Career field

Cybersecurity Jobs in the USA

Cybersecurity professionals protect organizations from attacks, data breaches and fraud. Entry points include security operations center (SOC) analyst roles, where you monitor alerts and investigate suspicious activity, and IT help desk or network administration jobs that build the foundation many security careers rest on. From there, people specialize in incident response, penetration testing, cloud security, identity and access management, security engineering, or governance, risk and compliance (GRC). Employers range from banks and hospitals to defense contractors, managed security providers and federal, state and local government. Certifications matter more here than in many tech fields: CompTIA Security+ is a common first credential, and some government and contractor roles require specific certifications and a security clearance. Hands-on practice through home labs and capture-the-flag exercises helps you stand out. Read each posting for clearance, certification and on-call requirements before applying.

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Common cybersecurity job titles

Select a title to search current openings.

Skills employers ask for

Skills that appear often in postings for this field. Check each posting for its exact requirements.

  • Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls)
  • Windows and Linux administration
  • SIEM tools and log analysis
  • Incident response process
  • Vulnerability scanning
  • Cloud security basics
  • Scripting in Python or PowerShell
  • Frameworks such as NIST CSF and ISO 27001
  • Security+ or similar certification
  • Clear incident write-ups

Cybersecurity pay: how to check what a job pays

Pay depends on specialty, certifications and clearance level. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook covers information security analysts, and federal roles on USAJOBS list the General Schedule grade and pay range in each announcement.

We do not publish salary averages of our own. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and our salary negotiation guide.

Cybersecurity jobs by city

Explore major US job markets, or search remote openings.

Watch out for job scams

Real employers never charge you to apply. Walk away if you see any of these:

  • You are asked to pay for training, equipment, a background check or an application fee.
  • They send a check and ask you to buy equipment from their vendor or send part of it back.
  • The 'job' is receiving money into your account, or packages at home, and forwarding them.
  • You get an offer without a real phone or video interview, often after a chat-only exchange.
How to spot a job scamReport fraud to the FTC(opens in a new tab)

Cybersecurity jobs: frequently asked questions

How do I start a career in cybersecurity?

Build IT fundamentals first (networking, operating systems), earn an entry certification such as CompTIA Security+, and practice in a home lab or on legitimate training platforms. Help desk, IT support and SOC analyst roles are common first steps.

Do cybersecurity jobs require a security clearance?

Only some do, mainly federal government and defense contractor roles. The employer sponsors the clearance process; you cannot apply for a clearance on your own. Postings state clearly when one is required.

Is a degree required for cybersecurity jobs?

Many employers accept experience and certifications in place of a degree, especially for analyst roles. Some government positions and senior roles still list a degree, so check each posting.

Are remote cybersecurity jobs common?

Remote and hybrid roles exist, particularly in cloud security and GRC. SOC and incident response roles may involve shift work, and cleared roles often require on-site work.

Job search guides

Plain-English guides for job seekers in the US.

Free career tools

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