Top 9 Highest Paying Cybersecurity Jobs in 2021

In today’s business environment, technology is everywhere. Almost every industry and business relies on technology to keep their company running smoothly and organized. Instead of the traditional way of filing documents and sensitive information away in a cabinet, it’s now saved digitally. 

With more and more information being kept in the digital world, the attempts made to hack into those sources has increased – now, companies are willing to pay for cybersecurity professionals to protect their documents and data. 

Why is cybersecurity important?

Cyberattacks are constantly happening at an alarming rate – according to a 2017 study, there is a hacker attack every 39 seconds. Every person who owns and operates a computer is at risk of a data breach regardless of job title, industry, or company. Overtime, organizations have transitioned from paper to digital files, leaving all of their documents and data at risk of being hacked into. The cybersecurity industry came along to help prevent these threats and keep everyone’s private information safe. 

Cyberattacks aren’t limited to stealing credit card information or personal details. Some cyberattacks can be so detrimental that entire businesses and companies become permanently damaged or even shut down. When attacks occur, customers may choose to take their business elsewhere, executives could lose their jobs, and the public may want to avoid them for a while. Many organizations can’t survive the aftermath of a cyberattack.  

With technology constantly changing, hackers are coming up with new ways to breach data everyday – it’s the job of those in cybersecurity careers to stay on top of these new methods to counter harmful attacks.

Top 9 highest paying cybersecurity jobs in 2021

In an effort to avoid being hit by a cyberattack, organizations have turned to hiring cybersecurity professionals to keep their information online, in the cloud, and on drives to stay safe and secure. Because this sensitive data and documents are so important to the survival of the company, employers are willing to compensate these experts quite well. 

A cybersecurity professionals' salary varies depending on role, experience, level of education, and specialization. To get a sense of what the average salary is for those who choose this field, check out these highest-paying cybersecurity positions:

1) Chief information security officer (CISO)

Average salary: $166,498

The chief information security officer is responsible for overseeing the entire IT, data, and information security of the organization. As a CISO, you must be comfortable and familiar with strategic IT decision making, project management, security architecture, analytical thinking, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of scripting and source coding. In the event of a data breach, the CISO will likely be in charge of what actions need to be taken. 

While the average base salary for a CISO is just under $170,000, some professionals in this role can make as much as $230,000 annually. When considering salary, it is important to remember that experience and level of education aren’t the only things that can determine how much you make – keep in mind that the larger the organization, the higher your paycheck may be. 

2) IT Security architect 

Average salary: $124,960

Security architects have a unique role that requires them to think like a hacker in order to predict what type of threats may occur, and how to stop them. With this position, professionals are responsible for designing, building, and testing and maintaining security structures for the organization. Individuals who become security architects must have extensive knowledge and experience with security protocols, IT risk management, and security solutions. 

3) Information systems security manager

Average salary: $117,669

Cybersecurity professionals in this position will combine their strong background in technical systems and networking security, with their outstanding leadership and interpersonal communication skills. Information systems security managers are in high demand – these specialists oversee security audits, the systems that contain an organization’s valuable protocols and information, and the prevention and detection of security threats.

If you’re interested in becoming a information systems security manager, it’s crucial that you stay up to date on security trends and development, threat assessments, and government regulations. Because such private information is being watched over, those in this role can make up to $150,000 based on experience, education, and type of organization.     

4) Sales engineer

Average salary: $109,200

Not all cybersecurity careers revolve around coding and programming. There will always be a need for cybersecurity software, and therefore there will continue to be a demand for sales engineers. Unlike other sales positions, cybersecurity sales engineers are familiar with complex technological systems and are able to sell them to various businesses. 

Without having a cybersecurity background, it may be difficult to understand what the different software and programs are capable of. Those who choose this career path should be comfortable with talking to customers and having contact with those outside of your organization.

5) Information systems security engineer

Average salary: $101,460

This cybersecurity role manages all the planning and implementation of safety measures for the computer networks within an organization. Some of their responsibilities include setting system security protocols, performing regular security security tests, developing software solutions, and working to protect the networks of viruses and malware. 

6) Application security engineer 

Average salary: $97,684

These cybersecurity professionals prevent unauthorized access into the organization’s network by developing strong authorization and authentication techniques and security practices. Application security engineers monitor all the software being used, ensure that errors are handled correctly, and use algorithms to encrypt data to hinder hackers from getting hold of valuable information. Depending on where someone in this cybersecurity career works, and what their level of experience is, individuals can make up to $151,000.

7) Malware analyst

Average salary: $92,880

A malware analyst is a very specialized role that focuses on analyzing malicious software being used during a cyberattack. When a cybersecurity professional is working as a malware analyst, they’ll need to recognize how to reverse engineer malicious code, identify software that will prevent hackers from gaining access, and be able to understand how particular pieces of malware work in order to quickly solve the problem.

9) Cloud engineer

Average salary: $91,409

The role of cloud engineer is responsible for managing, designing, and maintaining an organization’s cloud infrastructure. Cloud engineers should be well-rounded in different areas of cybersecurity such as scripting languages, web creation and design, software development, cloud security software, and the creation of cloud based applications. 

Although the average starting salary for this position is $91,409, those with more experience and a higher level of education can earn an annual starting salary of around $119,026. Consider pursuing your M.S. in cybersecurity online or in person from NJIT to jumpstart your career. 

9) Penetration tester

Average salary: $86,241

Penetration testers, also referred to as ethical hackers, help organizations identify security vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their networks, and work to resolve these risk factors to protect digital assets and information. This is a highly desirable position as companies hire penetration testers to find existing flaws in their systems and are willing to pay up to $139,000. 

Harness the power of cybersecurity with NJIT

Regardless of the role you see yourself in, one way to ensure you are prepared for a career in cybersecurity is by staying up to date with security trends, software, programming, and coding – the best way to achieve this is with a masters degree in cybersecurity and privacy. When you pursue a graduate degree in cybersecurity, you’ll not only continue to learn new skills and grow within the field, but you’ll also show employers that you’re focused and serious about it. 

At NJIT, you can even earn your master's degree online, giving you the flexibility to work full time, tend to family obligations, and focus on studying instead of commuting. Get your M.S. in cybersecurity and privacy on your own time with a schedule that works for you. Take hold of your future and apply today.