10 Health Care Cybersecurity Jobs

Health care cybersecurity is an essential sector of the information security industry in the US. It protects information stored by health care organizations, including providers, insurers, and related companies.

Experts also project that computer and information technology jobs, including information security analysts and computer programmers, will grow rapidly. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 377,500 job openings annually from 2022 to 2032 [1].

Read more: 5 Cybersecurity Threats to Know

Why is cybersecurity important in health care?

In recent years, information has become a target for cyber attacks, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in health care. Health care organizations often store sensitive personal and financial information, making cybersecurity an area of concern. The US Department of Health and Human Services reported that, as of February 2024, it is investigating 863 data breaches, the most severe of which affected more than 11.2 million people [2]. The following list offers various job titles you can explore to map out a career in health care cybersecurity.

10 health care cybersecurity jobs to consider

Data security and compliance with industry privacy regulations have become increasingly critical with patient records and other facets moving into the digital realm. It also leads to an evolving and expanding job market within the health care cybersecurity field.

Let’s look at some of the available careers and the average base salary of each. 

1. Cybersecurity defense analyst

Average annual base salary (US): $99,369 [3]

As a cybersecurity defense analyst, you will use software such as network traffic logs, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems (IDS) alerts to analyze network activity to mitigate attacks. You’ll detect, identify, and alert your employer of possible attacks. Once you identify attacks, you’ll analyze them and escalate them to higher levels of the organization.

Read more: What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do? Job Guide

2. Cybersecurity systems analyst

Average annual base salary: $80,453 [4]

Cybersecurity systems analysts identify and explain trends in an organization’s security posture. You may also report on system security trends internally and externally. This type of analyst ensures that cybersecurity systems are effective and seek to mitigate risks through security procedures and testing. Identified issues are often reported to senior leadership.

Read more: 10 Cybersecurity Jobs: Entry-Level and Beyond

3. Cybersecurity threat analyst

Average annual base salary: $96,336 [5]

A cybersecurity threat analyst analyzes internal and external cyber threats to determine risk, identify levels of risk, and assess where weaknesses exist in the security system. In this role, you will gather data from intelligence sources and study patterns and methodologies of attack to develop reports that make the organization's leaders and other cybersecurity administrators aware of potential threats.

4. Cybersecurity access analyst

Average annual base salary: $67,576 [6]

Identity and access management (IAM) is crucial to cybersecurity systems. As a cybersecurity access analyst, you'll work with IAM to ensure that the appropriate people have access to the devices, software, and machines. Anyone associated with an organization, including employees, contractors, and vendors, must have the correct permissions to access devices.

5. Cybersecurity database manager

Average annual base salary: $104,825 [7]

As a cybersecurity database manager, you’ll oversee access to data, utilize tools, and apply policies to ensure the security of data storage. A database stores valuable information that needs protection from malicious actors, corruption, and other hazards.

Read more: What Is Big Data Storage?

6. Cybersecurity project manager

Average annual base salary: $100,488 [8]

This job combines cybersecurity and project management to manage the scheduling, implementation, and delivery of cybersecurity services. You’ll oversee various security measures for your organization and may collaborate with the IT department and cybersecurity professionals to ensure security standards are met.

Read more: How to Become a Cybersecurity Project Manager

7. Cybersecurity incident responder

Average annual base salary: $73,435 [9]

As a cybersecurity incident responder, you'll be part of a team that carries out response plans during a cyberattack. Security incidents include ransomware, phishing, or distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, in which hackers make resources inoperable. Response to a security incident consists of having a communication plan between company leaders and the IT team, specific steps to address the attack, and procedures to regain access to information or restore the operability of resources.

8. Cybersecurity trainer

Average annual base salary: $124,899 [10]

In the role of a cybersecurity trainer, you’ll need to know the cybersecurity concepts in-depth so that you may be an effective teacher to others. Gaining certifications in cybersecurity may be a path toward establishing expertise and credibility and becoming a trainer for those seeking to learn more about cybersecurity.

Read more: Cybersecurity Terms: A to Z Glossary

9. Cybersecurity policy planner

Average annual US salary: $87,591 [11]

A cybersecurity policy planner devises strategy and policy to align with organizational goals and regulatory standards. In this role, you can promote compliance with and awareness of cybersecurity-related policies and requirements imposed by regulatory bodies.

10. Cybersecurity legal advisor

Average annual base salary: $117,016 [12]

A cybersecurity legal advisor must deeply understand the law as it relates to cybersecurity. This may include the emergence of new cybersecurity technologies and developments in regulatory policies or laws at an international, federal, state, or local level.

Read more: Data Privacy: TikTok, Facebook, and US Laws

How to get started in health care cybersecurity

Cybersecurity skills and training can be practical in many industries, but having knowledge of and experience working with the health care industry’s unique cybersecurity challenges may be helpful.

Essential skills to develop for a career in this field include foundational technological skills like programming or firewall installation. Programming languages such as JavaScript are vital for starting your career. You can also prepare by learning about risk identification and management, data analysis, and cloud technology implementation. 

A background in networks and databases will be significant because organizations often store patient data via these systems. A cybersecurity internship at a local hospital is an excellent way to build experience working with sensitive information.

Information security professionals usually enter the field after getting a bachelor’s degree in areas of study like mathematics, engineering, or computer science. While a degree is common for cybersecurity professionals, it is possible to enter the field without one by gaining relevant industry training and experience.

Health care and cybersecurity certifications

Many health care organizations are now looking to hire professionals with certifications that focus specifically on health care cybersecurity. ISC2, the world’s largest IT security organization, offers cybersecurity certification for health care. Its top certification is currently the Health Care Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP). However, the HCISPP will become invalid by December 1, 2026, and ISC2 will replace it with an updated series of health care cybersecurity certifications.

Keep in mind many employers may prefer candidates with certification in information security. Security+ is a certification for entry-level employees to aim for; it validates the baseline skills you need to begin working in cybersecurity.

Getting started with Coursera

Begin preparing for a cybersecurity career in health care with online programs to help prepare you for an entry-level role. For example, you can become more familiar with the types of systems you might encounter in Healthcare Data Management and Information Systems from Northeastern University or Cybersecurity in Healthcare, offered through Erasmus University Rotterdam on Coursera. Learn about the basics of cybersecurity in health care, including lessons on data breaches and malware, cyber hygiene, and security culture.