Hunting for top-notch careers for cybersecurity enthusiasts?
Discover the ultimate collection of the best jobs for cybersecurity enthusiasts. If you’re driven by a desire to protect digital landscapes and combat cyber threats, this list is your definitive guide.
What Makes a Good Job for Cybersecurity Enthusiasts?
We looked for jobs that:
- Involve regular exposure to the latest cybersecurity trends and tech
- Offer the thrill of hunting down cyber vulnerabilities
- Provide continuous learning and upskilling opportunities in cybersecurity domains
- Feature teamwork in a like-minded, security-focused environment
- Require problem-solving in high-stakes situations involving data breaches or security incidents
Best Jobs for Cybersecurity Enthusiasts
While you might think a degree is a must-have for landing a high-paying job in cybersecurity, that’s not always the case. Many positions prioritize hands-on skills and industry certifications, making it totally doable to score a lucrative role based on your expertise alone.
Ready to find your next adventure in cybersecurity? Let’s dive straight into our handpicked list of job ideas.
1. Security Analyst
Average salary: $73,194
A Security Analyst safeguards an organization’s computer systems and networks. Also known as Information Security Analyst or Cyber Security Analyst.
Job duties:
- Monitor security access and anomalies
- Conduct vulnerability assessments
- Install security measures like firewalls and encryption
- Analyze results of security audits
- Generate reports for management detailing security status
Job requirements:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or similar certification
- Strong understanding of cyber threats and risk assessment
- Good grasp of different programming languages
- Ability to work under pressure
2. Penetration Tester
Average salary: $101,176
A Penetration Tester, often known as an Ethical Hacker, tests an organization’s security measures by simulating cyber-attacks.
Job duties:
- Identify security flaws in systems
- Plan and execute simulated attacks
- Evaluate security protocols
- Document test findings
- Provide remediation guidance
Job requirements:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification
- Solid understanding of networking protocols
- Scripting skills in languages like Python
- Ability to think like an attacker
3. Cybersecurity Consultant
Average salary: $112,762
A Cybersecurity Consultant advises organizations on how to protect their information assets and systems.
Job duties:
- Assess current security posture
- Develop security strategies
- Implement security solutions
- Train staff on security awareness
- Generate compliance reports
Job requirements:
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or similar certification
- Experience with governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) frameworks
- Good problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication skills
4. Security Engineer
Average salary: $126,836
An Incident Responder, sometimes called an Incident Handler, manages and mitigates security incidents.
Job duties:
- Identify security incidents
- Contain the impact
- Analyze root causes
- Coordinate recovery efforts
- Document incidents for future reference
Job requirements:
- Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) or similar
- Experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools
- Good multitasking skills
- Strong communication abilities
5. Incident Responder
Average salary: $52,994
An Incident Responder, also known as an Incident Handler, tackles and mitigates security threats.
Job duties:
- Spot security incidents
- Contain affected areas
- Pinpoint root causes
- Guide recovery actions
- File incident reports
Job requirements:
- Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) credential
- Familiarity with SIEM tools
- Quick decision-making abilities
- Solid communication skills
6. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Average salary: $73,710
A SOC Analyst monitors and analyzes an organization’s security posture in real-time.
Job duties:
- Monitor security alerts
- Triage incidents
- Investigate breaches
- Escalate threats
- Generate security reports
Job requirements:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or equivalent
- Experience with intrusion detection systems
- Ability to multitask
- Strong communication skills
7. Cybersecurity Trainer
Average salary: $99,839
A Cybersecurity Trainer educates professionals on how to defend against digital threats.
Job duties:
- Develop training modules
- Conduct live workshops
- Evaluate trainee performance
- Update course material
- Provide hands-on labs
Job requirements:
- Professional certifications like CompTIA Security+
- Prior experience in a cybersecurity role
- Strong presentation skills
- Capability to adapt training to various skill levels
8. Security Compliance Analyst
Average salary: $92,672
A Security Compliance Analyst ensures a company meets security standards and regulations.
Job duties:
- Review policies
- Conduct security audits
- Prepare compliance reports
- Liaise with auditors
- Recommend security upgrades
Job requirements:
- Proven experience in cybersecurity compliance or a similar role
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks like GDPR or HIPAA
- Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Attention to detail
- Solid written and verbal communication skills
9. Security Awareness Trainer
Average salary: $120,148
A Security Awareness Trainer educates employees on cybersecurity best practices.
Job duties:
- Create training content
- Lead interactive sessions
- Assess employee knowledge
- Update training as needed
- Provide follow-up resources
Job requirements:
- Security certifications like CompTIA Security+
- Experience in corporate training
- Capability to engage an audience
- Tech-savvy with office software
10. Cybersecurity Analyst
Average salary: $92,608
A Cybersecurity Analyst, also known as a Cyber Analyst, defends against and investigates cyber threats.
Job duties:
- Monitor networks
- Analyze data logs
- Investigate incidents
- Propose security measures
- Prepare reports
Job requirements:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Practical experience in network security
- Data analysis skills
- Good written and oral communication skills
11. Malware Analyst
Average salary: $77,771
A Malware Analyst dissects malicious software to understand its behavior and purpose.
Job duties:
- Identify malicious files
- Reverse-engineer malware
- Document findings
- Advise on countermeasures
- Collaborate with security teams
Job requirements:
- Specialized training in malware analysis
- Familiarity with assembly languages like x86
- Strong analytical skills
- Capable of using debugging tools
12. Digital Forensic Investigator
Average salary: $99,461
A Digital Forensic Investigator, sometimes called a Computer Forensic Analyst, uncovers digital evidence for investigations.
Job duties:
- Collect digital evidence
- Analyze data storage
- Recover lost files
- Decrypt data
- Compile reports
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity or related field
- Certification in digital forensics such as Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
- Proficiency in forensics software like Encase
- Detail-oriented
- Strong written communication skills
13. Security Data Analyst
Average salary: $86,937
A Security Data Analyst, also known as a Security Information Analyst, interprets data to fortify an organization’s security measures.
Job duties:
- Analyze security logs
- Identify patterns
- Detect vulnerabilities
- Recommend improvements
- Generate reports
Job requirements:
- Proficiency in SQL and data visualization tools like Tableau
- Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks
- Good problem-solving skills
- Ability to work with cross-functional teams
See, There Are Careers for Cybersecurity Enthusiasts!
From Cybersecurity Consultant to Incident Responder, you’ve got a bevy of exciting options if cybersecurity is your jam.
Which job is calling your name? Drop your favorites in the comments.