With the increase in technology, the demand for cybersecurity is increasing daily. So much information on the internet is saved on the cloud, which makes it prone to malicious attacks. People with malevolent intent might hack into the system and database and steal sensitive data - which might cost a person or a company a fortune. These attacks can be stopped after detection with the help of cybersecurity. It is also called electronic information security and information technology security.
Cybersecurity is the technique of protecting connected systems and networks. If we divide the term cyber security into two parts, cyber means the culture of computers, information technology, virtual reality and all internet-related things, while security means protection or protecting. It is a set of principles designed to protect computers and networks from malicious attacks, known as cyber-attacks. Cyber attacks are now an international concern, and organizations and companies hire cybersecurity experts to safeguard their sensitive data and information at lucrative packages. This article will discuss all cyber security experts and their salaries in detail.
Who is a Cyber Security Expert?
A cyber security expert is an essential part of an organization who protects and safeguards its data and secures its network. They protect the data by detecting, analyzing, managing, and responding to cyber attacks to eliminate threats.
They usually work with the IT team of an organization. They ensure the network's design and implementation are highly secured and shielded against malicious attacks. Their roles and responsibilities comprise the following -
- Set safety standards and evaluate the security requirements of the organizations
- Respond to threats, breaches, and suspicious activities in the network system.
- Scan and test the network to check for vulnerabilities.
- Design, integrate, and upgrade the numerous systems to protect the network.
To be a cybersecurity expert, it is important for you to Learn Ethical Hacking as it will be a great addition to your career and resume. In addition to this, be updated with the latest trend and tricks used by hackers.
What Is the Average Cyber Security Engineer Salary in the USA?
The average salary of cyber security in USA ranges from 88, 325 USD to 1,64,861 USD per year or 62 USD. The intermediate average salary of cyber security engineers in USA is 117,058 USD per year. The average cyber security job salary in USA is fixed for all. However, the performance bonus and incentives vary.
1. For Freshers
Even as a fresher with a great skill set, you can easily earn up to 77,735 USD.
| Experience Level | Salary (Yearly) |
|---|
1 Year | 78000 USD |
1-4 Year | 84000 USD |
2. For Experienced
| Experience Level | Salary (Yearly) |
|---|
5-9 Years | 104000 USD |
10-19 Years | 118000 USD |
20+ Years | 125000 USD |
Cyber Security Salary by Job Titles in USA
The salary of the cyber security by position in the USA are as follows -
| Job Role (Position) | Salary |
|---|
Information Security Manager | 230801 USD |
Cyber Security Engineer | 119981 USD |
Application Security Engineer | 109980 USD |
Network Security Engineer | 100000 USD |
Cyber Security Analyst | 92552 USD |
Penetration Tester "Ethical Hacker" | 81334 USD |
Highest Paying US Cities for Cyber Security Engineers
Companies across the USA are hiring for cyber security. The cyber security engineer in salary USA varies as per the location. Below we have curated a list of the highest-paying cities in the USA.
| City | Average Salary (Yearly) |
|---|
West Virginia | 148, 500 USD |
New York | 124, 933 USD |
Texas | 116, 850 USD |
Washington | 117, 500 USD |
North Carolina | 110,000 USD |
New Mexico | 100, 213 USD |
Ohio | 97, 500 USD |
Minnesota | 98, 300 USD |
Idaho | 90, 355 USD |
Rhode Island | 44, 000 USD |
Louisiana | 66, 942 USD |
Nevada | 195000 USD |
Maryland | 155,200 USD |
Nebraska | 145,683 USD |
Wyoming | 78,882 USD |
South Dakota | 77,968 USD |
Vermont | 74,444 USD |
North Dakota | 76,878 USD |
Hawaii | 83215 USD |
Montana | 73,914 USD |
Maine | 74804 USD |
Alaska | 82597 USD |
New Hampshire | 78,906 USD |
Delaware | 88,435 USD |
South Carolina | 75379 USD |
Tennessee | 80,299 USD |
Massachusetts | 87,914 USD |
Top Paying Industries for Cyber Security Engineers in USA
The financial, public, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors use cyber security the most. Although most businesses need some form of cyber security, the sectors have the most need for cyber security experts. The cyber security USA salary based on the top industries are as follows -
1. Financial Institutions
Cyber attackers are always coming up with extremely sophisticated ways to breach the computers and networks of financial institutions, which drives up the demand for cyber security specialists. Hence, the requirement for a cyber security job in the USA is higher. Also, they get paid well.
Some of the top companies hiring for cyber security in the financial industry are -
| Companies | Hiring For |
|---|
CitiGroup | IT Security Manager |
American Express | Security Analyst |
PayPal | Information Security Engineer |
JP Morgan Chase | Information Security Manager |
2. Government Agencies
Government agencies are at great threat from cyber criminals invading their data and stealing, leading to national and international crises. Hence, having cyber security skills can be great for you.
Below are some of the government industries hiring for cyber security professionals are as follows -
| Companies | Hiring For |
|---|
Department of Energy | IT Cyber Security Specialist |
Department of Justice | IT Cyber Security Specialist |
Idaho National Laboratory | Cyber Security Policy Analyst |
National Security Agency | Information System Security Officer |
3. Healthcare Organization
Healthcare organizations are the most targeted industries by hackers. These industries deal with personal and sensitive data of millions of people. This is one of the huge reasons for his industry to hire cyber security professionals. Since health documents are stored on the cloud, hackers may easily access these details. With this data, hackers can do huge financial and medical harm.
Top companies hiring for cyber security in the health industry are -
| Company | Hiring For |
|---|
UW Health | System Security Analyst |
Fairview Health Services | Senior Cyber Security Specialist |
NextGen Healthcare | Cyber Security Engineer |
Alliance Health | IT Security and Compliance Specialist |
4. Manufacturing Industry
Cybercriminals love to steal product plans from big manufacturing companies, which could lead to huge amounts of loss for that company. Hence, they hire cyber security to safeguard their data and eliminate the threat of financial loss.
Top companies hiring for cyber security in the manufacturing industry are -
| Companies | Hiring For |
|---|
Ford Motor Company | Cyber Security System Analyst |
Stelantis | Cyber Security Engineer |
Markforged | Security Analyst |
General Motors | Industrial Cyber Security Engineer |
5. Technology
All the companies include products and services related to software, technology, and the internet. Some companies that hire in this industry are - Apple, Samsung, Google, Microsoft, Sony, and Dell. This is because they have very sensitive information in their database. Businesses selling technology, such as laptops and phones, must also ensure that their goods have safety procedures in place to guard against hacking. They need cyber security engineers to guarantee that their networks, computer systems, and goods are extremely safe.
Some of the top-paying companies hiring for cyber security in the technology department are -
| Company | Hiring For |
|---|
Cisco | Security Engineer |
Accenture | Information Systems Security Engineer |
Apple | Security Analyst |
Lockheed Martin | Cyber Security Engineer |
Top Paying Companies for Cyber Security Engineers in USA
There are many Fortune 500 companies hiring for cyber security in the USA. The average salary for cyber security engineer in USA, paid by the top companies, are as below -
| Companies | Salary |
|---|
Symantec | 185,000 USD |
KPMG | 107,972 USD |
Cisco | 166,673 USD |
Fortinet | 150,000 USD |
Radware | 154,000 USD |
Imperva | 766,033 USD |
SecureWorks | 136,000 USD |
Carbon Black | 183,500 USD |
Dell EMC | 127,097 USD |
Rapid 7 | 112,695 USD |
McAfee | 83,000 USD |
Apple | 178,795 USD |
Facebook | 129,041 USD |
Amazon | 126,192 USD |
Google | 132,000 USD |
IBM | 95,125 USD |
Booz Allen Hamilton | 107,651 USD |
Lockheed Martin | 101,110 USD |
MITRE | 108,787 USD |
Cyber Security Engineer Salary Comparison by Gender in USA
There are 78.5% of men in cybersecurity, while Women make up only 21.5%. The pay difference might be due to several factors. One such factor can be years of experience. Many males in this industry are older, while younger women have less experience. Thus, the pay is low for them. Below is the pay of cyber security jobs based on gender -
| Gender | Salary Percentage |
|---|
Male | 83.9% |
Female | 15.1% |
Prefer to Self-Decline | 1.0% |
For every 95 cents earned by women, men earn 1 USD. Below are the salary percentage of the males and females based on the last ten years -
| Year | Male | Female |
|---|
2019 | 76.47% | 23.53% |
2018 | 75.47% | 24.53% |
2017 | 74.99% | 25.01% |
2016 | 73.94% | 26.05% |
2015 | 72.17% | 27.83% |
2014 | 75.00% | 25.00% |
2013 | 72.98% | 27.02% |
2012 | 66.30% | 33.30% |
2011 | 73.19% | 26.81% |
2010 | 65.78% | 34.22% |
Cyber Security Engineer Bonus and Incentive Rates in United States
The bonus and incentives for cyber security in the USA depend on their performance and other factors. The average bonus and incentives range between 1000 USD to 6000 USD per annum.
Other benefits offered to the employees are -
| Benefits | Percentage |
|---|
Medical | 85% |
Dental | 82% |
Vision | 77% |
None | NA |
What Are the Factors Affecting Cyber Security Engineer Salary in the USA?
Cyber security in the USA is a very high-paying job. Companies look for candidates who are proficient in project management ability. Also, a background in data analytics and data science can help cyber security experts to gain higher positions in a company. The following are the factors that affect cyber security engineer salary in the US -
1. Skills
In the USA, companies hire candidates based on their skills. So, if you want to get hired by a good company, work on your technical skills as well as your soft skills. You can even take a certification course to enhance your cyber skills. Below are a few skills that you must have to boost your cyber security career or get started -
- Cryptology
- Analytical skills
- Network security
- Privacy engineering
- Technical writing skills
- Coding
- Law experts
- Knowledge of government and national security
- Problem-solving skills
2. Industry
As more and more industries are turning toward technical advancement, the need to keep the company's data and information safe is rising. As a cyber security professional, you are responsible to safeguard their data. The position differs across industries, and The type of industry you work with also affects your salary structure. You can earn more while working in the financial and government sectors than working in a retail firm.
3. Experience
Experience has a significant impact on how much you can earn in a year. Entry-level cybersecurity professionals earn low as compared to experienced-level cybersecurity professionals. As your career progresses, your salary curve goes up. For every year of experience, you can expect a salary hike of 1000 USD.
4. Location
The place you live and work has a great impact on your salary. The salary for cyber security in the USA depends on the standard market for your location, such as - your city and state. For example, if you live in West Virginia, your salary will be 1,4,500 USD per year, which is way more than the salary of people living in Rhode Island (44,000 USD).
5. Organization
Big companies like Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google offer more salaries than any other companies in the USA. For example, if your salary in any XYZ company is 60000 USD per year, in the companies mentioned above, your salary could increase to 150000 USD.
6. Education
This is the most important factor affecting your salary as a cybersecurity professional. It is very important to have a relevant education or bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, etc. You can also get some certification courses and join boot camps to learn more about the field and have more practical knowledge. Also, Cyber Security training and certification is a great addition to your resume and help in polishing your skills.
7. Performance
Your performance in a company decides your pay - meaning if you perform better, the more there is the chance of getting promoted to senior level, and thus, the salary gets increased.
Boost Your Cyber Security Salary in USA with the help of KnowledgeHut's Course
High-end IT companies in the USA hire cyber security experts yearly to fortify their organizations and prevent data breaches. If you want to get into the field of cyber security, Hacking classes can help you achieve your dream and get you the best cyber security job in the USA.
To get into cyber security, you must sharpen your skills. With various courses available on KnowledgeHut, you can have enough skills and knowledge to be eligible to apply to the top paying companies. Some of the courses available are -
- CyberSAFE Certification Course
- Certified Ethical Hacker Certification
- PCI - Data Security Standard
- CISSP
- COBIT 5 - Foundation
- CISA
- The Advanced Cyber Security Specialist Learning
- CCSP Certification Training
To take a cyber security course, you must have the following eligibility and fulfill the prerequisites as given below -
- Previous cyber security knowledge can be a great advantage.
- Experienced and even fresher candidates can enroll.
- Each course specification varies. So, check the course details before enrolling.
Now, the best candidates for KnowledgeHut cybersecurity courses are -
- ITSM Managers
- Business Process Owners
- IT Professionals
- Business Managers
- Project Managers
- Professionals and freshers are interested in cyber security.
How to Get into the Field of Cyber Security?
Cybersecurity is becoming one of the highest-paid jobs in the future. Here's how you can get into the cyber security job market in the USA and kickstart your career -
1. Learn Programming Languages
Programming language is considered the first thing to learn if you are planning on doing a cyber security course. These consist of high-level and low-level languages, as it is easier for humans to read and interpret.
These languages are important to learn because when an attacker attacks, they must understand the language a hacker uses. Below are some of the best programming languages for cyber security -
Java is the widely used language often used to create identity theft, but it can also be used in ethical hacking. Hackers usually use Java to send messages from the victim's phone.
You must learn python, as hackers mostly use python to write malicious programs and hacking scripts. This programming language has several read-made modules, which are sometimes used for vicious purposes.
SQL is one of the top cyber security languages because, without this, an online attack on a database is impossible to stop. This is because hackers target the database by running SQL injections, which allows them to gain access to confidential data.
2. Earn a Degree
Most companies hiring for cybersecurity require a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields. So, you must complete your bachelor's degree before you apply to a company for a post in cyber security.
A bachelor's degree can be earned online, or you can also visit the campus in person. If you cannot commit to a four-year degree course, you can acquire an associate degree in cybersecurity from KnowledgeHut Hacking classes. This can help you grab a position in various IT industries and others.
3. Gain Experience
Gaining experience without a job might seem a daunting task. But it is quite easy - to get an internship. There are many companies offering internships to newbies - paid and unpaid. An internship helps you with practical knowledge and skill, along with gaining experience in the field. It can also give a competitive edge over other applicants.
You can also gain experience working on cybersecurity projects alone and contributing to open-source projects. Always document your progress and create a coding portfolio to record your experience.
4. Obtaining Certificates
Cybersecurity certification proves that you have ample knowledge and experience to work in the company. These credentials make you worthy and increase your market value and earning potential. There are numerous professional certification courses that you can opt for. Some of the most common cybersecurity courses are as follows -
- CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor Certification)
The Certified Information Systems Auditor certifications illustrate your auditing ability while monitoring and controlling an organization's data system. It is administered by the Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA). Professionals who are experienced for over five years can pursue the certification course.
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional Certification)
A Certified Information Systems Security Professional Certification course helps you get a senior or chief information security officer (CISO) role. This course is for individuals who have experience of 5 years or more and is issued by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC).
- CISM (Certified Information System Manager Certification)
The Certified Information System Manager Certification course is especially for experienced cybersecurity personnel who want to advance their career in cybersecurity. This demonstrates the knowledge and expertise in security governance, incident, and risk management. This course is also administered by the Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
If you are a fresher, you can consider joining cybersecurity boot camps which can help you gain some expertise in the field. Cyber security jobs in the USA prefer candidates with boot camp experience if you are a fresher.
5. Join Cyber Security Bootcamps
Cybersecurity boot camps are best for you if you have started out recently. A Bootcamp is a short-term, intensive training session designed for students to help them with the practical knowledge of development. It also helps them prepare the students with hard skills and soft skills. Most boot camps last 20 weeks, but for part-time students, it can take up to a year.
A cybersecurity boot camp is the best option for those who do not want to pursue the traditional bachelor's course. It takes less time and is cost-effective (11,900 USD on average). Some boot camps even offer financial aid and job guarantees. Another advantage of attending a Bootcamp is you can choose the course based on your expertise, knowledge, and availability. Once you complete your cybersecurity boot camp course, you will be eligible to apply as a fresher for positions like - IT auditor, information security analyst, penetration tester, etc.
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Conclusion
Businesses these days are shifting to the cloud to utilize more digital technologies to streamline their operations - the rise in the need for cyber security jobs in the USA is growing exponentially. The courses mentioned above can help you grow and develop skills in the industry to help you boost the cyber security engineer salary in the US.
However, getting a good cyber security jobs USA salary is not as complicated as it seems. All you need is a desire to learn new skills and some professional direction from mentors and professionals in your field. You will have a much greater chance of landing a job as a cybersecurity specialist at a reputable company after you learn the domain's principles and acquire the necessary abilities. Also, the article above includes all the details, including the course, certifications, and cyber security expert salary in the USA, to help you move forward with your dream.
