IT professionals who are interested in cybersecurity roles should know that the current lack of workers isn’t the only factor behind high salaries but also their actual job title in the field.
Several companies are willing to pay a premium for qualified talents, only if you have the necessary skills and credentials. Some of these include CompTIA certifications and training modules. If you have been thinking about the difference between Security+ SY0-401 vs. SY0-501 exams, take note that the former is no longer available. The SYO-401’s English version already expired on July 31, 2018, which means you should be reviewing for the SYO-501 test.
Why Job Titles Matter
The three most common industry roles today include those with cybersecurity, cybersecurity engineer, and cybersecurity analyst in their job titles. A cybersecurity engineer earns more than the other two with annual salaries costing almost $110,000 for those working in Silicon Valley, according to a survey. Those with the same job title in New York and Washington, D.C. earn over $100,000 per year.
Based on the poll, there seems to be a connotation that having the word “engineer” on your job title greatly influences your actual salary. Your position should be as specific as possible. While some employers will be inclined to hire you based on just having a general title, some companies want a more detailed role.
Choosing the Right Test
Aspiring cybersecurity professionals should also think about supporting their job titles by taking extra training and certification. One of the reasons why there is a shortage of workers in this IT segment has to do with the intimidating nature of cybersecurity, aside from the growing demand that exceeds the current level of supply.
By 2021, there would be as much as 3.5 million vacancies for cybersecurity positions. This means good news for qualified people since there would be less competition, which in turn causes employers to compete for the right talent. Contrary to what others think, anyone with the right mindset can pursue a career in cybersecurity.
Bridging the Gap
Most people think that they should have a bachelor’s degree, years of experience and certificates before becoming an IT expert. While the latter two are essential, some employers are willing to train their non-IT staff as long as they show the potential to solve problems and have a fair understanding of how cybersecurity should be implemented in the workplace.
Aside from training in-house personnel, veterans are another excellent choice for cybersecurity workers. These people have been trained for combat in real life, so using their tactical skills in the online world isn’t a far-fetched idea. Companies should consider teaching former military members to bridge the gap in the cybersecurity workforce while reaping the rewards from the state and federal government for doing so at the same time.
Other factors, such as where you live and the size of your employer, contribute to your potential salary as a cybersecurity professional. Before thinking about which job title to pursue, you should be fully certified and equipped with the right skills.
