Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity protects computer systems, networks and data from attacks. Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures, monitor for threats and respond when something goes wrong.
Where Cybersecurity can lead
A field of study is not one job. These are the occupations BLS tracks for this pathway, with median annual pay (May 2025) and projected change in employment (2025–35); total U.S. employment is projected to grow 3.5%.
| Occupation | Median pay | Outlook | Openings / year | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information security analysts | $129,180 | +21% Much faster than average |
14,100 | Bachelor's degree |
| Network and computer systems administrators | $99,130 | −4% Decline |
13,400 | Bachelor's degree |
| Computer network architects | $134,050 | +8% Much faster than average |
9,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Median: half of workers earned more, half earned less. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked 2026-10-07.
What information security analysts earn
Pay varies widely with experience, employer and location. BLS figures for May 2025.
Often new graduates
Half earned more, half less
Often senior or specialized roles
Median pay by industry
| Industry | Share of jobs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Computer systems design and related services | 22% | $132,410 |
| Finance and insurance | 17% | $130,630 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 9% | $128,950 |
| Information | 9% | $138,650 |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 6% | $125,420 |
Source: BLS, information security analysts (pay and work environment tabs).
Where the jobs are
The five states with the most jobs for information security analysts in May 2025, with local median and average (mean) pay. Pay is usually higher where living costs are higher.
| State | Jobs | Median pay | Mean pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 19,120 | $134,900 | $141,360 |
| Texas | 16,130 | $129,890 | $130,710 |
| California | 15,570 | $138,570 | $149,090 |
| Florida | 14,220 | $124,860 | $124,510 |
| New York | 10,060 | $134,660 | $144,720 |
BLS publishes estimates for 50 of the 51 areas (50 states and DC) for this occupation; the others are withheld for confidentiality or reliability. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
What the work is really like
From O*NET, which surveys people working in the job. Most work full time; some work more than 40 hours a week and may be on call outside business hours for emergencies.
Common tasks
- Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure.
- Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
- Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information.
- Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning.
What workers report
| Share of workers who… | Share |
|---|---|
| Use email every day | |
| Work more than 40 hours a week | |
| Have constant contact with others | |
| Have some freedom to make decisions |
Technology used on the job
Interests that fit this work (Holland codes): Conventional, Investigative. Source: O*NET OnLine, 15-1212.00, checked 2026-10-07.
How to get there, step by step
A typical route. Many people reach the same job in different ways.
- Step 1
Tech foundations
Computer, networking and math courses; cyber clubs or competitions.
- Step 2
Bachelor's degree
Computer science, cybersecurity or IT.
- Step 3
Related IT work
BLS: often less than 5 years in network or systems administration first.
- Step 4
Security certification
Many employers prefer an information security certification.
- Goal
Security analyst and beyond
Analyst, then senior, architect or security management roles.
High school preparation
- Computer science or IT courses
- Math through at least precalculus
- Any networking or cyber club or competition
- Writing — reports on risks and incidents are part of the job
Course suggestions are Margdarshan's guidance; what you can take depends on your school. See the high school guide for GPA, AP and dual enrollment.
Degrees and what you study
Usually a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, plus less than 5 years of related IT experience (often network or systems administration). Some enter with a high school diploma and industry certifications; many employers prefer an information security certification.
Education workers say their job requires (O*NET)
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | |
| Associate's degree |
Costs and aid: see College & Money. Important qualities BLS lists for information security analysts: analytical skills, communication skills, creativity, detail oriented, problem-solving skills.
Why demand is changing
BLS points to more frequent cyberattacks, the need for new ways to stop hackers stealing information, and increased use of AI and e-commerce.
Much faster than average
Information security analysts
Average over the decade, including replacements
Studying from outside the U.S.? Education and immigration are separate pathways — see the international student guide.
Advice for getting in
Margdarshan's guidance, based on the data above.
- Expect an experience-first path: many analysts start in IT support or network administration.
- Be ready for irregular hours — 62% of analysts told O*NET they work more than 40 hours a week, and BLS notes on-call duty.
- Look at where the jobs are: Virginia had the most information security analyst jobs in May 2025, ahead of Texas and California.
Frequently asked questions
Related career pathways
Where these facts come from
Official sources only, checked on the dates shown.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information security analysts checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Network and computer systems administrators checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer network architects checked 2026-10-07
- O*NET OnLine: 15-1212.00 · U.S. Department of Labor checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates via the BLS Public Data API checked 2026-10-07