Your Cybersecurity Career Guide for 2025: Pay, Jobs + More

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Explore career options in the growing field of cybersecurity with this library of resources.

[Featured image] A cybersecurity professional in a white shirt stands in front of a laptop and wall monitor.

As more and more business is conducted on the cloud, cybersecurity has become a primary concern for companies across multiple industries. If you're interested in a fast-paced, well-paid career focused on protecting a company's valuable data and systems, consider a career in cybersecurity.

To make it easier to take the next step, below you'll browse a wealth of free cybersecurity resources covering career paths, popular credentials, and how-to guides for landing your next cybersecurity job. As you're exploring this impactful career, consider bookmarking this page to refer to it later throughout your professional journey.

If you'd like to build in-demand cybersecurity skills today, enroll in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. Learn foundational cybersecurity practices, identify common risks, and explore how to protect networks, devices, data, and people in this impactful program.

Google

professional certificate

Google Cybersecurity

Get on the fast track to a career in cybersecurity. In this certificate program, you'll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.

4.8

(47,058 ratings)

1,079,439 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Security Controls, Computer Security Incident Management, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Threat Detection, SQL, Cybersecurity, Linux, Debugging, Cyber Attacks, Event Monitoring, Incident Response, Threat Management, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Network Security, Python Programming, Security Awareness, Interviewing Skills, Vulnerability Management, Threat Modeling, Relational Databases, Professional Networking, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Operational Risk, Data Ethics, Cyber Security Strategy, Artificial Intelligence, Splunk, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Technical Documentation, TCP/IP, Network Analysis, Network Monitoring, Incident Management, Continuous Monitoring, Record Keeping, Security Management, Information Systems Security, Risk Management Framework, Enterprise Security, Computer Security, Cyber Security Assessment, Information Privacy, Data Security, Planning, Applicant Tracking Systems, Business Writing, Problem Solving, Communication, Generative AI, Professional Development, Resilience, Prompt Engineering, Branding, Workforce Development, Linux Commands, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, Authorization (Computing), Databases, User Accounts, File Systems, Hardening, Network Architecture, Network Protocols, Computer Networking, Network Model, Cloud Security, Network Administration, File Management, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Automation, Data Structures, IT Automation, Scripting, Computer Programming, Risk Management, Compliance Auditing, System Monitoring, Infrastructure Security, Information Assurance, Application Security, Encryption, Authentications, Vulnerability Assessments, Personally Identifiable Information, Cryptography, Malware Protection, Cyber Risk, NIST 800-53

Cybersecurity job outlook

Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand from employers.

According to research from The Information Systems Audit and Control Association  (ISACA), 46 percent of surveyed enterprises have unfilled cybersecurity jobs in 2024 [1]. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 33 percent job growth between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average across all occupations [2]. Between May 2023 and April 2024, 469,930 jobs opened for workers with cybersecurity-related skills [3].

Cybersecurity salary: How much can you make?

If generous financial compensation is a high priority in your career considerations, a career in cybersecurity could be a good fit. The median annual pay for information security analysts in the United States was $124,910 as of May 2024, according to the US BLS [2].

Learn more about what you can expect to earn as a cybersecurity professional with these pay guides:

How to get a job in cybersecurity

Empower your job search with this collection of resources on getting started in cybersecurity:

How do I start my career in cybersecurity?

Based on the job outlook, it's a great time to enter the field of cybersecurity. Discover what it takes to start your career with this helpful guide: How to Get into Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity degrees and certifications

Fifty-six percent of cybersecurity specialists have a bachelor's degree, and 23 percent have an associate degree [4]. Relevant areas of study include computer science, computer information systems, and information technology.

In cybersecurity, the right credential can help set you apart from other job seekers and make your resume more attractive to hiring managers. You can learn more about how to set yourself up for success with a degree or certification in cybersecurity in the following articles:

Entity Photo

Master of Science in Cyber Security

University of London

Cybersecurity career paths

Cybersecurity is a broad field with many areas of specialization. Whether you're looking for an entry-level job or ready to advance into a new area of information security, you have options. Explore some possibilities with these resources:

Entry-level cybersecurity jobs

These are some job titles you might consider if you're just getting started in cybersecurity. Remember that many cybersecurity professionals get started in information technology (IT) roles to gain experience before moving into security:

Microsoft

professional certificate

Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst

Launch your career as a cybersecurity analyst. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from Microsoft. No prior experience required.

4.7

(2,085 ratings)

110,408 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Computer Security Incident Management, Security Management, Active Directory, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Authentications, Threat Management, Network Security, Penetration Testing, Cloud Security, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Records Management, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Cryptography, Cyber Security Strategy, Generative AI, Vulnerability Management, Azure Active Directory, Threat Modeling, Compliance Management, Microsoft Azure, Disaster Recovery, Data Security, Data Management, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Governance, Information Privacy, Information Assurance, Threat Detection, Cyber Security Policies, Security Strategy, Regulatory Compliance, Computer Networking, General Networking, Virtualization, Firewall, Network Monitoring, Network Architecture, Digital Transformation, Cloud Services, Virtual Machines, Network Protocols, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Identity and Access Management, Endpoint Security, Malware Protection, Cyber Attacks, Event Management, Multi-Factor Authentication, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), System Monitoring, Data Storage, Operating Systems, Business Software, Servers, Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Hardware, Information Systems Security, Cloud Storage, Enterprise Security, Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Computer Security Awareness Training, Computer Systems, Computer Architecture, Single Sign-On (SSO), Cloud Management, Authorization (Computing), User Accounts, Security Controls, User Provisioning, Software As A Service, Encryption, Internet Of Things, Vulnerability Assessments, Asset Management, Infrastructure Security, Application Security, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Security Testing, System Testing, Cyber Security Assessment, Incident Response

Mid-level cybersecurity jobs

Consider these mid-level roles after gaining some work experience in security or IT:

LearnKartS

specialization

Certified Ethical Hacking (v12)

Master in-demand Cybersecurity skills. Dive into penetration testing, footprinting, social engineering, web app hacking, and more—mapped to the CEH v12 exam.

4.7

(209 ratings)

10,783 already enrolled

Intermediate level

Average time: 2 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Web Applications, Scenario Testing, SQL, Internet Of Things, Hardening, Virtualization, Network Analysis, Network Security, Penetration Testing, Android (Operating System), Cryptography, Web Servers, Application Security, Encryption, Firewall, Threat Modeling, Virtual Machines, Security Controls, Cybersecurity, Vulnerability Assessments, Cyber Attacks, Security Awareness, Cyber Security Assessment, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Cloud Security, Mobile Security, Cloud Computing, Threat Detection, Information Systems Security, Malware Protection, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Problem Solving, Git (Version Control System)

Senior cybersecurity jobs

You'll find a variety of areas in which you could specialize as a cybersecurity expert. Here are a few advanced roles to explore:

Microsoft

professional certificate

Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)

Advance your IT career with Azure Security skills. Prepare for the AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies certification exam.

4.6

(114 ratings)

12,455 already enrolled

Intermediate level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Data Security, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Security Management, Threat Detection, Active Directory, Continuous Monitoring, System Monitoring, Identity and Access Management, Event Monitoring, Network Security, Cloud Security, Microsoft Azure, Kubernetes, Vulnerability Assessments, Application Security, Multi-Factor Authentication, Group Policy, Azure Active Directory, Threat Modeling, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Firewall, Cloud Storage, Key Management, Authorization (Computing), Data Loss Prevention, Data Encryption Standard, Databases, Cyber Governance, Authentications, Data Governance, Encryption, Infrastructure Security, Containerization, Zero Trust Network Access, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Web Applications, Virtual Machines, Incident Response, Security Controls, Malware Protection, Interactive Data Visualization, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Self Service Technologies, Security Engineering, User Provisioning, Single Sign-On (SSO), User Accounts, OAuth

Other resources

Build cybersecurity skills on Coursera Plus

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Article sources

1. 

ISACA. "Nearly Two-thirds of Cybersecurity Pros Say Job Stress is Growing, According to New ISACA Research, https://www.isaca.org/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/ 2024/nearly-two-thirds-of-cybersecurity-pros-say-job-stress-is-growing-according-to-new-isaca-research." Accessed May 4, 2025.

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