As technology advances at a fast speed, so do the threats to digital infrastructure, highlighting the increasingly vital role of cybersecurity.

Shockingly, 71% of organizations currently have unfilled cybersecurity job positions, leaving them vulnerable to ever-evolving cyber threats. This shortage underscores the urgent need for skilled professionals capable of defending against increasingly sophisticated attacks.

The Importance of Cybersecurity

Beyond the shortage of qualified professionals, the effects of cyber breaches are alarming. Data breaches, on average, impose U.S. $4.45 million in damages per incident. This financial cost reminds us of the real-world consequences of inadequate cybersecurity measures. However, among the challenges lies a landscape ripe with opportunity. The global cybersecurity market is experiencing rapid growth, projected to reach U.S. $298 billion by 2028.

In this dynamic environment, high-paying jobs in the cybersecurity industry offer not only financial rewards but also the opportunity to make a tangible impact on safeguarding digital infrastructure.

This article covers the top high-paying jobs within the cybersecurity field, highlighting the rewarding career opportunities available for skilled professionals.

Top Five U.S. High-Paying Jobs in the Cybersecurity Industry

1. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

The average U.S. annual salary of a CISO is $169,207.

The primary responsibilities of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) include:

• Implementing cybersecurity programs
• Reporting on cybersecurity matters
• Managing business continuity and disaster recovery efforts
• Collaborating with all organizational units to identify potential risks
• Preventing internal breaches or misuse of data
• Preparing regular feedback reports on cybersecurity

To fulfill these responsibilities, a CISO should possess the requisite competence, knowledge, and expertise in the field of information security. Additionally, a CISO should have practical experience in risk management and auditing, along with planning, strategic management, supervisory skills, and a comprehensive understanding of compliance with regulations and standards

2. Cybersecurity Manager

The average U.S. annual salary for a Cybersecurity Manager is $139,140.

The main duties of a Cybersecurity Manager include:

• Establishing and maintaining a strong security governance framework
• Maintaining accurate records of security incidents
• Collaborating with partners and stakeholders to evaluate and select security solutions â Overseeing day-to-day security operations
• Overseeing and managing a team of cybersecurity professionals
• Performing risk assessments to discover possible threats and vulnerabilities

A Cybersecurity Manager has a very important role when it comes to the establishment and maintenance of a robust security posture and the mitigation of cybersecurity risks. A Cybersecurity Manager should have the ability to develop and execute a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aligned with organizational objectives.

3. Cybersecurity Architect

The average U.S. annual salary for a Cybersecurity Architect is $133,893.

The main responsibilities of a Cybersecurity Architect include:

• Creating and executing a thorough security strategy that aligns with the organization’s objectives
• Developing incident response plans and procedures to effectively respond to and manage security incidents
• Developing security awareness programs
• Conducting training sessions for employees
• Regularly performing security audits and assessments to assess the efficiency of security measures
• Staying up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends

A Cybersecurity Architect plays a critical role in establishing a secure environment and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization’s information assets. A Cybersecurity Architect should have compliance and regulatory knowledge. They should also have knowledge of the latest cybersecurity threats and attack vectors. Familiarity with security standards and frameworks would also help them in their daily work.

4. Cybersecurity Engineer

The average U.S. annual salary for a Cybersecurity Engineer is $120,959.

A Cybersecurity Engineer is mainly responsible for:

• Identifying potential vulnerabilities and threats to an organization’s IT infrastructure and conducting risk assessments to evaluate the impact and likelihood of those risks
• Designing and implementing security controls and measures to protect the organization’s digital assets
• Performing regular vulnerability assessments
• Monitoring the organization’s systems and networks for suspicious activities, security breaches, and potential threats
• Investigating security incidents, analyzing the root cause of breaches, and conducting digital forensics to gather evidence and support legal proceedings if necessary

A Cybersecurity Engineer should possess a range of skills and qualifications to effectively carry out their responsibilities in protecting computer systems and networks. Some of the main skills of a Cybersecurity Engineer include technical expertise, threat intelligence, problem-solving skills, and so on.

5. Application Security Engineer

The average U.S. annual salary for an Application Security Engineer is $108,399.

An Application Security Engineer is mainly responsible for:

• Conducting threat modeling exercises to recognize potential security risks and weaknesses
• Performing security testing, such as penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
• Providing guidance and training to development teams
• Maintaining documentation related to application security

Ensuring that applications comply with relevant industry regulations and standards Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess complex security challenges, investigate security incidents, and develop effective solutions, are some of the main skills of an Application Security Engineer. Experience in conducting vulnerability assessments and prioritizing vulnerabilities based on risk would also be needed to perform a good job

Note: The salaries of the above-mentioned positions are not definitive and they may change with time and industry development.

How Can PECB Help?

With the rising demand for cybersecurity professionals, now is a great time to start and enhance your career in cybersecurity, and PECB is the perfect place to do so.

PECB offers training courses to help you improve your skills or switch to cybersecurity, giving you the knowledge and certifications you need to succeed. Take the first step towards your future by checking out PECB’s various training courses in the field.

PECB offers Cybersecurity Management, CMMC, and CISO training courses and certification for individuals seeking to bolster an organization’s cybersecurity posture.

Cybersecurity Management Training Courses

The PECB Cybersecurity Management training courses are designed to equip its participants with the skills to create and implement strong cybersecurity strategies. Proficiency in cybersecurity management allows professionals to safeguard data, respond to cyber incidents, and ensure digital asset resilience, opening doors to leadership roles in cybersecurity careers.

PECB offers the following Cybersecurity Management training courses:

• Cybersecurity Foundation
• Lead Cybersecurity Manager

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Training Courses

The CMMC cybersecurity framework serves as DoD’s response to mitigate the risks associated with potential breaches of sensitive information within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) systems and networks. It verifies and evaluates organizations’ maturity in safeguarding sensitive information, including Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

The PECB CMMC training courses are designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills for the implementation of an information security system that is based on a risk management approach.

PECB offers the following CMMC training courses:

• CMMC Foundations
• CMMC Certified Professional

PECB Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Training Course

PECB Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) training course provides essential skills in cybersecurity leadership and management. Participants can learn to create strong security frameworks, manage operations, and ensure regulatory compliance. This certification opens doors to rewarding careers in cybersecurity leadership.

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 About the Author

Vlerë Hyseni is the Digital Content Specialist at PECB. She is in charge of doing research, creating, and developing digital content for a variety of industries. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact her at: content@pecb.com.