Plan B
Cyber Security
What they do
Deal with businesses to identify ways of securing their IT (information technology) systems. They also mentor staff and make sure the company meets its regulatory requirements.
Work Environment
Fast-paced, highly collaborative, and constantly evolving. Professionals navigate a blend of high-stress incident responses and routine system monitoring.
How to Become One
Requires a combination of IT fundamentals, hands-on practice, industry-recognized certifications, and also a bachelors degree.
Pay
Cyber security pay in the US averages $120,000 to $128,000 annually, with starting salaries typically ranging between $70,000 and $90,000.
Job Outlook
The cybersecurity job outlook is incredibly strong. The field is projected to grow between 29% to 33% over the next decade—which is vastly faster than the national average for all occupations.
Similar Occupations
Core IT infrastructure (where you secure and maintain systems) and specialized risk, law, and analytics (where you handle data and investigate threats).