In this article, we’ll have a look at a number of cybersecurity jobs that employers within the U.S. cybersecurity job market are looking for. We’ll also list the educational requirements, skills, and certifications required to get a job in one of these roles.

The top cybersecurity jobs currently are:

1. Cybersecurity Analyst
2. Cybersecurity Engineer
3. Cybersecurity Administrator/ Manager
4. Network Architect/ Engineer
5. Software Engineer/ Developer
6. Systems Engineer
7. Penetration Tester / Vulnerability Analyst
8. Systems Administrator
9. Cybersecurity Consultant

Educational Requirements for Cybersecurity Jobs

The educational requirements for these jobs vary widely and can roughly be divided into those needing a graduate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or less than a bachelor’s degree.

A Systems Administrator is, for example, seen as an entry-level job, and therefore, it does not need as much education as other roles. In fact, 23% of Systems Administrator jobs need less than a bachelor’s degree.

On the other hand, a Cybersecurity Engineer is seen as an advanced job, and 89% of jobs with this title need higher education (with 67% of postings needing a bachelor’s degree and 23% a graduate degree).

IT Certifications

There are a massive number of IT certifications available. The certifications that are requested most for the top cybersecurity jobs are listed below:

Skills Required

The top skills recommended for these jobs often contain the word “security,” but there are less obvious skills:

Getting into Cybersecurity via Other Routes

There are a number of feeder roles that often serve as a stepping stone into cybersecurity, as the skills are similar:

With this newfound knowledge on education, certifications, and skills, you should be able to plan your cybersecurity career accordingly. If you are in an entry-level role and want to get ahead, focus on the items required for your ideal job to become better prepared to join this hot IT sector.