There are cases for many careers stating that now is the best time to embark on a new career path in the field, but you can’t ignore the fact that the cybersecurity industry is worth looking into if you’re considering a new career path or deciding on a college major.
Read our six reasons that 2019 is the ideal time to begin a career in cybersecurity.
1. A Cybersecurity Shortage
In a survey by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, it was found that by 2022, there will be a shortage of 1.8 million information security employees worldwide. Virtually a zero percent unemployment rate cannot be ignored. Careers in cybersecurity may not be flashy, but you won’t be job hunting out of necessity.
The same survey also found that employers are struggling to find qualified help, only increasing the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
The career outlook for a cybersecurity engineer in the coming years is very positive. There’s an expected growth rate of 12 percent from now until 2026, and this number will only continue to grow as businesses rely more heavily on technology. This shortage of cybersecurity experts leads to many other benefits of this career path, such as high salaries and rapid growth potential.
2. Salaries That Continue to Rise
Being in demand comes with a tremendous upside in terms of pay and benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary for cybersecurity professionals ranges from $70,000 to $118,000. This median is nine percent higher than other IT jobs.
Starting salaries are already well above average, but pair that with a seven percent salary growth rate, and you’re looking at a very hefty income during your career in cybersecurity.
3. Nearly Unlimited Growth Opportunities
As seen with salaries, career growth and advancement are not problems in the cybersecurity field. Common entry-level IT jobs — such as web developer, systems administrator, web administrator and network engineer — are all foundational starting points for careers in cybersecurity. These positions will ultimately lead to six-figure salaries in three to five years.
Some examples of cybersecurity positions that are in demand and can be obtained quickly with the right training and experience are security architect (average salary of $118,681), security consultant (average salary of $106,190), penetration tester (average salary of $79,000) and chief information security officer (average salary of $156,000).
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Cyber Security Specialist 