What Is a Cryptographer? 2024 Career Guide

If you like solving puzzles, you might enjoy a career as a cryptographer. Cryptography is the field that looks at how to keep information secure so that only the person who is supposed to see it can. Often the job involves cracking—or hacking—codes that encrypt data. Cryptographers use their knowledge of codes and computers to keep data and information safe.

To become a cryptographer, you should plan to develop strong computer-based skills, such as the ability to write code and decipher data, through a degree program, internship, or certification program.

Cryptology is one of many jobs in information security. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects strong demand and high pay for information security professionals, even with less than five years of experience. Of course, it takes training to learn how cryptography works and how it fits into an information security infrastructure. You need to understand computer science, mathematics, and programming.

Data security is complex and constantly changing. At the same time, those wanting to beat that security are also continually improving their ability to break into computer systems and steal data. Fortunately, several degrees and certificate programs can prepare you for this fascinating career.

Read more: Cybersecurity Terms: A to Z Glossary

What is cryptography?

Cryptography is the practice of writing and solving codes. A cryptographer is responsible for converting plain data into an encrypted format. Cryptography itself is an ancient field. For millennia, people have used codes to protect their secrets. Modern cryptography is the same; what’s different is the nature of the codes and the methods used to encrypt and then decrypt data.

Cryptographers are critical members of the information security defense team. They study encryption methods to find new ways to keep data secure while creating keys to the code so that the right users can access the information they need. If you have solid data and analytical skills, are interested in both mathematics and codes, and enjoy the challenge of creating effective ciphers, cryptography could be a good fit.

Learn more about what cryptography involves from Dan Boneh, Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University:

What does a cryptographer do?

Depending on the organization you work for, your day-to-day tasks as a cryptographer might include:

• Developing cryptographic code

• Implementing and optimizing cryptographic algorithms for your company's systems

• Improving the speed of cryptographic capabilities

• Collaborating with information security analysts, security architects, and other cross-functional teams

• Identifying weaknesses in current security solutions

• Testing cryptology theories

• Providing technical support for hardware and software engineers

Cryptographer skills 

Cryptographers need a mix of technical and workplace skills to do their jobs well. A foundation in math and programming is critical; working with users to help them keep their data staff is almost as important.  

Technical skills

Cryptography is a technical position that requires a firm foundation in math and computer science. If you're interested in pursuing a career in cryptography, here are some skills you should work on:

• Linear algebra, number theory, and combinatorics

• Programming (Python, Java, or C++)

• Operating systems

• Security software and hardware

• Computer architecture

Workplace skills

Cryptography involves technical skills, but your workplace skills also matter. Many employers will look for the following skills in cryptographer candidates:

• Written and oral communication: Clear language can help identify security problems and get solutions in use because it reduces errors when setting up security systems. It can also help ensure that everyone in an organization understands and follows information security procedures.

• Critical thinking: As a cryptographer, you'll often be tasked with finding optimal solutions to complex security problems in an evolving security landscape.

• Self directed and adaptable: Encryption technology and cybersecurity threats are always changing, so you'll benefit from being adaptable and self directed in keeping up with the latest trends and technologies.

Read more: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What’s the Difference?

Cryptographer salary

The average annual pay for a cryptography engineer in the US is $125,499. This figure includes a base salary of $102,680 and additional pay of $22,820 [1]. Additional pay may include commissions, bonuses, or profit sharing. The amount you make will vary based on your education level, amount of experience, location, and industry. Obtaining security clearance and certification can also impact your earning potential.

How to become a cryptographer

Cryptographers need to understand computer science and mathematics at a college level. Also, most computer security jobs require an undergraduate degree. Some cryptographers continue to do graduate work, even continuing to a doctoral level to develop deep expertise in encryption and decryption.

While a degree isn't always necessary in cybersecurity, most cryptographers find that college study is an effective way to acquire technical skills and qualify for entry-level jobs that lead to cryptography positions.

1. Consider earning a degree in cybersecurity or computer science.

A cryptographer needs familiarity with code systems, programming, and system architecture. These courses are covered in most undergraduate computer science and applied mathematics majors.

Employers often prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree. According to Zippia, 50 percent of cryptographers hold a bachelor's degree [2]. Some popular majors include communication, management, and business.

It is not unusual for a cryptographer to have a doctoral degree. Large technology organizations, especially those that develop and market security applications, need cryptographers with significant knowledge of encryption theories. Getting a PhD involves even more research experience, which leads to more knowledge about designing strong data security systems.

Read more: Computer Science vs. Information Technology: Careers, Degrees, and More

2. Start with an internship or entry-level job in information security.

Cryptography is not typically an entry-level job; it usually requires five years of professional information security experience. After college, gain the experience needed by looking for a role as a security analyst or system analyst.

Another way to build work experience and learn more about cryptography is to take on a role as an intern. Many companies hire college students with an interest in cybersecurity for internship programs. Some even involve providing research assistance to cryptology teams, which can help you determine if you would enjoy the research aspect of a graduate program. 

Read more: How to Get a Cybersecurity Internship: Guide

3. Get certified. 

Certification can show a prospective employer that you have the knowledge to complement your work experience. Suppose you want to learn cryptology for a particular operating platform or use a particular technology. In that case, a certification program may be the way to organize your coursework and demonstrate your accomplishments.

Some common certifications among cryptographers include:

• Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES)

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• CompTIA Security +

Read more: 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

Get started on Coursera

If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. This program is designed ​​to help individuals with no previous experience find their first job in the field of cybersecurity, all at their own pace. The courses cover topics such as security models, tools that are used to access and address threats, networks, and more.