With the expansion of global technology, the demand for cybersecurity expertise continues to rise.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, the projected growth percentage for cyber security jobs is 28%. It directly correlates to the fact that the career scope of cybersecurity professionals is immense.
However, the catch is that there are approximately 3.1 million positions related to cyber security that are yet to be filled. Cybersecurity jobs take 20 percent longer to fill than any other jobs. It is also true that cybersecurity professionals are paid 16 percent more than average.
But how much exactly is the entry-level cyber security salary?
To land a cyber security job and be well paid even as a fresher, you need to clearly understand the frequently asked questions related to cyber security salary.
- What are cyber security jobs?
- What does cyber security do?
- What is the average salary of cyber security?
- How much does an entry-level cyber security analyst make?
- Salaries for popular entry-level cyber security job titles
- What is the career path and salary growth for cyber security
- How to enhance career prospects as entry-level cyber security?
- What are the skills required for cyber security professionals?
- What are some top cybersecurity companies in the U.S.?
What Are Cyber Security Jobs?
As the name suggests, cyber security refers to protecting computers, mobile networks, and data from any cyber attack. Cyber security jobs also involve protecting the operating system from malicious attacks. It is also known as information security.
If you are looking forward to building a career in cyber security jobs, you can consider these as entry-level cyber security job titles
- Cyber security analyst
- Information security specialist
- Digital forensic examiner
- I.T. auditor
Also Read: What are some of the best entry-level cybersecurity jobs?
What Does a Cyber Security Analyst Do?
A cyber security analyst is responsible for recognizing possible threats to their company’s networking system and protecting them. In simple words, cyber security analysts are the RAW agents working for their nation, safeguarding them from potential terrorist attacks.
They design a backup plan in case any malicious threat is found in the company’s systems. To do so, cyber security analysts need to stay updated with the latest industry trends.
Cybersecurity analysts also mentor staff members to opt for best security practices. Many times companies do not realize their system might be at risk. The cyber security analyst jobs require the analysis and development of plans to reduce the chances of company systems getting hacked.
Also Read: How to create an impeccable cyber security resume in 2022?
What Is the Average Salary of Cyber Security?
Working in a cyber security field offers you the chance to work in a challenging environment. Due to the nature of the job, the average salary of a cyber security professional is slightly higher than any other job. As reported by Payscale, the average salary of cyber security professionals is $77,254 per year
Here is the average base salary range with bonuses and profits to know how much to expect for a cyber security analyst's salary. The data mentioned below is collected from Payscale.
| Details | Cyber Security Analyst Salary |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $54k-$116k |
| Bonus | $1k-$12k |
| Profit Sharing | $511-$11k |
| Commission | $8k-$45k |
| Total Pay | $51k-$119k |
Also Read: How can you draft a job-winning cyber security analyst resume?
How Much Does an Entry Level Cyber Security Analyst Make?
According to Salary.com, the entry-level cyber security analyst's salary in the U.S. is $72,410 per year. The average salary falls in the range of $65,999 to $79,361.
The difference between the average cyber security salary and entry-level cyber security income is $4,844. To bridge the disparity, you need to gain a few years of professional experience and grow in your choice of the cyber security field.
Salaries for Popular Entry-Level Cyber Security Job Titles
An entry-level cyber security professional has many options to build their career trajectory gradually. Here are some of the most popular entry-level cyber security job titles and their salaries, as per Glassdoor.
| Entry Level Cyber Security Job Title | Job Responsibility | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| I.T. Support Technician | Responsible for the proper functioning of the computer networks | $56,303 |
| Incident Analyst | Comprehend cyber security events and provide feedback | $74,020 |
| Penetration Tester | Check for security issues by hacking company networks | $ 87,845 |
| Cyber Security Analyst | Protects computer system through various security methods | $73,479 |
| Information Security Specialist | Researching new security threats and suggesting improvements | $97,273 |
| Digital forensic Examiner | Collect evidence against malicious sources | $75,265 |
| I.T. Auditor | Documenting audit findings and guiding recommendations | $79,707 |
Also Read: How to write a stellar entry-level cyber security resume?
What Is the Career Path and Salary Growth for Cyber Security?
A cyber security professional is currently in high demand. Even if you are hired for an entry-level cybersecurity job, the chances are high that you will eventually excel based on your knowledge, learning, and performance.
Based on the data obtained from CyberSeek, 60% of cyber security jobs require a bachelor’s degree, while 20% require a master’s degree. It suggests that if you are looking to build a career in cyber security, it is worth completing your bachelor’s degree first.
The fact that the starting salary for cyber security professionals is higher than any other related job field suggests that with a few years of experience and additional certifications, you can easily boast an average salary of $95,000.
If you intend to become a cyber security engineer, you can easily rock an average salary of $97,841 as per Payscale. Eventually, a few more years down the line, you can become a cybersecurity architect and enjoy a handsome salary of $ 133,000.
The numbers alone speak for themselves. When you search for cyber security job postings in the Washington D.C. area, you will find more than 19,000 jobs but only 8,000 cybersecurity professionals in that region. It means that the demand is high and supply is less, which means the salary will undoubtedly increase.
Also Read: What are some of the best IT jobs that you can land in 2023?
How to Enhance Career Prospects as an Entry-Level Cyber Security?
Various factors can play a vital role in enhancing the career prospects of an entry-level cybersecurity professional. These factors can eventually help seek higher salaries for entry-level cyber security professionals if kept in mind.
Certifications to Enhance Cyber Security Entry-Level Salary
Even if you have a degree in cyber security or a related field, it is better to go ahead and obtain professional industry-recognized certifications to stand above the crowd. It will help you brush up your knowledge and enhance cyber security skills.
Here are some popular certifications for the cybersecurity field.
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified ethical hacking or CEH V11
- CompTIA Network+
- GIAC Information Security Fundamentals
- Offensive Security Certified Professional
Also Read: What are the top certifications for cyber security in 2022?
Skills to Increase Cyber Security Entry-Level Salary
Even an entry-level cyber security professional with in-demand skills can make more money.
Train and develop yourself with the skills needed to fulfill the tasks associated with cyber security positions.
Here is a list of popular skills that a cybersecurity professional must possess.
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Risk management
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- Analytical skills
Certain skills can affect entry-level cyber security salary. Here are the most popular skills and their impact on cyber security salary.
| Cyber Security Skills | Effect on Salary in % |
|---|---|
| Vendor Management | 47% |
| Intelligence Analysis | 38% |
| Network Support | 36% |
| Identity Management | 35% |
| Signals Intelligence | 23% |
| Splunk | 21% |
| Policy Developemnt | 21% |
| Cloud Computing | 17% |
| Forensics | 12% |
| Project Management | 9% |
Also Read: What skills should you put in your resume?
Company Size
It is common knowledge that a well-established company will offer growth opportunities compared to startups. Companies like KPMG, Symantec, and Cisco will pay their employees above standard norms.
If you are targeting renowned companies in the cyber security industry, ensure to have relevant skills and educational degrees to stand a better chance.
Education to Increase Cyber Security Entry-Level Salary
Most people start working after completing their bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science. Does that mean that a master’s degree won’t serve any good?
Absolutely not! Your master’s degree in computer science or a related field will distinguish you from others. It will increase your chances of getting more paid as well. Since most of the crowd will rush to find a job soon after finishing their master's, they will be paid less.
Also Read: What is the right way to list education on a resume?
Top Cyber Security Companies in the US
Companies in the U.S. pay a hefty amount to cybersecurity professionals. You can look at the top-paying companies and strive to be a part of their team. The data given below is collected from Payscale.com:
| Company | Average Cyber Security Salary |
|---|---|
| Booz Allen and Hamilton | USD 88, 514 |
| Science Applications International Corporation | USD 88,497 |
| Leidos | USD 87, 787 |
| Lockheed Martin Corp | USD 84,990 |
| Northrop Grumman Corporation | USD 81,322 |
| General Dynamics Information Technology | USD 83,500 |
| J.P Morgan Chase & Co. | USD 82,500 |
| Mantech International Corp | USD 108,352 |
| The Boeing Company | USD 84,000 |
| Accenture | USD 84,990 |
| Toch Technologies | USD 99,984 |
| Colsa Corporation | USD 88,758 |
| CACI International Inc. | USD 82,424 |
| Bank of America | USD 80,000 |
| CISCO Systems Inc. | USD 89,006 |
| Deloitte & Touche LLP | USD 80,000 |
| Falconwood | USD 88,000 |
| Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. | USD 119,500 |
FAQs About Cybersecurity Entry-level Salary
What is the lowest salary for cyber security?
The lowest salary for a career in cybersecurity can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific role, but it typically ranges from $50,000 to $60,000 per year.
What is the salary of cyber security after the 1-year experience?
The average Entry Level Cyber Security Analyst salary in the United States is $76,031 per annum.
How much do entry-level cyber security engineers make?
Entry-level cyber security engineers typically earn an average salary of $93,398 per year, depending on factors such as location, industry, and qualifications.
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