We used the latest data and insights to identify the highest paying cyber security jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
When you realize that your computer has been hacked and all your information is now in the hands of some malicious hacker.
It can be scary, especially if you’re unsure how to prevent it from happening again. But what if there was a way to make money while keeping the bad guys at bay? That’s where cyber security jobs come in.
We looked at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, and other top career sites to find the highest-paying cyber security jobs, so you can see how much potential there is in this field.
Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs for cyber security students.
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Table of Contents
#10. Software Security Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $50,000 per year
- High Range: $99,000 per year
- Median Pay: $70,518 per year
What do they do?
Software security architects are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the security of software applications. They work with other development team members to ensure that their products are secure from cyber attacks before they are released to the public.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
This job is a great fit for those who enjoy solving complex problems and are interested in computer science. You should have at least 3 years of experience in software development before becoming a software security architect.
In addition to technical skills, you should also have strong communication skills because you will work closely with other team members throughout the entire product development process.
Employers hire software security architects with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, as well as relevant industry experience. You may also need to earn professional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Who’s hiring for this job?
Most software security architects work in large companies or organizations, such as technology companies and government agencies. You may also find opportunities with consulting firms and software vendors specializing in security solutions.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get this job is by earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or another related field.Â
You can also earn a master’s with a focus on information security. Some employers may offer internships or work-study programs for students interested in this field, so check with your school’s career center.
Once you have some experience, consider getting certified through one of several professional organizations. These certifications can help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.
What is it like to be a security architect?
#9. Penetration Tester
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $59,000 per year
- High Range: $162,000 per year
- Median Pay: $97,474 per year
What do they do?
A penetration tester is someone who tests the security of a computer system or network, often intending to find and exploit vulnerabilities. They use penetration testing techniques to find potential weaknesses, then provide advice on improving the overall security and reducing risks.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The educational requirements for this job vary depending on what organization you are applying for. For example, some companies require applicants to have a computer science or software engineering degree.
Others only need high school diplomas and extensive experience working in the ethical hacking field. In general, the more experience you have with computers and security, the better your chances of being hired as a penetration tester.
Who’s hiring for this job?
These ethical hackers may find work in government agencies, technology companies, and IT consulting firms. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the computer systems analysis field will grow by 35 percent from 2021 to 2031.
What is the best way to get this job?
The only way to get this job is by applying for it. If a company has a website, look for openings on its careers page.Â
If they don’t have one, then contact them directly and ask about opportunities or send your resume with a cover letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for the position.
What is it like to be a penetration tester?
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#8. Cyber Threat Analyst
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $61,000 per year
- High Range: $165,500 per year
- Median Pay: $104,031 per year
What do they do?
A cyber threat analyst is a person who analyzes data, observes trends, and identifies security vulnerabilities to prevent attacks on a computer system.Â
They also monitor online activity on social media and other sites to see if there are any red flags. These cyber security analysts also develop security measures to protect businesses from future attacks.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Since this field is competitive, it is important to have a solid understanding of IT and computer science. You will also need excellent communication skills as you will be working closely with other departments at your company to prevent attacks and improve security.Â
Employers look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a cybersecurity-related field.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Cyber threat analysts work in all kinds of industries, from financial services to retail. You can also find opportunities at technology companies and consultancies.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can start by earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science. This will give you the technical skills necessary to understand and prevent cyber attacks.Â
You should also gain practical experience by participating in internships and other hands-on learning opportunities while in school. After graduating, look for jobs at technology companies or consultancies that specialize in cybersecurity.
What is it like to be a cyber threat analyst?
#7. Firewall Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $70,000 per year
- High Range: $182,000 per year
- Median Pay: $111,625 per year
What do they do?
Firewall engineers are responsible for designing and building computer networks. They ensure that the network is secure. This includes preventing unauthorized access, monitoring any activity on the network, and taking steps to prevent hacking attempts.Â
Firewall engineers also work with software developers to ensure their programs are free of bugs and vulnerabilities.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A bachelor’s degree in information systems or computer science is typically required for this position. An advanced degree may be preferred or required depending on the employer’s specific needs. Some employers may require candidates with experience in cybersecurity-related fields.
Who’s hiring for this job?
These cybersecurity professionals work for large organizations, such as banks and government agencies, to secure their networks. They also work for small businesses that need help protecting their data from hackers. The annual average salary of this career makes it one of the best-paying on our list.
 If you’re interested in becoming a cybersecurity professional, you should consider taking courses in computer science or information security and networking. You may also want to gain experience by volunteering or interning at companies offering these services.
Should you become a firewall Engineer?
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#6. Cyber Software Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $78,000 per year
- High Range: $176,000 per year
- Median Pay: $116,266 per year
What do they do?
Cyber software engineers are responsible for developing and maintaining software that keeps computer systems secure. They also design new technologies that help prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These professionals typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Most employers prefer candidates with at least five years of experience in software development.Â
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a master’s degree in computer science or information security can also help you get your foot in the door of this competitive field.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Cyber software engineers work in various industries, including health care, retail, finance, and government.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get a job as a cyber software engineer is to build up your resume with relevant experience. You can do this by volunteering for local nonprofits or applying for internships at larger companies.Â
It’s also important to network with professionals in the field and attend industry events where you can meet people who might be able to help you land an interview. Once you’ve secured a job, work towards becoming the lead software security engineer of a firm.
What is it like to be a cybersecurity engineer?
#5. Identity Access Management Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $34,000 per year
- High Range: $199,000 per year
- Median Pay: $129,375 per year
What do they do?
An identity access management architect is a cyber security professional who is responsible for designing and implementing solutions to secure the identities of individuals, devices, and applications. This job requires an in-depth understanding of public key infrastructure and how to use it effectively.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
This field is growing rapidly as more organizations realize the need to secure data and information. Employers are looking for professionals with a background in information technology, security, and architecture.Â
They also seek candidates who have experience working with cloud computing and virtualization technologies.
Therefore, most identity access management architects have a bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science, though some have a master’s degree. A degree in information security is also helpful for this job.
Who’s hiring for this job?
These cybersecurity engineers work in many sectors, including education, healthcare, government, and financial services. For example, in education, they work to help schools secure their data and reduce cyber threats.Â
In healthcare organizations, they assist with securing medical records and protecting patient privacy. In government agencies, they may be responsible for ensuring that sensitive information remains secure from hackers.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get this job is to have a tech-related degree and then take a certification course in information security or computer science. You can also gain experience in the field by working as an intern or volunteer at an organization that deals with security issues.Â
This experience will help you learn about the industry and start making connections that can help you secure a job.
What is it like to be an identity access management architect?
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#4. Network Security Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $88,000 per year
- High Range: $175,000 per year
- Median Pay: $130,726 per year
What do they do?
Network security architects are responsible for designing and implementing a company’s security infrastructure. They ensure that the company’s computer systems are secure.Â
In this role, you may work with other network security engineers to develop strategies to protect sensitive data from hackers or malware attacks.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These network security professionals strongly understand computer systems, protocols, and software. They can also identify security vulnerabilities and suggest ways to eliminate or mitigate those risks.Â
Therefore, employers often look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology.
However, some employers may prefer to hire network security architects with advanced degrees in these fields. In addition, employers often require you to hold relevant certifications from professional organizations.
Who’s hiring for this job?
These professionals work for companies that provide network security solutions, including firewalls and antivirus software. They also work for companies that offer managed security services, such as monitoring and responding to client network threats.
What is the best way to get this job?
There are many ways to become a network security architect. You can start by earning a degree in computer science or information technology, which will provide general knowledge of how computers and networks function.
After you complete your bachelor’s degree, you can pursue professional certifications through organizations like the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). These certifications may help when applying for jobs related to network security architecture.
Should you become a network security architect?
#3. Information Security Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $85,500 per year
- High Range: $184,500 per year
- Median Pay: $143,596 per year
What do they do?
Information security architects are the people who make sure your data is safe. They come up with ways to protect sensitive information. These information security managers design security systems that keep hackers out of your digital life.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Information security architects usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, but they can also be hired with extensive experience in the field.
Who’s hiring for this job?
They work for companies that deal with sensitive information, such as financial institutions. They also work for large companies with a lot of data about their customers and employees. This can include tech companies, retailers, insurance providers, and more.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can secure an information security architect job by getting yourself a job as an entry-level employee in this field. This will help you gain experience.Â
You will also make connections that will help you when applying for an architecture position. Once you have a job, aim for promotions. This way you’ll even be the chief information security officer of the firm.
How do you become a security architect?
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#2. Security Solutions Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $122,000 per year
- High Range: $339,000 per year
- Median Pay: $200,833 per year
What do they do?
A security solutions architect is a person who designs and develops information systems that are secure and compliant with industry standards. They work with clients to identify the areas of vulnerability in their current system and then design solutions to mitigate those vulnerabilities.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The educational requirements for this job vary depending on the employer, but they usually include at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or another related field. Candidates who hold advanced degrees may qualify for higher-paying positions.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Security architects work primarily for large corporations such as banks, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. However, these opportunities are also available within government agencies at all levels.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get this security solutions job is to pursue higher education. A degree in computer science or a related field will give you the knowledge and skills employers are looking for.Â
You can also look into security certification programs, though these do not necessarily guarantee employment. With the right combination of education and experience, you can get a job as a security architect.
What is it like to be a security solutions architect?
#1. Cloud Security Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $126,000 per year
- High Range: $346,000 per year
- Median Pay: $205,852 per year
What do they do?
Cloud security architects are cyber security experts who can design, implement and maintain secure cloud infrastructures. They are responsible for securing a company’s cloud-based applications and data.
These security engineers monitor systems for potential vulnerabilities, design policies, and procedures to protect against cyber threats, troubleshoot issues if they arise, and train employees on how to use their services safely.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Cloud security professionals come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some have a computer science or software engineering degree, while others may possess a master’s degree in information systems or cloud security-related fields.
Regardless of their educational background, Cloud Security Architects must understand how all the components within an infrastructure work together to form one unified whole.Â
They must also be able to identify weaknesses that could potentially compromise data privacy and security during transmission between different devices within the system or on its periphery.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Cloud security architects are in high demand at organizations across several industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and government.Â
What is the best way to get this job?
This is a highly competitive field, so you’ll need the right combination of education and experience to get started. You can take a cloud security course to get started, but you’ll need more than that. You’ll need experience in the field, as well as certifications from professional organizations.
Once you’ve gotten your foot in the door, you can build your experience and reputation to get promoted. Cloud security is one of the best options if you’re looking for a career with a lot of room to grow.
How do you become a cloud security architect?
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Conclusion
Cyber security world is booming, with some of the highest-paying jobs in the world.
But it’s not all about money. Cybersecurity professionals are at the forefront of keeping our data safe. If you go into this field, then you’ll be making an impact on the future of technology that will last for years.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this articleÂ
and learned something new. Note that the cyber security engineer salary depends on your expertise and employer. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
