Becoming a cybersecurity engineer (someone who puts in place, monitors, and updates security features to guard against cyberattacks and other digital threats) can be a viable career option for many, with both high employment outlooks and potential salaries — in fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33% growth in available jobs up to 2030 — much higher than the 8% national average! But in this career you’re not limited to only one path and one projected salary. With the addition of certain skills, you can grow your pay even further. According to PayScale, these are the top seven skills that will give your cybersecurity engineer salary the biggest boost.
1. Penetration testing
- Average pay for a cybersecurity engineer with penetration testing skills: $109,848/year
- 10% boost*
2. Systems engineering
- Average pay for a cybersecurity engineer with systems engineering skills: $103,669/year
- 4% boost*
3. Project management
- Average pay for a cybersecurity engineer with project management skills: $104,111/year
- 4% boost*
4. Microsoft Active Directory
- Average pay for a cybersecurity engineer with Microsoft Active Directory skills: $103,500/year
- 4% boost*
5. Splunk
- Average pay for a cybersecurity engineer with Splunk skills: $102,513/year
- 3% boost*
6. Network Security Management
- Average pay for a cybersecurity engineer with network security management skills: $101,798/year
- 2% boost*
Cybersecurity engineer fast facts
- In addition to the base cybersecurity engineer salary, you could also earn an additional bonus that ranges from $1,000–$17,000, according to PayScale.
- Surveyed cybersecurity engineers were, on average, “highly satisfied” with their job.
- According to a recent survey, only 36% of cybersecurity professionals believe you need a cybersecurity degree to enter the field — rather, a majority can enter through career training and certifications.
Looking to find out more about cybersecurity training before moving forward in your career?
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