Cybersecurity is one of the few career fields where demand keeps growing year after year. Every organization that stores data, processes payments, or runs on connected systems needs people to protect it, and there still aren’t enough qualified professionals.
If you’re thinking about a career in cybersecurity, this guide covers the top cybersecurity careers in the US, who’s hiring, what each role pays, the certifications employers look for, and how CIAT helps you go from beginner to job-ready.
The numbers tell a clear story. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 21% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. That works out to about 14,100 openings each year. The BLS also reports a median annual wage of $129,180 for information security analysts in 2025. (BLS)
And that’s just one job title. CyberSeek, a workforce data tool supported by NIST’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, tracked 457,398 cybersecurity job postings nationwide in 2025 across a wide range of roles. (CyberSeek)
Threats like ransomware and AI-powered social engineering keep pushing that demand higher. For a deeper look at the field, see our guide to cybersecurity jobs, salaries, and education options.
Nearly every industry needs cybersecurity talent. These sectors hire the most.
Computer systems design and related services is the largest employer of information security analysts, accounting for about 22% of jobs, according to the BLS. This includes managed security service providers (MSSPs), IT consulting firms, software companies, and cloud providers that protect their own systems and their clients’.
Banks, credit unions, insurers, and payment processors employ about 17% of information security analysts. These organizations handle sensitive financial data, face strict regulations, and are constant targets for fraud and cyberattacks.
Federal, state, and local governments hire cybersecurity professionals to protect agencies, citizen data, and national infrastructure. Many federal and defense roles require specific certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, and some require a security clearance. Learn more about entry-level cybersecurity roles in the federal government.
Hospitals, health systems, insurers, and medical device makers need security professionals to protect patient records and keep life-critical systems running. Healthcare is one of the most frequently targeted industries for ransomware.
Utilities, power grids, water systems, oil and gas, and transportation networks rely on operational technology (OT) that is increasingly connected and increasingly targeted. Specialists who understand both IT and industrial systems are in especially high demand.
Consulting firms hire cybersecurity experts to run penetration tests, audits, compliance assessments, and incident response engagements for clients of every size.
Retailers protect payment data, manufacturers protect intellectual property and production lines, and universities protect student and research data. If an organization uses technology, it needs cybersecurity. Explore more in our list of top cybersecurity employers.
Here are some of the most in-demand cybersecurity careers, what they involve, and their average nationwide pay.
| Cybersecurity Career | Average Annual Salary (U.S.) |
|---|---|
| Information Security Architect | $151,923 |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | $136,847 |
| Cloud Security Engineer | $94,017 |
| Incident Responder | $90,568 |
| Information Security Analyst | $90,303 |
| Penetration Tester | $88,571 |
| SOC Analyst | $77,515 |
*Salary data referenced in this post is sourced from Salary.com.
Information security analysts protect an organization’s networks and data by monitoring for threats, investigating alerts, managing security tools, and recommending improvements. It’s one of the most common starting points for a long-term cybersecurity career.
Security operations center (SOC) analysts are the front line of defense. They monitor security alerts around the clock, triage suspicious activity, and escalate real incidents. Many professionals start their careers in a SOC before specializing.
Penetration testers, also called ethical hackers, are hired to break into systems legally so organizations can find and fix weaknesses before real attackers do.
Incident responders take charge when an attack happens. They contain threats, investigate how attackers got in, remove them from the network, and help the organization recover.
As more organizations move to AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, cloud security engineers configure and protect cloud environments, manage identities and access, and secure cloud-stored data.
Cybersecurity engineers design, build, and maintain the systems that keep attackers out, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and secure network architecture.
Security architects design an organization’s overall security strategy and infrastructure. This senior role typically requires years of hands-on experience.
GRC analysts make sure organizations meet security regulations and frameworks, assess risk, and develop security policies. It’s a strong fit for people who enjoy strategy, documentation, and working with business leaders. See our overview of cybersecurity compliance frameworks.
New roles are growing fast as technology changes. AI security engineers protect AI systems from attacks like prompt injection and data poisoning. Threat intelligence analysts track attacker groups and tactics. OT security specialists defend power grids, water systems, and other critical infrastructure. For a broader list, explore what types of jobs are in cybersecurity.
Most cybersecurity job postings ask for a mix of technical and professional skills.
Technical skills:
Professional skills:
Read more about what cybersecurity employers look for and the soft skills IT professionals need.
Industry certifications are one of the fastest ways to prove your skills to employers. These are among the most requested:
Not sure where to begin? See our guide to the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners.
You don’t need years of experience to start a cybersecurity career. Most professionals follow a path like this.
Learn how computers, networks, and operating systems work. Entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+ (certification and bootcamp) and Network+ help you land help desk or IT support roles that build real-world experience. Changing careers? Start with our career change to tech guide.
Study core concepts like threats, vulnerabilities, encryption, access control, and incident response. Earning Security+ at this stage opens doors to entry-level security roles.
A degree or certificate gives you structured learning, hands-on labs, and credentials many employers require. Compare your options in cybersecurity certificate vs. degree and learn how to choose the right cybersecurity degree.
Employers want proof you can do the work. Build a home lab, practice in safe training environments, and join competitions or clubs. Document what you build in a professional IT portfolio.
Tailor your resume to each role, optimize your LinkedIn profile for recruiters, network with professionals in the field, and tap into the hidden job market. Our guide on how to apply for a job in cybersecurity walks through the process.
CIAT is built for people who want job-ready cybersecurity skills without wasting time. Here’s how CIAT helps students launch and grow their careers.
CIAT’s cybersecurity programs combine accredited degrees and certificates with industry certifications like Security+, CySA+, and PenTest+. You earn academic credentials and the certifications employers ask for at the same time.
Already have some IT experience? CIAT’s 5-day certification bootcamps offer live online instruction from certified professionals and hands-on virtual labs, so you can get certified quickly.
CIAT’s Unlimited Certification Exam Retake Policy covers all CompTIA certifications, so you can keep testing until you pass. The policy excludes CISSP and EC-Council CEH. See CIAT’s certification exam pass rates.
CIAT students practice real skills with hands-on lab kits and learn in small classes with more access to instructors. The Cybersecurity Club gives students extra opportunities to build skills and connect with peers.
CIAT Career Services helps students with resumes, interview preparation, and job search strategy, and connects them with employers through CIAT’s Get Hired resources.
CIAT is approved for GI Bill benefits and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Service members and veterans can explore military benefits and SkillBridge opportunities to transition into cybersecurity careers.
From scholarships to employer tuition benefits and payment plans, CIAT offers several ways to make your education affordable. Explore all financing options.
Cybersecurity offers something few fields can match: strong demand across nearly every industry, competitive salaries, and room to grow from your first analyst role to security leadership. Whether you’re drawn to defending networks in a SOC, testing systems as an ethical hacker, securing the cloud, or shaping security strategy, there’s a path that fits your strengths.
The key is getting started with the right skills and credentials. CIAT’s cybersecurity programs combine accredited education with the industry certifications employers want, plus hands-on labs, small classes, an unlimited retake policy for CompTIA exams, and career services support to help you land your first role.
Ready to break into one of the most in-demand careers in the US?
Yes. The BLS projects employment of information security analysts to grow 21% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, and CyberSeek tracked more than 457,000 cybersecurity job postings nationwide in 2025. Strong pay and clear advancement paths make it one of tech’s most attractive fields.
Senior roles like information security architect, security engineering manager, and chief information security officer (CISO) typically pay the most. According to Salary.com, information security architects average about $151,923 per year in the US.
SOC analyst, junior information security analyst, and IT support roles with security responsibilities are common entry points. They build hands-on experience you can use to move into specialized roles later.
It’s possible, but most people start in IT support, help desk, or networking roles while earning certifications like CompTIA Security+. Hands-on labs, projects, and a portfolio can help you stand out without professional security experience.
Not always, but many employers prefer or require one, especially for government and enterprise roles. A degree or certificate, combined with industry certifications, puts you in the strongest position when applying.
CompTIA Security+ is the most common first cybersecurity certification. If you’re new to IT, CompTIA A+ or Network+ can build your foundation.
According to the BLS, computer systems design and related services employ the largest share of information security analysts, followed by finance and insurance. Government, healthcare, consulting, and critical infrastructure also employ many information security analysts.
Many cybersecurity roles offer remote or hybrid options, especially in cloud security, consulting, and analyst positions. Some government and classified roles require on-site work.
It depends on your starting point. Some people with IT experience move into security within months after earning certifications, while career changers often take one to two years to build skills, credentials, and experience.
CIAT combines accredited cybersecurity degrees and certificates with industry certifications, offers fast-track bootcamps, includes an unlimited retake policy for CompTIA exams, and provides career services support to help students prepare for and land jobs.
401 Mile of Cars Way #100, National City, CA 91950
1717 Louisiana Blvd., NE., Suite 208 Albuquerque, NM, 87110
California Institute of Applied Technology participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
© 2026 California Institute of Applied Technology | info@ciat.edu | (877) 559 - 3621 | Privacy Policy
California Institute of Applied Technology has shared ownership and management of two distinct institutions. California Institute of Applied Technology located in California, and California Institute of Applied Technology located in New Mexico.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. CIAT is approved to offer VA benefits. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
* Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Bootcamp, Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after program completion. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Industry certifications and/or courses may change at any time to address industry trends or improve student outcomes.
