Cybersecurity is no longer an optional component of the corporate environment; it is an example of cutting-edge technology that must be used throughout the entire firm, even in the business areas that are typically overlooked.
The demand for cybersecurity experts is more significant than ever because cyberattacks are rising, particularly in the post-pandemic period. Companies desperately need young geniuses who can help to make them protect sensitive data from modern threat actors and hacker groups.
The roadmap for cybersecurity is promising, and young professionals can look forward to new opportunities, even in remote working models. One can begin their profession in network security using a tried-and-tested method thanks to the abundance of online courses and Capture the Flag (CTF) platforms that are willing to teach cybersecurity news.
Regarding employment, it is worth noting that the cybersecurity industry is expected to see a 33% employment growth rate by 2030, which is significantly faster than the average for other occupations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the open position for information security analysts’ is estimated at 16,300 per year. The Cyberseek heatmap displays that states like California, Texas, and Virginia have had over 50 thousand job openings for cybersecurity specialists.
However, because cybersecurity is such a vast field, various roles have different income ranges. But fret not because you don’t have to go through the pain to find out the most in-demand or entry-level cybersecurity jobs; we have done the heavy lifting for you.
Best cybersecurity jobs in 2022
There are various roles and responsibilities in the cybersecurity sector. For example, a rookie in cybersecurity starts their career as a generalist and soon specializes in their area of interest.
Specialists in network security, vulnerability management, forensics, and other fields are among the most popular roles in cybersecurity. In today’s world, students, workers, and future cybersecurity professionals can look up to these ten cybersecurity career jobs in 2022.
CISO
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is one of the most important positions in an organization. Being one of the highest-paying professions within the cybersecurity sector, a CISO is responsible for training employees and creating awareness about cybersecurity within the organization’s departments.
They are important personnel who regularly observe data metrics and obtain licenses for the company’s security products. The average pay for a chief information security officer in the US is from $380,000 to $420,000 yearly.
Cybersecurity Project Manager
With an average salary package of USD 103,053 per year in the United States, a cybersecurity project manager resolves issues related to potential risks to the company’s assets and its products.
This profession usually requires a quick thinker who can adapt to designing and implementing cybersecurity products within the organization. It is an A+ grade profession requiring regular monitoring of a company’s assets and network and possibly providing solutions to threats and potential risks.
Security Architect
A security architect is responsible for creating high-end security programs for companies. These programs are designed, tested, and shared among the company’s employees by the Security Architect, who is also responsible for running vulnerability tests and providing technical assistance to other departments in the company.
The need for security architects is always high in IT organizations. The average median salary for a security architect in the United States is $125,630, per the report by PayScale. One can start a career in cybersecurity by applying for online courses that provide a CompTIA Security+ and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification.
Malware Analyst
A malware analyst is a responsible cybersecurity member of a company. They analyze, monitor, and deal with online threats such as viruses, worms, bots, and trojans. Malware analyst usually studies cyber threats and creates reports indicating their first appearance, nature, and destructive tendencies.
They are also involved in making security tools to protect the organization’s data and assets against different strains of malware. According to a report, the annual average salary of a malware analyst in the USA is around $92,880.
Penetration Tester
A penetration tester is a responsible consultant who allegedly tries to exploit the company’s systems to check their security levels. Also known as an ethical hacker, a Penetration Tester’s roles revolve around network security and finding potential loopholes before hackers can exploit them.
To become a penetration tester, one must have the required knowledge of Linux and UNIX operating systems, knowledge of C and C++, and hands-on experience in Java, Python, Perl, and Black box testing. According to sources, the average salary for a penetration tester in the US is around $125,630.
Computer Forensics Analyst
A computer forensics analyst looks after cyberattack cases and arranges digital evidence for companies. They are also responsible for carrying out the data recovery process for victim firms and providing aid in creating awareness about cybersecurity. This role requires an eye for detail and a deep understanding of cyber law and investigation procedures.
A computer forensics analyst requires networking, knowledge of data, strong communication skills, and data retrieval processes. They are often required to file technical reports and present them in depositions, trials, and other legal proceedings. In some cases, they are also responsible for reconstructing the series of events to map out the alleged breach. The average salary for a computer forensics analyst in America is USD 75,120.
Cybersecurity consultant
A cybersecurity consultant is a professional who aids companies and organizations in fixing their cybersecurity posture. Cybersecurity consultants identify problems, evaluate security threats, and provide solutions to strengthen the security aspect of a company. This profession has become a global need for the organization because of modern-day threats.
With a median annual salary of USD 104,464, which can range to USD 163,000 or higher, a cybersecurity consultant helps protect a company’s digital assets and provides modern-day solutions to the fast-changing IT landscape.
Systems Administrator
Known as sysadmins, systems administrators are IT professionals responsible for ensuring that the company’s computers are working correctly and meeting the required work standards. This can include enabling filters on the employee’s computer browser, installing software programs, updating system files and apps, or authorizing the employee to use the company’s network.
These professionals provide the organization with the required aid, troubleshoot the devices, network, and routers, and maintain servers and data. According to online sources, the average base falls between USD 76137 annually to USD 84,810.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts protect the company’s hardware, software, and network from unauthorized access. Usually, a cybersecurity analyst has to perform daily tasks like monitoring traffic for security incidents, Installing and operating firewalls, and conducting threat research. These IT professionals are also part of a team that monitors online threats in real-time.
Cybersecurity analysts start their careers as entry-level employees who might have to work in different technologies and departments before moving up to mid-levels. These professionals then move forward with jobs in cybersecurity management and cybersecurity architects. The median salary for cybersecurity analysts in the USA is around $103,590 annually.
Information Security Manager
While the specifics of information security manager duties can differ in different organizations, these professionals are required to oversee a team of employees to ensure that the company’s data and assets are protected at all times. They are also responsible for attending to the firm’s various information and security needs.
An information security manager also develops security strategies and helps departments implement security measures over their data and network. Like most roles in cybersecurity news, these IT professionals also address security breaches. The average national salary for an Information security manager is around USD 1,34,108 annually in the United States.
Network Engineer
With an average salary package of USD 90,057 per year in the United States, network engineers play an essential role in companies. They are responsible for setting up, managing, and optimizing the computer networks within an organization. They design and implement strategies to keep the network up and running and assist in solving network-related problems.
However, a network engineer‘s role is not limited to just networks. They must also adapt to complex technologies and maintain the devices to the company’s standard. With multiple responsibilities on their hands, network engineers work with an array of hardware and software products and are required to support the company’s network systems to work efficiently.
Bug Bounty Hunters
Recovery agents, more popularly known as “Bug Bounty Hunters,” is a profession that many individuals prefer because of its flexibility. They are responsible for detecting security flaws and bugs in products and reporting them to the company.
According to Glassdoor, the average yearly salaries for bug bounty hunters in the USA are between USD 38,357 and USD 61,758 per year. These professionals hold influential positions in organizations and are renowned for their impeccable hacking skills. Though companies hire them permanently, some individual Bug Bounty Hunters work as freelancers for multiple organizations at a time.
Cybersecurity Sales Engineer
Known for being a potent occupation within the cybersecurity sector, a cybersecurity sales engineer is responsible for implementing technology evaluations in the sale processes of a company. These processes can include product-based and service-based sales tactics.
With teams from two departments working together, a cybersecurity sales engineer provides technical assistance to prospective customers while maintaining the sales cycle. PayScale says the average salary for a cybersecurity sales engineer in the USA is $114,783.
