A cybersecurity analyst is responsible for planning and carrying out computer and network security measures to protect the company’s computer systems and networks. The responsibilities of cybersecurity analysts are always changing as cyberattacks become more complex and higher in number. Some of their common duties include: (BLS.gov)
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- Monitor the company’s networks for breaches in security and investigate violations as they occur.
- Install and utilize software, including firewalls and data encryption programs, to safeguard sensitive information.
- Prepare cybersecurity reports that detail any security breaches and what damage was caused by the breaches.
- Perform penetration testing, which simulates attacks to search for vulnerabilities in the systems before they can be exploited.
- Research the most up to date IT security trends.
- Devise security standards and best practices for the company.
- Recommend enhancements in security to management or senior IT staff
- Assist computer users when they need to install software or learn about new security measures.
As a cybersecurity analyst, you will be deeply involved in the creating of your company’s disaster recovery plan, which is a procedure that information technology employees follow if there is an emergency involving the computer systems and network.
These plans allow for the IT department to continue to operate even if there has been a crisis. The recovery plan includes standard preventive measures, such as copying and transferring data to offsite. A cybersecurity analyst also should write plans to restore IT functioning after an emergency.
To be successful as a cybersecurity analyst, you need the following skills: (Simplilearn.com)
- Strategy: You should be able to implement complex security measures and controls in your company and be able to weigh the consequences of every action. Advanced security protocols require strategic and tactical evaluations of budgets, resources, workflows, and dependencies.
- Communicator: Communication and management skills are essential so you can explain to teams and clients the technology and security measures you are implementing.
- Life long learning: Technical competence is essential. With the rapid development in IT security, you must constantly do research, training, and earn certifications.
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary Outlook
Becoming a cybersecurity analyst requires you to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. A master’s degree in cybersecurity or business analytics may be required if you want to advance into upper-level cybersecurity management.
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Learn about your salary potential in this field below before you commit to several years in a cybersecurity program.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for cybersecurity analysts is $98,500 as of May 2018. The lowest 10% with the least experience earned $56,700, while the top 10% earned more than $156,000. (BLS). Top industries for cybersecurity professionals were:
- Computer systems design and related services: $102,600
- Finance and insurance: $101,000
- Information: $96,500
- Management of companies and enterprises: $94,100
- Administrative and support services: $94,100
Payscale.com
Payscale.com reports the average cybersecurity analyst salary is $75,774 with a range between $51,000 and $117,000. Some of the company-reported salaries for this occupation were: (Payscale.com)
- Booz, Allen, and Hamilton: $80,000
- Science Applications International Corporation: $89,000
- Lockheed Martin Corporation: $88,000
- US Air Force: $67,000
- US Army: $66,000
- Leidos: $93,000
- Mantech International Corporation: $106,000
- Northrop Grumman Corporation: $83,000
Popular skills in the occupation and related salaries are:
- Cybersecurity: $76,100
- Security intrusion detection: $77,980
- Security Information and Event Management: $77,649
- Security Risk Management: $80,477
- Security Policies and Procedures: $78,756
As you gain experience as a cybersecurity analyst, your salary will rise:
- Less than 1 year of experience: $61,500
- One to four years of experience: $70,000
- Five to nine years of experience: $87,500
- 10 to 19 years of experience: $100,400
- More than 20 years of experience: $110,800
Cybersecurity professionals’ salary can vary widely depending on where they live:
- New York City: +16%
- Washington DC: +12%
- Huntsville AL: +11%
- Tampa FL: +4%
- San Diego: -1%
- Dallas: -7%
- San Antonio: -9%
Ziprecruiter.com
Ziprecruiter.com reports the average salary for cybersecurity analysts is $100,100 with a range between $41,500 and $151,500. As you gain experience and your master’s degree, you will easily be able to earn more than $100,000 per year. Most salaries in this field range between $80,000 and $117,500. (Ziprecruiter.com)
Salary.com
Salary.com reports the average salary for cybersecurity engineers is $137,100 with a range between $122,500 and $156,000. (Salary.com)
Job Outlook for Cybersecurity Analysts
If you are interested in getting your degree in cybersecurity or computer science, you have plenty of lucrative jobs waiting for you. Employment for cybersecurity analysts will grow 32% by 2028, which is much faster than average for all occupations.
Demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to be high for many years. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and analysts with cybersecurity skills will be needed to come up with strong solutions to prevent hackers from stealing vital information or creating problems for complex computer networks.
Banks, financial institutions, and other corporations will need to enhance their information security safeguards in the face of increasing cybersecurity threats. Also, as the healthcare field is growing its use of electronic medical records, ensuring the privacy of patients’ information will become critical. Many cybersecurity professionals will be needed to create secure systems to store private patient information.
Also, employment for cybersecurity analysts will grow a remarkable 55% in computer systems design and related services through 2028. The adoption of cloud-based services by smaller companies is leading to a rise in cybersecurity risks. There will be higher demand for cybersecurity professionals in this industry. (BLS.gov)
Cybersecurity Analyst by State
| State | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York - Cybersecurity Analyst | $50.46 | $104,962 |
| Massachusetts - Cybersecurity Analyst | $50.05 | $104,095 |
| New Hampshire - Cybersecurity Analyst | $49.11 | $102,152 |
| Maryland - Cybersecurity Analyst | $46.74 | $97,221 |
| Alaska - Cybersecurity Analyst | $46.11 | $95,913 |
| Nevada - Cybersecurity Analyst | $46.11 | $95,913 |
| Montana - Cybersecurity Analyst | $46.11 | $95,913 |
| North Dakota - Cybersecurity Analyst | $46.11 | $95,913 |
| Wyoming - Cybersecurity Analyst | $46.11 | $95,913 |
| Idaho - Cybersecurity Analyst | $46.11 | $95,913 |
| Hawaii - Cybersecurity Analyst | $46.06 | $95,797 |
| Connecticut - Cybersecurity Analyst | $45.98 | $95,630 |
| Vermont - Cybersecurity Analyst | $45.95 | $95,578 |
| Washington - Cybersecurity Analyst | $45.88 | $95,420 |
| Nebraska - Cybersecurity Analyst | $45.78 | $95,223 |
| California - Cybersecurity Analyst | $45.34 | $94,308 |
| Virginia - Cybersecurity Analyst | $45.17 | $93,962 |
| Rhode Island - Cybersecurity Analyst | $44.83 | $93,240 |
| Arizona - Cybersecurity Analyst | $44.07 | $91,662 |
| New Jersey - Cybersecurity Analyst | $44.03 | $91,587 |
| West Virginia - Cybersecurity Analyst | $43.88 | $91,263 |
| Colorado - Cybersecurity Analyst | $43.83 | $91,164 |
| Pennsylvania - Cybersecurity Analyst | $43.63 | $90,755 |
| Minnesota - Cybersecurity Analyst | $43.62 | $90,721 |
| South Dakota - Cybersecurity Analyst | $43.58 | $90,641 |
| South Carolina - Cybersecurity Analyst | $43.51 | $90,497 |
| Oregon - Cybersecurity Analyst | $43.44 | $90,355 |
| Tennessee - Cybersecurity Analyst | $43.43 | $90,337 |
| Delaware - Cybersecurity Analyst | $43.33 | $90,123 |
| Utah - Cybersecurity Analyst | $43.13 | $89,703 |
| Kentucky - Cybersecurity Analyst | $42.95 | $89,328 |
| Ohio - Cybersecurity Analyst | $42.83 | $89,086 |
| Indiana - Cybersecurity Analyst | $42.61 | $88,633 |
| Oklahoma - Cybersecurity Analyst | $42.50 | $88,398 |
| Kansas - Cybersecurity Analyst | $42.37 | $88,133 |
| Wisconsin - Cybersecurity Analyst | $42.36 | $88,116 |
| Iowa - Cybersecurity Analyst | $42.24 | $87,854 |
| Louisiana - Cybersecurity Analyst | $42.21 | $87,796 |
| Maine - Cybersecurity Analyst | $42.07 | $87,506 |
| Texas - Cybersecurity Analyst | $41.57 | $86,467 |
| Georgia - Cybersecurity Analyst | $41.17 | $85,635 |
| Alabama - Cybersecurity Analyst | $41.16 | $85,603 |
| Arkansas - Cybersecurity Analyst | $41.03 | $85,347 |
| New Mexico - Cybersecurity Analyst | $40.86 | $84,993 |
| Illinois - Cybersecurity Analyst | $40.43 | $84,098 |
| Michigan - Cybersecurity Analyst | $40.42 | $84,065 |
| Mississippi - Cybersecurity Analyst | $40.20 | $83,606 |
| Missouri - Cybersecurity Analyst | $39.57 | $82,296 |
| Florida - Cybersecurity Analyst | $38.92 | $80,953 |
| North Carolina - Cybersecurity Analyst | $35.51 | $73,855 |
Source: Ziprecruiter.com, January 2020.
Summary
Job demand and salaries for cybersecurity analysts are high and will go higher in the next 10 years. Even with only a bachelor’s degree and minimal experience, you can start at a salary of $50,000 or $60,000. With more experience and possibly a master’s degree, your salary could reach $150,000 or more.