These days, the cybersecurity industry is thriving – and it has the revenue to prove it. According to a report from Grand View Research, the market for cybersecurity services was worth about 156.5 BILLION worldwide in 2019, and it’s expected to exceed $192 billion by 2028.
How much of that money is going to the millions of cybersecurity professionals working around the world? The answer varies, as analysts and other workers earn different salaries based on their job title, industry experience, and education. However, one thing is clear: you can earn more money if you get a cybersecurity certificate.
Payscale reports that individuals with a cybersecurity certificate can earn a salary from $69,469 up to $125,000! Of course, your salary will depend on many things, from your title to your industry experience and education. But there is one thing that will guarantee a higher salary: a cybersecurity certificate. Here’s what you need to know about certification in this fast-growing industry.
Cybersecurity Salaries
Salaries in cybersecurity (like salaries in any other industry) will vary based on where you work, how much experience you have, and many other factors. However, thanks to data from organizations like CyberSeek, we can see how certification can help you earn more.
Here are some of the most common jobs in cybersecurity, along with their median salaries:
Entry Level Jobs
- Incident Responder ($89,000)
- Cybersecurity Specialist ($92,000)
- Cyber Crime Analyst ($94,000)
- IT Auditor ($98,000)
Mid-Level Jobs
- Cybersecurity Consultant ($91,000)
- Cybersecurity Analyst ($95,000)
- Penetration Tester ($103,000)
Advanced Level Jobs
- Cybersecurity Manager ($105,000)
- Cybersecurity Engineer ($106,000)
- Cybersecurity Architect ($133,000)
There are a variety of roles you can fill within the cybersecurity industry, and each of these roles yields a different salary.
Most cybersecurity professionals start their career in an entry-level role (after earning their bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field). Then, they advance to a higher position after gaining some work experience. However, you can advance more quickly in your career if you pair your work experience with additional education — namely, a cybersecurity certificate.
How to Get a Cybersecurity Certificate
Whether you become a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), your certifications will make a world of difference in your professional life. But how exactly do you get a cybersecurity certificate? There are three factors that will impact your certification journey: eligibility, time, and cost.
Eligibility
Every cybersecurity certification has its own set of requirements. For example, professionals looking to take a CEH course should have at least two years of working experience! This may mean that some workers have to spend time in an entry-level position before they can continue their education — but trust us, it’s worth it.
Time
Getting a cybersecurity certificate is no easy feat. You have to take a course (typically offered through the certifying body or third-party company) and pass a challenging exam! And of course, most professionals go through this process WHILE still working their current jobs. It’s important that you take your certification course when you know you have the time and the support to succeed.
Cost
Finally, cybersecurity professionals should keep in mind that certifications are not free. Prices range from course to course (CompTIA’s Security+ certification costs $370 while sitting for the CEH exam costs $950), but it is common to pay hundreds of dollars for your certification. Make sure you are prepared to pay this fee — or negotiate with your employer to be compensated for the cost!
What You Can Do with a Cybersecurity Certificate
Let’s be clear: if you want to have a thriving career in cybersecurity, you need some sort of certification. A study from CompTIA reveals that 91% of employers believe that certifications are a “reliable predictor” of a good employee. A cybersecurity certificate can help you move up in your current career or even move into another, more specialized role within your company’s cybersecurity department.
A career in cybersecurity can be exciting, and stimulating — and it can be very lucrative, even at the entry-level. And as the industry continues to grow, more and more positions will become available, making it a great career path for tech-savvy young professionals. But if your career plan doesn’t include certification, you’re selling yourself short! Cybersecurity certifications are the best way to ensure that you stay at the top of your industry throughout your career.
Want to get started with your certification? Legends of Tech is the premium learning network for the cybersecurity industry. With course offerings like SOC Training and Cloud Security, you’ll be able to earn certifications and learn the essential skills you need to be a great cybersecurity specialist.
Check out our course offerings to advance your career today!