essential for this role.

  • Relevant Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Malware Investigator (CMI) and GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM) demonstrate expertise in malware analysis and reverse engineering.

  • Average Salary: $136,380/year

Also read: How to frame your experience on cyber security engineer resume in the best manner?

Cyber Security Manager


Cybersecurity managers oversee the operations of a cybersecurity team and are responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of security measures and protocols. They play a critical role in strategizing and managing cybersecurity initiatives. Their duties encompass:
Supervising and guiding cybersecurity personnel
Coordinating with other departments to implement security policies
Developing and managing cybersecurity budgets and resources

  • Qualifications: Cybersecurity managers typically have significant experience in cybersecurity and possess leadership and managerial skills.

  • Relevant Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are valuable for cybersecurity managers.

  • Average Salary: $146,700/year

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)


The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a high-level executive responsible for the overall security strategy of an organization. They lead cybersecurity teams and collaborate with other departments to ensure the implementation of effective security measures. The CISO's key tasks include:
Developing and executing cybersecurity policies and strategies
Overseeing security awareness training and education initiatives
Coordinating with stakeholders to align security objectives with business goals

  • Qualifications: CISOs usually have extensive experience in cybersecurity management and hold advanced degrees in computer science or information security.

  • Relevant Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly regarded in this role.

  • Average Salary: $237,728/year

Also read: Which information systems resume template and format to choose for your resume?

FAQs on Cyber Security Jobs


Which companies offer remote cyber security jobs?


The top 10 companies that provide remote cyber security jobs are:

  1. Citizens Bank
  2. CrowdStrike
  3. Datadog
  4. Kforce
  5. Optiv
  6. Oracle
  7. Robert Half International
  8. SAP
  9. Tanium
  10. Twilio

How much do entry-level cyber security jobs pay?


The salary for entry-level cyber security jobs ranges from $84,962 to $110,004 per year in the United States.

Also read:
How to write an objective for cyber security entry-level resume?
What are the best entry-level cyber security jobs?

What are some of the cyber security government jobs?


Some of the cyber security government jobs in the United States include roles like Cyber Security Analysts at the Department of Defense or Cybercrime Investigators at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Step into cyber security jobs today with the support of Hiration’s ChatGPT-powered career service platform.

It will cater to all your professional needs - from building a shortlist-worthy resume and cover letter to optimizing your LinkedIn profile, preparing for interviews, and more!

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