Cybersecurity is absolutely where the money is. Individuals looking to earn near six figures with great job stability need to look no further than a career in cyber. What niche industries offer the highest pay? Here’s a round-up.
The definition of cybersecurity is as diverse as the job pool, but for our purposes let’s consider which cleared IT positions offer the highest salaries, as indicated by the 2014 ClearanceJobs Compensation Survey.
Topping the list is IT Engineering, with average pay nearly $110,000 a year. This includes high-level software and systems engineers. The reason for top salaries? High job growth and a limited pool of qualified talent.
Next are Software programmers and developers, who can expect salaries averaging over $105,000.
Third are network security professionals, who can expect salaries averaging $93,000. Demand remains highest in the Washington, D.C. region, where cleared security analysts are in hot demand within the government.
Rounding out the top five highest paying cyber careers are database administrators and architects; and hardware specialists, who can expect salaries between $78,000 and $90,000, depending on specific skill requirements and location.
The key to a successful cyber career is the right blend of skills, certifications and passion. If you have all three, and a security clearance, you can expect to command a top salary now, and in the years to come.
