6-Step Career Framework

Launch Your Cybersecurity Career

A structured approach to discovering your ideal security domain, building essential skills, and navigating your career transition. All tools work together to create your personalized roadmap.

Step 1: Overview

20 Exciting Careers in Cybersecurity

Explore the diverse career paths available in cybersecurity. Each role is mapped to one of five organizational domains within a CISO structure.

1
Threat & Vuln

Penetration Tester

Ethically hack systems to find vulnerabilities before malicious actors do. Conduct red team exercises and security assessments.

Salary Range $90K - $145K
Intermediate
OSCP CEH GPEN
2
SecOps

Security Analyst

Monitor security systems, analyze alerts, and respond to incidents. First line of defense in the security operations center.

Salary Range $70K - $110K
Entry
Security+ CySA+ GSEC
3
Architecture

Security Engineer

Design, implement, and maintain security infrastructure. Build and configure security tools, firewalls, and detection systems.

Salary Range $100K - $160K
Mid-Level
CISSP CCSP AWS Security
4
Architecture

Security Architect

Design enterprise security frameworks and strategies. Define security standards, evaluate solutions, and guide organizational security posture.

Salary Range $140K - $200K+
Senior
CISSP SABSA TOGAF
5
SecOps

Incident Responder

Investigate and contain security breaches. Coordinate response efforts, perform forensic analysis, and develop remediation plans.

Salary Range $85K - $140K
Mid-Level
GCIH ECIH GCFA
6
SecOps

Threat Hunter

Proactively search for hidden threats using advanced analytics. Develop hypotheses, investigate anomalies, and identify sophisticated attackers.

Salary Range $100K - $160K
Advanced
GCTI GREM CTIA
7
Threat & Vuln

Malware Analyst

Reverse engineer malicious software to understand attack techniques. Create signatures, document behaviors, and support incident response.

Salary Range $95K - $150K
Advanced
GREM GCFA OSCP
8
SecOps

Digital Forensics Analyst

Collect and analyze digital evidence from computers, networks, and devices. Support legal proceedings and incident investigations.

Salary Range $80K - $130K
Mid-Level
GCFA EnCE CFCE
9
GRC

Security Consultant

Advise organizations on security strategy and best practices. Conduct assessments, develop policies, and guide security improvements.

Salary Range $90K - $170K
Mid-Level
CISSP CISM CRISC
10
GRC

GRC Analyst

Manage governance, risk, and compliance programs. Conduct risk assessments, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain security policies.

Salary Range $75K - $120K
Entry
CISA CRISC CGRC
11
GRC

Security Auditor

Evaluate security controls and compliance with standards. Conduct IT audits, assess risk management, and report on security posture.

Salary Range $80K - $130K
Mid-Level
CISA CIA GSNA
12
GRC

CISO / Security Manager

Lead security strategy and team management. Align security with business objectives, manage budgets, and report to executive leadership.

Salary Range $180K - $400K+
Executive
CISM CISSP CGEIT
13
Architecture

Cloud Security Engineer

Secure cloud infrastructure across AWS, Azure, and GCP. Implement cloud-native security controls, IAM policies, and DevSecOps practices.

Salary Range $120K - $180K
Mid-Level
CCSP AWS Security AZ-500
14
Architecture

Application Security Engineer

Secure software development lifecycle. Conduct code reviews, implement SAST/DAST tools, and train developers on secure coding practices.

Salary Range $110K - $170K
Mid-Level
GWAPT CSSLP OSWE
15
SecOps

IAM Specialist

Manage identity and access management systems. Implement SSO, MFA, privileged access management, and identity governance solutions.

Salary Range $95K - $150K
Mid-Level
CIAM CISSP SailPoint
16
GRC

Security Awareness Trainer

Develop and deliver security training programs. Create phishing simulations, awareness campaigns, and measure behavior change.

Salary Range $70K - $110K
Entry
SSAP Security+ CISSP
17
Threat & Vuln

Vulnerability Analyst

Identify and assess security vulnerabilities. Manage vulnerability scanning programs, prioritize remediation, and track risk reduction.

Salary Range $75K - $120K
Entry
CEH CySA+ Security+
18
SecOps

SOC Analyst

Monitor security alerts 24/7 in the Security Operations Center. Triage incidents, escalate threats, and maintain security tool effectiveness.

Salary Range $60K - $100K
Entry
Security+ CySA+ GSOC
19
Threat & Vuln

Network Security Engineer

Design and secure network infrastructure. Configure firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and network segmentation to protect organizational assets.

Salary Range $90K - $140K
Mid-Level
CCNA Security PCNSE GCIA
20
OT Security

OT/ICS Security Specialist

Protect industrial control systems and operational technology. Secure SCADA systems, PLCs, and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

Salary Range $100K - $160K
Mid-Level
GICSP GRID ISA/IEC 62443

2025 Cybersecurity Job Market

3.5M+
Unfilled Positions Globally
ISC2 Workforce Study 2024
33%
Projected Job Growth 2023-2033
Bureau of Labor Statistics
$120K
Median Salary (Info Security Analyst)
BLS May 2024
470K+
U.S. Job Openings
CyberSeek December 2024

Ready to find which domain matches your interests and skills?

The 6-Step Career Framework

1

Overview

Understand the cybersecurity landscape

Start Here
2

Identify

Find your ideal domain with IKIGAI

Pending
3

Develop

Build your personalized roadmap

Pending
4

Acquire

Get certifications & training

Pending
5

Build

Establish your brand

Pending
6

Navigate

Enter the job market

Pending

Interactive Career Tools

Complete these assessments to build your personalized career plan

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Career Navigator

Step 2: Identify

Discover which of the 5 cybersecurity domains aligns with your natural inclinations using the Japanese IKIGAI framework. Find where passion, skill, market need, and purpose intersect.

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11 Risk Management Skills

Complement to All Steps

Assess your soft skills across 11 critical competencies for cybersecurity success. Identify your strengths and growth areas with a personalized radar chart visualization.

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Career Road Map

Step 3: Develop

Build your personalized 10-step career development plan with verified resources, realistic timelines, and actionable next steps. All recommendations backed by citable sources.

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AI Career Advisor

Step 4: Acquire

Get personalized certification and training recommendations with AI-powered guidance. Real-time research, cited sources, and profile-aware advice using Claude claude-sonnet-4-5-20250514.

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Brand Builder

Step 5: Build

Establish your professional brand with LinkedIn optimization, portfolio development, and personal branding strategies tailored to your target cybersecurity domain.

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Job Navigator

Step 6: Navigate

Navigate the job market with interview preparation, networking strategies, salary negotiation tips, and job search techniques specific to cybersecurity roles.

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