Cyber security is an ever-growing domain. Technology has turned the tables, and one would not be surprised about the number of existing cyber users. The amount of data used and shared between cyber systems is unimaginable. With it arrived the need for securing all the data online, which can be sensitive or private. As a result, technology professionals in the cyber security domain are highly in demand all around the world. In the US, the cyber security market is estimated to grow by 10.09% in the coming years, from 2023 to 2027. Thus, cyber security jobs in the US are sought-after, and these job opportunities may surge by around 18% in the next five years.
What is Cyber Security, and Why is it Important?
Cyber security is defined as the process of offering protection to internet-connected systems from security breaches and attacks from third-party sources like hackers. Cyber security is intended to protect user data and keep up their privacy. Cyber breaches can result in a variety of socio-economic concerns in the world. Some of them are.
- Identity thefts
- Financial losses
- Misuse of private data
- Ransomware attacks
Cyber security professionals aim to keep away such crucial attacks among cyber users. Cyber crimes can target a range of groups, making cyber security a vital element there. Businesses, Financial Services, Healthcare and administration, Product manufacturers, and retail marketing are some areas that are cyber-sensitive and require cyber-security professionals.
The importance of cyber security is indefinite. Though cyber security is a complex process and happens behind the screens, its effects are evident. Here is a list of ways in which cybersecurity professionals keep businesses and other systems running hassle-free,
- Preventing attacks on websites: Websites are common interfaces and are highly susceptible to bugs, service attacks, and cyber-attacks.
- Saving unwanted costs: Though hiring cyber security professionals may be expensive, most companies in the US are often paying them high. It is because cyber security specialists help the enterprise keep away from extra expenses due to disruption in trading, data theft, reputational loss, etc.
- Avert Fines: Companies that are subjected to cyber-attacks can get fined considerably in the US ($7,500 per victim). An effective cyber security layer can help prevent such occurrences, keeping the privacy of business data.
What Do Cyber Security Professionals Do?
Cyber security professionals have a myriad range of roles and responsibilities to keep the systems and data away from cyber breaches and provide an extra security layer. Here is what a cyber security specialist in the US does,
- Cyber security specialists check, analyze and set identity and access management systems.
- Further, they have to monitor for unusual activity across interfaces consistently.
- Plan and implement security practices to ensure high-end security across user systems within the network.
- Cyber security experts also Supervise system updates and implement data protection practices.
- They constantly check for vulnerable areas in the system and add security layers to them.
- On the bottom line, USA-based jobs cyber security involves tasks from planning security and privacy practices to managing and monitoring them in the long run.
These roles and responsibilities have made cyber security jobs in the USA a mainstream profession.
Cyber Security Jobs Based on Experience in the USA
Cyber security jobs in America can greatly vary in terms of pay due to several factors. One significant deciding factor is the candidate’s experience period. You will find variations in job positions and salary scales with each experience level. For your better understanding, we have listed the job profiles and average salary under each experience level below,
1. Junior/Entry-Level Jobs in Cybersecurity:
As a fresher in the cyber security domain, you can explore the following job positions,
- Cybersecurity Specialist: This is one of the most commonly encountered cyber security jobs in the USA for freshers. A cyber security specialist supervises security and protection during the software development phase by ensuring there are no external web threats. The average salary of a cyber security specialist in the US ranges is $92,000 per annum.
- Cybercrime Analyst: Cybercrime analysts are entitled to investigate all types of cyber crimes, from system hacks to installing security software. Knowledge about information systems, forensic toolkits, malware engineering, etc., is required. The average salary cybercrime analysts in the US can expect $94,000 per annum.
- Incident & Intrusion analyst: Intrusion analysts are responsible for monitoring and reporting potential threats to systems within the network in an organization. The average salary of an Incident analyst in the US is $89,000 per year.
- IT Auditor: An IT auditor is responsible for internal auditing and risk assessments within the business processes. IT auditors are most sought after under entry-level cyber security jobs USA. In the US, they are paid an average salary of $98,000 per year.
2. Mid-Level Jobs in Cybersecurity
Candidates with a minimum experience of 1 to 3 years in cyber security can explore the following cyber security jobs in the US,
- Cyber Security Analyst: Security analysts spend their work time anticipating possible attacks and preventing them. Necessary skills include Network security control, Incident response, Scripting, etc. The average salary of a cyber security analyst in the US is $82,490 per annum.
- Cybersecurity Consultant: Cybersecurity consultants are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and setting cyber threat solutions personalized to the organization. The average pay of cybersecurity consultants in the US is $82,197 per year.
- Penetration & Vulnerability Tester: Penetration testers must have expertise in ethical hacking and problem-solving to test their organization’s systems to get an insight into responding to external hacking. The average salary of penetration testers in the US is $85,478.
- Ethical Hackers: Jobs related to cyber security in the USA also comprise ethical hacking. Ethical hackers work to improve their system’s security levels by carrying out performance tests. Their average yearly salary is $90,813.
3. Advanced Level Jobs in Cybersecurity
Candidates with more than 3-4 years and more experience in cyber security can explore advanced level job profiles which include:
- Cyber Security Manager/Administrator: Their pivotal role is to manage the information flow in and out of the company's network and ensure the security of the same. The average annual salary to expect in this role is $82,197.
- Cybersecurity Engineer: Engineers in cybersecurity plan and design secure network solutions and must have expertise in skills like coding, networking and system administration, etc. This job profile consists of one of the highest-paying jobs in cyber security USA. The average pay is around $106,444 per year.
- Cybersecurity Architect: Security architects are responsible for securely designing the company's data and computer systems. Necessary skills include cryptography, multi-factor authentication implementation, etc. The average annual salary of security architects in the US is $1,26,593.
Remote/Freelance Cybersecurity Jobs in the USA
If you are looking for cyber security online jobs in the US, here is a list of remote job positions with average pay figures,
1. Application Security Engineer
An application security engineer has roles and responsibilities revolving around maintaining the privacy and security of a company’s data and applications. It is one of the most sought-after cyber security jobs in the USA for foreigners. Essential skills include good communication, adaptability to changing technologies, risk-analyzing, and management. The average annual pay offered to application security engineering (remote position) is between $9,400 to $116,000.
2. Application security analyst
Application security analysts are responsible for delivering security assessments and ensuring that the company’s security policies are up to date. Other roles include drafting newer security practices to achieve higher rates of security levels. Essential skills include networking, intrusion response, incident documentation, etc. the average annual salary for this remote post is between $135,000 to $155,0000.
3. Cyber security consultant
When it comes to looking for cyber security jobs in the US with prospective career growth, security consultant tops the list. The roles and responsibilities of a security consultant include having an insight into existing security practices and advising newer/better strategies to protect business data. Required skills comprise problem identification and assessment, risk evaluation and management, and also impeccable communication skills. Freelance positions for cyber security consultants offer a pay range of $87 to $95 per hour.
4. Freelance cybersecurity writer
If you are looking for cyber security jobs in America and have excellent writing skills, a cyber security writer can be a good fit. Cyber security writers write on a variety of topics like cyber crimes, cyber security practices, why businesses must adopt them, ethical hacking, etc. A writer with adept technical knowledge about cyber security can expect an average pay of $120 per hour.
5. Senior IT Auditor
With a considerable experience in IT auditing, you can easily find the best cyber security jobs in the USA under freelancing. Senior IT auditors have responsibilities that include delivering IT audits and reporting on system & network development, etc. Freelance It auditors can expect a payment of $50 to $70 hourly on an expert level.
6. IT SOX Manager
SOX Managers are required to work with stakeholders and supervise IT documentation and internal financing. SOX managers must combine the work of both auditing and risk assessment. Required skills include adept technical knowledge, networking, auditing, etc. The average pay for this role ranges between $65 to $85 /hour.
7. Staff Security Engineer
Most companies offering cyber security jobs in the USA, have more openings for security engineers. Security engineers must be a combination of experts in the software and cyber security field. Their roles include studying security-related problems and implementing security practices like firewalls, etc. Freelance security engineers are paid anywhere between $65 to $85 per hour.
8. Cloud security engineer
Most US government cyber security jobs are inclined towards candidates with knowledge about cloud-system. However, freelance jobs for cloud security engineers are also ample in the USA. Cloud security engineers must have technical skills like handling information security and working with cloud-based languages to secure cloud databases effectively. The average hourly pay for this post ranges between $110 to $140.
10 Best Cities for Cybersecurity Jobs in the USA
When it comes to hunting for high-paying cyber security jobs in the US, you will not find the same number of job positions, pay scales, and types of profiles everywhere. Though most companies across the entire US operate under cyber-secured conditions and are looking for professionals, there are several cities in the US with higher demands for cybersecurity experts than others. Here is a list of the best ten cities in the US for cyber security jobs and what they offer,
| CITY | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY (USD) |
|---|
Washington, DC | $107,327 |
New York, NY | $120,878 |
San Francisco, CA | $161,000 |
Chicago, IL | $118,000 |
Arlington, VA | $98,000 |
Seattle, VA | $113,000 |
Atlanta, GA | $112,000 |
San Diego, DA | $97,900 |
Dallas, TX | $88,000 |
Anne Arundel County, MD | $94,678 |
Required Skills for Cybersecurity Jobs in the USA
Now that we have covered the best cyber security jobs, US-based, high-paying cities, and remote opportunities, knowing what skills to master to ace these jobs is the next move. To master these skills, you can also explore courses to take for Cyber Security. Cybersecurity professionals operate using a combination of skills, and here are some of them,
1. Networking and system management
Cybersecurity professionals must have adept knowledge of networks and how data transmission occurs across them. An understanding of basic data transmission will assist in drafting data protection measures. With system management skills, one knows to administer and configure computer systems. A combination of system management and networking is a basic and necessary skill.
2. Scripting
Scripting is a skill familiar to coding and is a vital skill for cyber security analysts. Knowledge of coding languages like Python, etc., is necessary within the cyber security space. Scripting skill is required to carry out security checks and solutions and ranks as the most significant technical skill in the cyber security space.
3. Cloud Security
Most enterprises that offer cyber security job opportunities in the USA look for cyber security experts who can apply their security skills in cloud platforms and devices too. It is because almost every business today is moving to cloud settings and prefers operating on cloud platforms. On that note, technical skills like cloud security are highly in demand. Cloud security involves constructing security systems from scratch on cloud-based systems and devices like the Google cloud platform, etc.
4. Intrusion detection
As a cyber security professional, you will first start by looking for possible threats to a system. And then move on to making security policies and audits. Thus, intrusion detection is the most desirable skill for cyber security experts. Intrusion detection deals with havvng an understanding of how to use intrusion detection software. Expert-level professionals must master skills involving the usage of IDS, SIEM, etc.
5. Forensic and ethical hacking skills
Ethical hacking gives an insight into how third-party hackers will intrude into your network systems. Ethical hacking is the most commonly deployed strategy to prevent cyber crimes and is one basic skill that cyber security professionals require. Learning ethical hacking is now easy by simply enrolling yourself in Hacking classes to master this high-end skill. Forensic skills are required in cases of data recovery and failed security policies.
Other personal skills required for a cyber security professional include communication, problem-solving, risk management, critical thinking, adaptability, etc.
Education Requirements to get Cybersecurity Jobs in America
Though a broad skill set can help you fetch the best cyber security jobs in the US, there are some basic educational qualifications candidates must meet. To get cybersecurity jobs in the USA, you must possess any one of the following educational requirements,
1. Bachelor’s degree in cyber security
The basic educational qualification you can have related to the cyber security field is a bachelor’s degree in Cyber security which has a focused curriculum on topics like computer science, hacking, cryptography and so on. This is a four-year course and works as a full-time course study. Most cyber security jobs United States-based best suit candidates with a bachelor's in cyber security. Alternatively, you can also take up a degree in related domains like computer science, cloud computing, database management, etc. To enroll in a bachelor’s degree, you must have a minimum qualification of passing a high school diploma with a good score.
2. An associate degree
An associate degree in cyber security is a relatively shorter course with a duration of two years of full-time study. You can also take up an associate degree in cyber security after an undergrad in a related field to shift your career domain too. Similar to enrolling in a bachelor’s program, you must have passed a high school diploma with a good score to get into an associate program (minimum).
3. Master’s degree in cyber security
If you are looking to land on highest paying jobs in cyber security in the USA, a master’s degree in cyber security can help you get expert-level positions. You can also opt for programs like a Master's in computer science if they allow cyber security as an option for specialization. Master in Cybersecurity is a two-year-long full-time program, and the minimum qualification is holding a bachelor’s degree in any related field.
Additional accreditations and skill certificates act as bonuses along with educational qualifications in cyber security.
Top Certifications for Cyber Security Jobs in the USA
To crack jobs related to cyber security in the USA, you must be cyber security certified in most cases. Top recruiters look for at least one of the following certifications in their potential job candidates,
1. Ethical Hacking Certification (CEH v11)
It is one of the globally recognized certifications in the field of information management, cyber security, and ethical hacking. The cost of this certification is $500. The minimum requirements include an application with candidate credentials and also proof of two years of experience in the related field.
2. CISA Certification
CISA stands for Certified Information Systems Auditor. It is also a globally recognized certification and best suited for IT auditors to broaden their skill set. The cost of taking up the CISA exam ranges between $575 (For ISACA members) and $760(For Non-members). Requirements include full-time work experience proof in a related field.
3. CISM Certification
CISM stands for Certified Information Security Manager and is best suited for Security managers with existing experience in the field. The exam cost is similar to that of the CISA and is designed to test your technical knowledge in cyber and information security.
4. CISSP Certification
CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional. It best suits beginners looking for cyber security job requirements in the USA as it covers all the significant elements and skills in information and cyber security. Though the requirement of CISSP is 5 years of work experience, you can still take up a CISSP exam and then submit your 5 years of work experience to get officially CISSP certified. The exam cost is $699.
5. CCSP Certification
CCSP stands for Certified Cloud Security Professional. It is one of the best certifications for candidates with experience in the IT field. The minimum requirement is an experience of three years in a related IT or cyber security field. The cost of the CCSP exam is around $599.
How to Get a Job in Cyber Security USA?
Though you will find a variety of cyber security jobs for international students in the USA, landing on one can be daunting. So, here is a list of stepwise tips to follow to get a cyber security job in America,
1. Start with a training class
To upskill yourself and survive the competition, you can easily take up a course like KnowledgeHut's Cyber Security training classes. Such coaching courses will help you develop the necessary skills and gives a broader insight into the field if you are a newbie.
2. Get a globally recognized certification
Fortunately, there are various types of jobs in cyber security in the USA. So, even if you do not hail from a cyber security background, you can quickly take up cyber security and management certification courses to get entry-level jobs.
3. Apply with an optimized profile
Once you have upskilled yourself and bagged a few certifications, you must optimize your profile using these credentials. An optimized profile will help you stand out among other candidates.
4. Look for sponsorships
It is always better to choose cyber security jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship as it will help reduce travel and moving expenses if you are a foreigner. You will find cyber security jobs in the USA for Indian candidates, so check with the company if they sponsor your travel and relocating expenses (Most top recruiters do).
The Future of Cybersecurity Career in the USA
The cyber security job market in the US is estimated to boom with the rapid growth of the domain. It is expected that the revenue of the cyber security market in the US will reach around $69.65 billion this year. It is so because the rise of digital technology is rising all around the world, and the demand for digital skills in the US is no big surprise. With the growing usage of AI in the US, the need for cyber awareness and security policies is also projected to surge in the coming years. As a result, demand for cyber security professionals in the US and also opportunities with cyber security online jobs in the US are also on the rising side.
Conclusion
Cyber security jobs in the USA are steadily increasing in numbers. Cyber security professionals can enjoy the luxury of working on and off-site with income in dollars. The job positions and salary ranges can vary due to a variety of factors. A career in cyber security in a country like the US is a prospective for growth-financially and professionally. However, it is necessary to position yourself with adequate skills and accreditations to land your high-paying dream job!
