The Highest Paying Jobs in Cyber Security

The cyber security industry continues to grow in size and scope. It is excellent news for individuals looking to work in this sector.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for cyber security professionals is set to grow by more than 20% by 2024.

As evident, there are and will be abundant opportunities for anyone interested in pursuing a career in cyber security. However, not all jobs within this field will pay you as much as others. That’s why we’ve curated this list of the highest-paying cyber security jobs and what they’ll pay you if you pursue the mentioned career options.

Let's begin!

Highest Paid Cyber Security Jobs and Their Salaries

1. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
2. Computer Network Defence (CND) Specialist
3. Computer Scientist
4. Computer Software Engineers
5. Data Recovery Technician
6. Electronic Surveillance Technician (EST)
7. Network Security Engineer
8. Network Security Administrator (NSA)
9. Registered Computer Operators (RCO) and Supervisory Operator
10. Software Development Programmer/Programming Manager

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

A Chief Information Security Officer is the person responsible for an organization’s cyber security strategy. They are often employed in high-ranking managerial positions. CISOs usually oversee the implementation of an organization’s security policies and make recommendations for improving their cyber security strategy. They must be able to use advanced computer software and be fully aware of trends and threats in the cyber security industry.

In addition, a CISO position requires a person to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science. The most desirable candidates usually have an MBA and advanced education in cyber security.

Average annual salary: $163,000.

Computer Network Defence (CND) Specialist

Computer Network Defence Specialists are responsible for protecting the information that passes through an organization’s computer systems. They monitor networks for breaches, viruses, and other attacks on the system and are often responsible for keeping information secure during a cyber attack.

A Network Defence Specialist may also be required to attend to computer systems that have been compromised. Their goal is to put the system back online with as little damage as possible.

Base pay for a Computer Network Defence Specialist: $70,000.

However, the exact amount you earn will depend on your employer, level of experience, and location.

Computer Scientist

Computer scientists are responsible for researching, analyzing, and inventing new computer systems and software. They use mathematical and scientific techniques to solve complex computer problems.

This could include finding new ways to store and process data or designing new computer hardware. Additionally, computer scientists usually possess a Ph.D. or other advanced degrees.

Median annual salary: $134,000.

However, top earners can make as much as $178,000.

Computer Software Engineers

Computer software engineers are responsible for the design and implementation of computer programs. This includes planning and managing the entire software design and development process.

They must be able to identify the best design for each program. It’s also important that they have the skills to make those designs a reality. That includes knowing the best programming languages to use for different applications.

Computer software engineers also need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the software design industry.

Average annual salary: $123,000.

However, some can earn as much as $144,000.

Data Recovery Technician

Data Recovery Technicians are responsible for the secure data storage and retrieval process. They are often employed by companies that store sensitive information. This could include law firms, healthcare providers, or financial institutions.

Data Recovery Technicians are responsible for managing the storage of data in the cloud and on computers. They’re also responsible for retrieving data when it’s needed for legal or medical purposes. Data Recovery Technicians must have a broad knowledge of computer systems. This includes storage devices, routers, and switches.

Average annual salary: $71,000.

However, top earners can make as much as $98,000.

Electronic Surveillance Technician (EST)

Electronic Surveillance Technicians monitor electronic communications. This could include telephone calls, emails, text messages, and social media posts. They are often employed by law enforcement agencies. Their goal is to collect information that can be used as evidence in criminal cases.

ESTs must be knowledgeable in a wide variety of computer systems. This includes smartphones, computers, and other devices that make electronic communications possible.

Average annual salary: $60,000.

However, top earners are able to bring in $76,000.

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, create and manage computer networks. This includes designing new networks and upgrading existing systems. Engineers must be able to use math and science to design networks that are as secure as possible.

They must also be able to implement those designs with hardware and software. Network Security Engineers must have a broad knowledge of computer systems and be able to keep up with the latest trends in the industry.

Average annual salary: $119,000.

However, top earners can earn as much as $144,000.

Network Security Administrator (NSA)

Network Security Administrators oversee the implementation of computer network security. They are responsible for assessing risk and designing a network security strategy. This includes monitoring a company’s computer systems for breaches and attacks.

An NSA must have a good understanding of how computer networks work with proper hardware and software knowledge involved in modern networks.

Average annual salary: $102,000.

However, top earners can bring in $128,000.

Registered Computer Operators (RCO) and Supervisory Operator

RCOs are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a computer system. This includes managing data, processing instructions, and managing the computer operators who work with that system.

RCOs and Supervisory Operators are responsible for tasks such as installing new computer software, repairing current systems, and monitoring operations within the system.

RCOs and SROs must have a broad knowledge of computer systems. This includes the hardware, software, and networking systems involved in managing a computer system.

Average annual salary: $70,000.

However, top earners can make as much as $97,000.

Software Development Programmer/Programming Manager

Many companies rely on a variety of software to manage their operations and day-to-day tasks. A Software Development Programmer is responsible for building these applications. Programmers must be able to use computer languages to write code and program applications.

Furthermore, they must also work with other developers to create a design for each application. This includes everything from the layout of the user interface to the logic and functions that drive the software.

Average annual salary: $110,000.

However, top earners can make as much as $136,000.

Concluding Words

From network security engineers to data recovery technicians, this list covers a wide variety of cyber security positions. In this post, you can gain a detailed understanding of what each job entails, what educational and experience requirements it has, and what the average salary for each job is.

We hope that you find this information helpful.

Good luck!