Companies today need a growing number of professionals to keep their information safe from cyber criminals. That’s good news if you’re in the cybersecurity field. The other good news is that opportunities in this very in-demand area can pay top dollar.

Cybersecurity and intelligence pros report an average yearly income of $95,510, or nearly $50 per hour. That’s about three times the national median income for full-time wage and salary workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). What’s more, all kinds of organizations are looking for cybersecurity talent. Think industries that keep classified or private information, such as government agencies, defense/aerospace firms, banks, and hospitals, for starters.

Whether you are looking to land your first cybersecurity gig or are ready to upgrade your tech career, the Cyber Talent Network powered by Cybint Solutions has you covered. We want you to succeed as a cybercrime fighter. That’s why we partner with top organizations across the globe that need help keeping the world’s data safe. Here’s a look at what’s hot in cyber careers among talent seekers.    

Network Security Administrator

You don’t have to be a Chief Information Security Officer to have a plum assignment in cybersecurity. If you find analysis and problem-solving to be exciting, the network security administrator role could be for you. These cybersecurity professionals are always on the lookout for security violations, to help prevent and respond to cyber-attacks. They may conduct security training as well.

The median annual wage for a network or security systems administrator tops $82,000*. Although this can be a good starting place for a career in cyber, if you’re looking for a faster-paced opportunity it may be best to keep reading.    

Information Security Specialist

Also a good entrance into cybersecurity is the role of the information security specialist. Information security specialists are typically charged with developing and implementing security measures for their organization. They are responsible for analyzing existing security procedures and suggesting changes to upper management for increased efficient and extra security. A specialist role can earn you anywhere from $75,000 to $100,000+ annually. Cybersecurity services firm Alpine Security has deemed this as a talent that is “very high in demand”.

Cyber Security Analyst

Opportunities for cyber security analysts (CSAs) are also on the rise, expected to increase by nearly 30% through 2026*. This is a much higher growth rate than the projected average rate of 7.4 percent across other top occupations. The average annual wage for a CSA sits at more than $99,000*.

Cybersecurity analysts most often take a preparation and prevention role on the cyber-defense team.  They implement an existing strategy by searching for and responding to security risks and breaches.

Security Consultant

The role of a computing, networking, or information technology security consultant can vary widely. In general, consultants design internal security systems and develop emergency plans for dealing with cyber threats. The consultant role is well-regarded and can often lead to a senior management position.

Many large organizations and educational institutions with large digitized databases pursue security consultants in the salary range of $85,000 to $100,000 annually*.

Information Security Engineer

Described as one of the most exciting opportunities in the industry by Alpine Security, the information assurance or software security engineer uses the full range of cybersecurity talents and skills to protect data. Charged with information compliance, engineers manage storage and processing. They may also address security issues directly, and are considered an upper-level career position with an annual salary in the $85,000 to $95,000 range. A lead software security engineer can garner a salary in excess of $200,000, according to tech job board DICE.

Security Director/CISO

Also at the senior level are people like the director of security and chief information security officer. With these roles come the important responsibility for strategic oversight of every aspect of an organization’s security—from staffing and budgets to protocols and threat incident response. Cybersecurity and intelligence pros who reach the C-suite can make upwards of $500,000 annually.

How to Get Hired

The list of specialist job titles and responsibilities in the cybersecurity field can be a bit dizzying, and we’ve only touched on them here. The Cyber Talent Network will help you narrow the field to land your next big opportunity. Just remember to hone in on what you have learned and where you want to go. The careers are there for the taking, now and for the future. Carpe diem!

For more insights to help you find your dream job, visit this blog article and others on our site.

* Income reports and growth rates are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unless otherwise noted.