What it takes to land a six-figure cybersecurity job

While there are plenty of open positions, there may not be enough qualified people to fill these jobs. Companies often require specific qualifications, certifications, or other educational requirements to land advanced cybersecurity jobs. But top cybersecurity professionals agree that there are plenty of ways to break into the industry.

“There are many different types of people entering the security industry,” said Ryan LaSalle, North American head of Accenture Security. luck In a recent interview. “Continuing education programs, certification programs, self-study programs, even master’s degrees and online programs can really help people pivot with confidence.”

No matter what path you take to get there, landing a job in cybersecurity is often rewarding: Many cybersecurity jobs command salaries of six figures or more, with some professionals making more than $225,000, according to research from Mondo, a recruiting firm that serves tech and creative companies.

“Cybersecurity skills often command a significant salary premium over other tech jobs — in some cases $10,000, $15,000 or more,” Will Markow, vice president of applied research talent at Emsi Burning Glass, previously said. luck.

Do I need a master's degree in cybersecurity to earn a six-figure income?

ISC2, an organization dedicated to training and certifying cybersecurity professionals, reported that 40% of cybersecurity workers hold a master's degree in the field in 2021. Importantly, however, ISC2 represents and supports highly advanced professionals who are studying to earn the field's most coveted certifications.

“Too many people in our industry are scared away when associations tell them you don't need a master's degree or certification for most jobs,” said Steve Morgan, founder of Cybersecurity Ventures. luck. “While some cyberworkers in highly technical or managerial positions may have master's degrees, the majority of people employed in our field do not.”

According to some sources, about 15% of entry- and mid-level cybersecurity professionals have a master's degree in the field, though the ISC2 figure likely refers to senior-level positions. luck Morgan says the number is 500.

While you don't necessarily need a master's degree in cybersecurity to earn a six-figure income, most experts agree that attending graduate school often leads to a higher salary than a bachelor's degree or other certification alone.

Cybersecurity master's students “demonstrated more critical thinking experience in their completed reports and oral presentations,” said Nick Schneider, CEO of cybersecurity company Arctic Wolf. luck. “This is because master's degree candidates are often able to skip entry-level roles and jump straight into second-level roles. But keep in mind that where you start doesn't determine where you'll end up.”

They added that education can be substituted with additional work experience or relevant cybersecurity certifications. Additionally, some federal cybersecurity jobs require security clearances, which can increase compensation packages.

Other ways to make six figures in cybersecurity

Earning a cybersecurity certification is also a promising path to a six-figure salary: Kayne McGladrey, an IEEE senior member and cybersecurity strategist at Ascent Solutions, cites a cybersecurity talent survey by ISC2 that shows earning a certification can increase annual salary by an average of $33,000.

“Cybersecurity is a clear path to a middle-class salary for people with a two-year degree, a relevant certification to overcome HR gatekeeping, a desire to protect their friends and communities, and a willingness to continually learn as part of a team,” he says. luck.

Sven Dietrich, IEEE member and Hunter College professor, also points out that employers often offer cybersecurity-focused training and certifications, and getting a high-paying cybersecurity job requires not only hard technical skills, but also some soft skills.

“Six-figure jobs in cybersecurity will likely require candidates who can demonstrate leadership and articulate their ideas in front of management, their team, and even customers,” Dietrich says. “On my team, I like to hire people who have creative thinking for tough problems, can use lateral thinking to find solutions, and have good team skills to follow at first but lead when needed. Project management skills are an added plus.”

Expert advice on entering the industry

Another thing to consider is that cybersecurity isn't a typical 9-to-5 job, Schneider says. It requires a “mission-driven attitude” and appeals to people who “have a higher sense of mission.”

“Cybersecurity is an industry evolving at a rapid pace, and you need a chameleon-like mindset to adapt to the changes,” Schneider said. “Having a particular degree is good, but the threat landscape is lawless, and hands-on, real-world experience is essential to defend against growing threats.”

See how the school you're considering ranks in Fortune's rankings. Best Computer Science ProgramsCybersecurity Programs, Psychology Program, Public Health Programs, Business Analytics Program, Data Science Programand part time, Executive, full timeand online MBA program.