What Jobs Can You Hold with a Cybersecurity Degree

*Updated August 28, 2025

More people are working and learning from digital platforms than ever before, and the cybersecurity industry is booming as a result. Not only have people been working and attending classes remotely more frequently over the past few years, but medical and therapy appointments are also now more readily available via digital platforms. The convenience of learning, seeking medical treatment, and undertaking other basic activities at home has not waned since the onset of the pandemic, when many began working and learning online out of necessity. This presents a powerful opportunity to criminals who would steal personal information and invade privacy. Cybersecurity experts are at the forefront of the fight to protect our most sensitive information. 

According to a Cybersecurity Jobs Report, analysts estimate that 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled in 2025. In an industry in which demand far outpaces talent, wages are soaring, and unemployment is low. A degree in cybersecurity is an investment in the future and a hedge against economic downturns. Training in cybersecurity unlocks numerous career doors. Here are some of the best job options. 

Cybersecurity Engineer

The best defense is a good offense, and that aphorism extends to the world of cybersecurity. Rather than responding to threats, cybersecurity engineers stay one step ahead, designing systems and infrastructures that are more difficult for criminals to penetrate. Engineers may work independently in a smaller company, serving as the company’s expert on all security-related matters. Or they might join or lead a team in a larger business. Their job will include plenty of strategic planning, as well as designing and implementing their company’s infrastructure. Some engineers work on a contract basis for their own companies, helping companies install new security systems. 

The average annual national salary for Cybersecurity Engineers is $122,890. 

Cybersecurity Analyst

A cybersecurity analyst searches for cyber threats and ways to mitigate them. In smaller companies, they may fill several roles, while in larger businesses, they may work as part of a team. When a breach occurs, cybersecurity analysts may be the ones who seek ways to plug the hole and write reports about what went wrong. In some cases, they may also simulate attacks to assess the security of the company’s security infrastructure. 

The average annual national salary for Cybersecurity Analysts is $124,910. 

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement, particularly at the higher levels, such as the ATF and FBI, increasingly requires cybersecurity experts to fill a variety of roles. Their specific duties depend on where they work and their expertise. They might investigate crimes and provide forensic reports on cybersecurity incidents, work to lock down government security systems, attempt to hack into criminal enterprises to gain new information, or design and implement new security systems for expanding agencies. 

The pay varies greatly from agency to agency, but heavily depends on experience. 

Network Engineer/Architect

Network engineers build, design, and implement communication infrastructures. For example, they might help design a company’s local network to ensure it is free of security holes. They analyze network traffic to predict when capacity needs to be expanded. They may also monitor network traffic for signs of attacks. Some network engineers collaborate with security analysts and other experts to design comprehensive systems that are less vulnerable to attacks. 

The average annual national salary for Network Engineers/Architects is $130,390. 

Systems Engineer

A systems engineer fills a high-level role that integrates multiple IT processes. They endeavor to build a security system consistent with the business’s needs and specific vulnerabilities. They draft system documentation, make recommendations to team leaders, monitor system changes over time, and may also track the costs of system changes to inform these recommendations. In many cases, they fill both engineering and management roles, and they may oversee a team of engineers or cybersecurity experts. 

Systems engineers have average annual earnings of around $127,215. 

Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator

A cybersecurity manager/administrator is a cybersecurity generalist who helps oversee an organization’s cybersecurity processes. In some cases, their role is primarily managerial. In this scenario, they might manage a team, delegate cybersecurity duties, and make recommendations and reports. In smaller businesses, cybersecurity administrators work more closely with cybersecurity systems, identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities, and monitoring for warning signs of impending security attacks. 

The average annual national salary for Cybersecurity Managers/Administrators is $132,962. 

Software Developer/Engineer

Software developers design software to tackle security issues. They may modify the code of existing programs to enhance security, develop patches for security vulnerabilities, or design entirely new programs. In many cases, they are charged with implementing new software and reviewing the results of doing so. Some work as part of teams at larger organizations. Others devote themselves full-time to designing and marketing security software. 

The average annual national salary for Software Developers/Engineers is $131,450. However, there is significant variability. In the upper echelons of this role, some people design and market their own software. This can yield earnings in the high six figures, and sometimes even higher. 

Cybersecurity Specialist/Technician 

Cybersecurity specialists survey networks to prevent and detect breaches before it is too late. They may also install new systems or work with other security experts to overhaul an entire system. When a security breach occurs, they document it and make recommendations. They may fill managerial roles when they lead cybersecurity teams, or they may work more directly on the technology as engineers or security programmers. 

The average annual national salary for Cybersecurity Specialists/Technicians is $93,170. 

Vulnerability Analyst/Penetration Tester 

Penetration testers think like the bad guys so that they can help governments, companies, and nonprofits. Sometimes referred to as white-hat hackers, these security experts attempt to break into information systems. This helps them identify security holes. Drawing on this information, they can recommend new strategies. They may also draft reports on the security of a company’s system, or they may educate management about the characteristics of secure and insecure systems. 

The average annual national salary for Vulnerability Analysts/Penetration Testers is $122,890. 

Cybersecurity Consultant 

For those who love all things cybersecurity but want variety in their days, a job as a consultant could be a great career move. Consultants work with companies—and sometimes with individuals or governments—to manage myriad aspects of cybersecurity. They might help design and set up secure systems, test existing systems, or provide advice and insight on all aspects of a company’s security system. A consultant will be self-employed or work for a consulting company. This makes the role a great fit for people who value their independence and who want to set their own hours, without being tied to a single employer.

Being self-employed means that earnings are directly tied to the amount of work the consultant undertakes and with which clients. The only limitation on how much a consultant can earn is the number of clients they can find. Earnings vary significantly and can change dramatically from year to year. However, the average annual salary nationally is $131,892.

Cybersecurity Generalists 

In many cases, people with cybersecurity degrees fill a combination of roles. This is especially true at smaller and start-up companies, where a generalist might write code, offer tech support, and offer cybersecurity oversight. Even in larger entities, cybersecurity experts may fulfill the duties associated with various roles, continually adapting to the changing needs of the business. 

SNU’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is the ideal option for busy adults seeking a lucrative career without compromising their current employment. This flexible program offers online learning, allowing you to pursue your degree at a convenient time for you. Work, raise a family, and go to school. You may also be able to complete your degree faster than you ever thought possible.