Explore
Career Pathways
in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a field with abundant job opportunities.
Companies and organizations of all types are working to protect themselves from the growing onslaught of cybersecurity threats and the damage they can inflict.
Some employers are building in-house teams. Others are choosing external cybersecurity service providers. Some are using both. All options require trained cybersecurity workers.
As a result, employer demand for cybersecurity professionals exceeds the number of qualified candidates available to fill those jobs.
500,000+
job postings in the U.S., May 2024-April 2025, for dedicated cybersecurity positions and related roles
21%
longer recruiting period than what’s needed to fill other tech jobs
12%
increase in job postings — 57,000 — over the prior 12 months (May 2023-April 2024)
1,337,000+
national average of workers employed in cybersecurity jobs in 2025
74%
ratio of available cybersecurity workers to employer demand
- Data from CyberSeek
The cybersecurity workforce gap presents enormous opportunities in a high-demand field, now and along a full career pathway.
Design and Development
Building secure systems, software and architectures from the start
Implementation and Operation
Deploying, maintaining and operating secure environments and platforms
Protection and Defense
Detecting, preventing and responding to cyber threats
Investigation
Analyzing cyber incidents, digital evidence and adversary activity
Oversight and Governance
Managing risk, policy, compliance and cybersecurity leadership
- Note: These five career verticals correspond broadly to the N.I.C.E. Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity.
Feeder
Jobs that help you build the skills needed for a future career in cybersecurity. These are not cybersecurity jobs, but they provide experience with technology, problem-solving, customer service, business operations, or compliance that can prepare you to move into the field.
Entry
Your first cybersecurity job. You’ll begin protecting systems, data, and networks while learning from more experienced team members and building hands-on skills.
Mid
You have gained experience and can work independently. You may specialize in a particular area of cybersecurity, solve more complex problems, and help guide newer team members.
Advanced
You lead major security projects, make important technical or business decisions, and may manage people or oversee an area of cybersecurity.
Expert
You are a recognized leader in cybersecurity. You help shape an organization’s security strategy, advise leadership, or are considered a top technical expert in your field.