20 Highest-Paying Jobs With a Cybersecurity Degree 2025

Cybersecurity careers are some of the highest-paying bachelor's degree jobs. In fact, cybersecurity salaries routinely exceed $100,000 a year.

If you're interested in learning more about the top-paying cybersecurity jobs, you've come to the right place. Keep reading as we explore some high-paying career paths you could pursue if you hold a bachelor's or master's degree in cybersecurity.

Highest Paying Cyber Security Jobs

Cybersecurity is a high-demand field. There are many types of cybersecurity jobs, and some can be incredibly lucrative. Let's look at our list of top 20 cybersecurity jobs that pay well.

The following salary information was gathered from reputable sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides official data on wages, employment trends, and job outlooks across various industries. Please note that these salaries are based on national averages. The actual salary will vary depending on experience level, geographic area, and other factors.

1. Computer and Information Systems Manager

Estimated Median Salary: $169,510

Computer information systems managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all computer-related actions within a company. They may oversee individual departments or manage all tech-related departments within the organization.

These professionals must hold at least a bachelor's degree in a major for cybersecurity, with many businesses requiring candidates to have a graduate degree. Many companies also expect candidates to have at least five years of experience in the computer science industry.

2. Director of Information Security

Estimated Median Salary: $152,706

The director of information security is responsible for implementing effective security measures within a company's computer systems. They may create and design infrastructures to protect against technological vulnerabilities.

Information security directors are paid well for their expertise and are expected to hold at least a bachelor's degree. Many companies prefer candidates to hold higher degrees and have relevant job experience.

3. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Estimated Median Salary: $145,080

Computer and information research scientists study current and potential uses for technology, designing improved systems for businesses and other agencies. They can work in cybersecurity or other tech-related capacities.

The majority of research scientists hold a master's degree in their field. Some positions, particularly those in government agencies, may only require a bachelor's degree.

4. Software Architect

Estimated Median Salary: $135,600

Software architects create and develop new software systems. They typically work for companies and agencies, often overseeing teams of programmers and developers who implement their new software designs for the benefit of the agency.

Software architects are masters of coding use and troubleshooting. In most cases, candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree to qualify for this career path.

5. Software Developer, Analyst, or Tester

Estimated Median Salary: $130,160

Software developers, analysts, and testers create, implement, test, troubleshoot, and provide training on how to use various software systems. All of these duties may be carried out by one individual within an organization, or they may be divided among different professionals.

Developers, analysts, and testers typically have bachelor's or master's degrees in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or similar fields. They employ broad skill sets to create software programs to identify and nullify cyberattacks and other cyber threats.

6. Computer Network Architect

Estimated Median Salary: $129,840

Computer network architects are tasked with designing various types of networks, such as wide area networks and local area networks. They commonly work in an office setting and may find employment in many industries.

Most computer network architects hold bachelor's degrees. In the cybersecurity roles, these professionals may design security networks and assist during incident response.

7. Application Security Engineer

Estimated Median Salary: $127,849

Application security engineers are cybersecurity experts who work to ensure secure storage of sensitive information within a company. Specifically, they monitor the company's software programs and applications to guard against security breaches.

They may also run tests and risk assessments to determine the potential for cybercrimes and security threats. Application security engineers usually have a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or information technology.

8. Cloud Engineer

Estimated Median Salary: $121,261

Cloud engineers identify, plan, and develop cloud-based solutions. They commonly work alongside other engineers and provide services for multiple companies.

Cloud engineers use problem-solving skills to promote cloud security and troubleshoot bugs in the system. These security specialists typically have a bachelor's degree in a computer science-related field.

9. Information Security Analyst

Estimated Median Salary: $120,360

Information security analysts are IT security professionals responsible for identifying vulnerabilities and implementing security protocols within a company's computer networks. Professionals in these cybersecurity positions defend against security incidents by identifying and addressing potential issues before they arise.

Information security analysts typically have a bachelor's degree, and earning a professional certification can also help with landing a job. This cybersecurity profession is growing at a much faster-than-average rate, as the job outlook is expected to improve 33% by 2033 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

10. Penetration Tester

Estimated Median Salary: $119,538

Penetration testers, also known as certified ethical hackers (CEH), test a company's computer networks and security systems by simulating data breaches to identify vulnerabilities. This helps companies understand how cybercriminals could gain unauthorized access to their systems so they can implement security solutions ahead of time.

Penetration testers typically hold a bachelor's degree, but sometimes industry certifications are enough to help candidates land jobs. They may work for specific companies or provide their services as freelance consultants.

11. Chief Information Officer

Estimated Median Salary: $118,328

Chief information officers are similar to chief information security officers, with both types of professionals leading and overseeing information technology departments and security systems. These professionals demonstrate a broad range of soft skills and cybersecurity talents to ensure protection against cyber threats.

Chief information officers typically need to have at least a bachelor's degree and industry certifications in the field. Most companies also prefer to hire candidates with several years of relevant work experience.

12. Database Administrator or Architect

Estimated Median Salary: $117,450

Database administrators and architects create databases and other systems to securely store information. They employ cybersecurity skills to ensure these systems are protected from malware and other security threats.

These professionals almost always hold a bachelor's degree or higher. They are essential to enacting and enforcing security policies relative to databases and making sure authorized individuals are able to access them.

13. Cloud Consultant

Estimated Median Salary: $115,081

Cloud consultants specialize in internet-based cloud computing systems. They typically work on a contract basis, providing consulting services for various clients to help them determine which cloud solutions will best meet their needs.

Sometimes these professionals also program and customize systems to help them meet specific needs. Most cloud consultants hold bachelor's degrees, but in some cases all they need are industry certifications to establish their expertise in the field.

14. Network Security Engineer

Estimated Median Salary: $111,653

Network security engineers work on specific private networks for clients. These cybersecurity engineers plan, design, perfect, audit, and troubleshoot issues within these networks.

The primary goal of network security engineers is to remove existing cyber threats and monitor how a network might respond to future attacks and cybercrimes. These professionals commonly hold a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or a related field.

15. Senior Security Consultant

Estimated Median Salary: $111,085

Senior security consultants are tasked with analyzing and researching computer networks and systems to identify strengths and weaknesses. They often work on a contract basis and provide expert advice to various IT teams.

These professionals must have expert communication skills to relay complex information to different parties. They typically have at least a bachelor's degree in a computer science field.

16. Identity Manager

Estimated Median Salary: $109,527

Identity managers create systems used for effectively and securely storing personal information. These systems are essential for verifying log-in credentials and protecting people's identities.

Identity managers also work to prevent unauthorized access to identifying information within the systems they create. These professionals typically hold a bachelor's degree and are becoming highly sought after in the cybersecurity job market.

17. Security Engineer

Estimated Median Salary: $108,356

Security engineers play an important role in security infrastructure by developing and engineering various security measures. These detail-oriented professionals are experts with programming languages and skilled at avoiding small mistakes that can lead to security issues.

Security engineers are common in a variety of fields and may work for businesses, government agencies, healthcare facilities, and more. They typically hold at least a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or information technology.

18. Risk Manager

Estimated Median Salary: $105,930

Risk managers who work in cybersecurity analyze security measures and protocols to ensure they comply with industry standards. Their goal is to determine how much an organization may be at risk for various cyberthreats.

Risk managers also perform audits and often work alongside other team members to maintain and improve security. They often have at least a bachelor's degree in a computer science-related field.

19. Computer Systems Analyst

Estimated Median Salary: $103,800

Computer systems analysts study existing computer systems and networks within an organization, looking for areas that could use improvement. They then design and implement these improvements to help systems run more securely and efficiently.

Computer systems analysts usually have a bachelor's degree, though a degree in a computer-science field isn't always necessary. Some companies prefer to hire candidates with a more well-rounded liberal arts background.

20. Computer Programmer

Estimated Median Salary: $99,700

Computer programmers are responsible for writing code to help various software systems and programs function properly. They are skilled in the use of one or more programming languages, often testing and adjusting the codes they write to run more smoothly.

Computer programmers usually work full-time in office settings and are often fluent in several programming languages. In most cases, they hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar field.

FAQs About Top-Paying Cybersecurity Careers

If you still have questions about high-paying cybersecurity jobs, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some common questions you may be curious about.

Is Cybersecurity Hard?

Many students consider cybersecurity degrees and careers challenging because they place a strong focus on advanced mathematics and scientific principles. However, students who excel in these areas will find cybersecurity less challenging than those who struggle with math and science.

Read More: What Is The Hardest Cyber Security Job?

What Is the Highest-Paying Cybersecurity Job?

Generally speaking, computer and information systems managers earn the highest average salaries in the cybersecurity field. These professionals earn a median cybersecurity career salary of $169,510 per year. However, it's important to remember that exact salaries in every cybersecurity profession can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and education level.

How Much Do Cybersecurity Jobs Pay?

Many cybersecurity professions pay $100,000 a year or more. However, salaries can vary depending on many factors. Most entry-level cybersecurity professionals will earn lower salaries, with their expected income increasing over time as they gain experience and pursue advanced education.

Should You Get a Cybersecurity Certificate or Degree?

Some schools offer certificate programs in cybersecurity. These programs can help students get their foot in the door quickly and affordably; however, many cybersecurity careers require at least a bachelor's degree. If you already hold a degree, pursuing graduate-level or industry-specific certifications (like CISO and CISSP) can teach advanced skills and make you a more desirable job candidate.

Read More: Cyber Security Certificate Vs. Cyber Security Degree

Explore Cybersecurity Degree Programs

If you're interested in pursuing the best-paying cybersecurity jobs, explore top majors for cybersecurity at the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their cybersecurity programs and to choose the best one for you.