10 Top Security Careers


The top security careers are in roles that are in demand and also pay well so graduates can expect an excellent job outlook. As the 21st century continues to unfold, many people are pursuing security jobs for the purpose of attaining a stable income or having the job they’ve always dreamed of. If you are interested in attaining a job within the security field, you should learn as much as you can about which ones will be most advantageous. Here are 10 top security careers that you should seriously consider:

1. Information Security Analysts

As many individuals who work within the information technology sector know, information security analysts work to advance the goals of their organization by ensuring that the firm’s information remains safe from cyber attacks. There are several reasons why the information security analyst position ranks amongst the top 10 security careers. One is that the job outlook for the position is great. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to experience growth rates of 22% between 2010-2020. This is a faster than average growth rate. Additionally, an information security analyst can expect to make around $75,660 annually. This is a competitive salary.

2. Network Security Administrator

Individuals who choose to become network administrators within this sector have various job responsibilities, including securing the company’s servers and routers and helping the company create expedient policies surrounding the security of its networks. Additionally, the administrator helps protect computer systems against intruders and viruses by ensuring that no one gains access to highly sensitive data from the company’s network that you haven’t permitted them to attain. In order to work as an administrator, you will probably have to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network, almost 90% of individuals who work as administrators have one. The administrator position earns a position as one of the top 10 security jobs for three reasons. First, it offers a competitive salary of $69,160 per year. Second, the growth rate of the occupation is 28%, which is faster than average. Finally, the opportunity for full-time work in the field is great, with over 90% of people working full time.

3. Cyber Crime Investigator

Individuals who pursue a career as an information security crime investigator will be expected to analyze how criminals breach infrastructures so that they can identify systems and networks which have been compromised by such activity. The information security crime investigator will examine and explore traces that are left by criminal activity with the skill of a forensic expert who is knowledgeable regarding the latest methodologies employed to exploit systems. This job earns a spot in the top 10 security jobs because of the competitive salary range offers-between $58,000 and $75,000 in 2010.

4. Network Security Engineers

The role of these engineers is to implement, integrate, and maintain a corporation’s LAN, WAN and server architecture. Some of the duties typically associated with the job include performing analysis of network security needs, contributing to the design and installation of hardware, and correcting network problems on-site or from a remote location. There are many reasons why these positions deserve to be amongst the top 10 careers in security.

SANS, an information security training resource, listed the position as number 7 in a ranking of the top 20 coolest jobs in information security. Additionally, individuals who operate within the field can expect to earn an average salary of $91,000. Also, Simply Hired founder Gautam Godhwani notes that there has been a substantive increase in the number of these positions being advertised on the site since 2010.

5. System, Network, or Web Penetration Tester

An individual operating in this field locate security vulnerabilities within networks, target systems, and applications for the purpose of helping an enterprise improve its security. Through the act of identifying the flaws that could be exploited and therefore cause risks to the business, penetration testers offer important insights regarding pressing issues that can determine a company’s livelihood. This job earns a position as a top 10 security job because of the competitive salary-$70,000 annually.

6. Chief Information Security Officer

Individuals who choose a career as chief information security officers will be expected to assess, manage, and implement security measures. This job earns its position on the top 10 security careers list because it affords individuals the opportunity to play an active role in the development of an organization’s security policies and procedures. Additionally, people who choose a career in this field can expect to make around $140,000 annually.

7. Security Architect

A security architect’s work includes designing solutions for an organization’s security challenges. Individuals who choose this career field will work with the technology experts within the organization. The inventive and innovative nature of the job earns it a spot on the top 10 security careers list. The average salary, which is $97,000 annually, adds to its appeal.

8. Security Manager

An individual who works as a security manager is responsible for reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Security managers also supervise administrators, technicians, and staff members. Requirements for the position include understanding configuration systems operations. The competitive salary of this position-which is an average of $89,000 annually-makes it significant enough to earn a spot on the top 10 security careers list.

9. Security Analyst

A security analyst is an individual who maintains the integrity and security of data. To work proficiently, the security analyst must attain knowledge regarding each aspect of the information security sector within a business. The biggest priority of the security analyst is to analyze the security methodologies being implemented by a company, after which determinations will be made regarding how efficacious those measures are.

The security analyst deserves a spot on the top 10 list of security careers because of the competitive salary the field offers-an average annual income of $85,000. This figure is around 25% higher than the average salary of all job listings. Additionally, the security analyst field has a great job outlook given that information security is a vital aspect of a company that intends to thrive. Over the next several years, the job growth in this field is expected to reach 25%.

10. Malware Analyst

The malware analyst is responsible for examining malicious software like worms and bots which can pose a threat to the integrity of a business’s computer systems. Some of the roles and responsibilities of the malware analyst include examining how a program works within its environment. A malware analyst could also be responsible for understanding the propagation characteristics of a specimen and/or determining its attack capabilities. The malware analyst position warrants a spot on the top 10 security careers list because individuals who choose the occupation can earn anywhere from $48,000-$100,000 annually.

More Information Regarding Careers In Security

While the information above offers you a broad overview of various careers in security that you can pursue, it is important that you learn as much as you can about the security sector so you can make a prudent decision regarding which job to pursue. Some basic facts you should familiarize yourself with include the structure of a private security company. In short, a private security company operates according to a for-profit model and provides security services to public and private clients. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that these companies function by providing patrol and guard services such as guard dogs, bodyguards, and parking security services.

National Security Jobs

Another type of security service you should be aware of is national security. National security services generally involve protecting countries from aggression and terrorism, whether internal or external. For example, the National Security Branch (NSB) is a service operating within the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The responsibilities of the NSB include protecting America from foreign intelligence operations, espionage, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and acts of terrorism. Jobs within this sector can be of benefit to individuals who enjoy activities like investigating security threats, developing systems and structures that can keep the nation safe, and providing analyses to law enforcement agencies.

Airport security is another type of security that individuals interested in securing a job in the security sector should learn about. In short, airport security references the methods and techniques that are used to protect passengers, staff, and aircraft that make use of airports from crime, malicious intents, and threats. Individuals who enjoy the astral world may benefit from pursuing a career in this field.

Your Security Career

As made plain by the information listed above, there are a variety of great security service careers that an individual can pursue in order to attain job satisfaction, financial security, and personal fulfillment. With this in mind, you should consider the aforementioned jobs carefully and determine which-if any-would be a good fit for you. Good luck!

Related: