The 20 Most In-Demand Cybersecurity Jobs

Cybersecurity isn’t just surviving in a brutal job market, it is thriving. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects cybersecurity job growth to increase nationally by 33% over the next decade. For context, all other industries are projected at 4%.

New York is rated among the top five states in the country for cybersecurity employment, so it’s only fitting that we’ll see career opportunities increase at the local level as well.

Explore these growth opportunities, along with different cyber career paths, below.

Average Cybersecurity Salary in Buffalo, NY

Competitive salaries and higher wages are being offered across the cyber sector. Even those with entry-level skills can enter the industry with a starting salary of around $80k a year in Buffalo. Salaries are likely to increase with industry experience. 

Top Cybersecurity Jobs to Pursue

“Cybersecurity” is a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of different careers, specializations, and entry points. Finding a specialization that appeals to you is the first step toward breaking into the industry. 

Below we’ve compiled a list of 20 cybersecurity jobs that cover a range of responsibilities, salaries, and experience levels. 

Technicians 

• Helpdesk Technician – This role is one of the easiest ways to break into cybersecurity. These professionals are responsible for assisting clients with the maintenance of their IT infrastructure as well as building and maintaining IT systems used internally by their company. Estimated Salary in Buffalo is $57k a year.

• Network Security Technician – These technicians analyze and troubleshoot network traffic to help resolve and research service requests. Estimated Entry-Level Salary in Buffalo is $69k a year.

• Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician – These technicians specialize in network and server-based issues. They work together with other IT technicians to solve problems. Estimated Entry Level Salary in Buffalo is $60k a year.  

Analysis

• Cybersecurity Analyst – Professionals in this role analyze and provide threat analysis on past cybersecurity attacks as well as implement techniques and software to improve protection and threat detection. Estimated Entry Level Salary in Buffalo is  $70k a year.

• Information Security Analyst – These specialists monitor networks for potential breaches or threats, investigate when a breach does occur, and perform preventative measures. Estimated Entry Level Salary in Buffalo is $63k a year.

• Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst – These specialists respond first to cybersecurity incidents, they often analyze and investigate breaches as well as prepare plans to repair and improve defenses. Estimated Salary in Buffalo is $69k a year. 

• Data Security Analyst – These analysts plan and implement strategies to protect valuable information found on data networks. Additionally, they also work to educate other employees on security protocols. Estimated Salary in Buffalo is $66k a year. 

Management and Administration

• Identity and Access Management – Specialists in this position implement and maintain a framework of processes and policies that manage who in the org has access to their network. Estimated Entry Level Salary in Buffalo is $75k a year.

• IT Security Manager – These managers are proficient in security software and techniques and work across all departments and leadership to ensure all members of an organization are up-to-date on security practices and other IT-related information. Estimated Salary in Buffalo is $125k a year. 

• Network and System Security Administrator – Professionals in this position install and secure an organization’s network. They also create and implement security policies to be used by all personnel across an organization. Estimated Salary in Buffalo is $86k a year. 

Engineering

• Network Security Engineer – Engineers in this position plan and build their business network security system to improve overall security efficiency. Estimated Entry Level Salary in Buffalo is $90k a year.

• Security Systems Engineer – These professionals are responsible for updating their organization’s security system and executing new security protocols. Estimated Entry-Level Salary in Buffalo is $84k a year.

• IT Support Engineer – Similar to helpdesk technicians, these specialists provide support for clients experiencing issues. However, they go a step further by providing in-depth assistance on hardware, software, as well as organization networks. Estimated Entry Level Salary in Buffalo is $61k a year. 

• Software Security Engineer – These professionals are one part coder and one part cybersecurity specialist. They analyze and review code for structural vulnerabilities to improve overall network security. Estimated Salary in Buffalo is $108k a year.  

• Cloud Engineer – These engineers are responsible for the overall design, maintenance and support of cloud computing software. Estimated Salary in Buffalo is $124k a year.

Military and Criminal Investigation 

• Cyber Network Defender – In this position, defenders are the first responders within the military to counteract cyberattacks, utilizing protective techniques and auditing the damage caused in a breach. Estimated Entry Level Salary in Buffalo is $71k a year. 

• Cybersecurity Operations Specialist – These specialists engage in both offensive and defense cyber missions and support a wide variety of military operations. Estimated Salary in Buffalo is $97k a year. 

• Cybersecurity Crime Investigator – These specialists engage in precisely what the name implies, they investigate potential cybercrimes, recover and repair damaged or destroyed files, and gather digital evidence. Estimated Entry Level Salary is $52k a year.

Security Evaluation 

• Application Security – These professionals develop and test a myriad of security features to prevent threats from those with unauthorized access. Estimated Entry Level Salary in Buffalo is $99k a year.

• Penetration Tester – Also known as pen testers, these professionals engage in simulated attacks on an organization’s computer systems and network to highlight vulnerabilities and potential weak spots. Estimated Salary in Buffalo is $81k a year. 

At Home Cybersecurity Jobs

In 2020, many businesses were forced to adapt to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. One noticeable change is the increase and availability of remote work opportunities. 

This, paired with the high demand the industry is currently facing, has made cybersecurity a premier remote work opportunity as more employers are willing to widen their recruiting area to meet the immense need for trained cybersecurity professionals. 

As long as you have a PC, a dependable internet connection, and the skills employers are hiring for, you can potentially work in cybersecurity from the comfort of your own home.  

How to Get a Cybersecurity Job Even With No Experience or Degree

Training

• A traditional four-year degree can be an excellent way to network with peers and colleagues while gaining a full education in cybersecurity. However, this path can be troublesome to demanding pre-existing commitments and the cost of courses.

• Self-training is a cost-effective method to learn basic skills on a schedule set to meet your needs. Dedicated learners can access free courses and create their own networking opportunities. However, the learning curve can be steep for those new to cybersecurity due to the lack of direction and guided learning.

• An online cybersecurity training program is a fantastic opportunity to receive guided instruction from industry experts. Virtual learning also provides for a more flexible schedule, allowing individuals the ability to meet other commitments such as work and family.

Learn how you can dodge the rising cost of education and jumpstart your career with the University at Buffalo Cybersecurity Bootcamp without breaking the bank.

Network

The cyber sector is constantly evolving to meet different industry needs. Networking is a great way to ensure you remain up-to-date on the changes taking place.

Connecting with peers and other industry professionals offers a unique opportunity to test your knowledge while learning real-world tips from field specialists. As you improve and refine your skills, networking can help those new to the cyber sector create a name for themselves.

Building relationships with high-profile clients and cyber professionals can grant you access to highly sought-after job openings. In fact, HubSpot reports that 85% of jobs are filled through networking.

Certifications

Certifications are ideal for budding cybersecurity professionals to showcase their experience. Once you decide on a discipline or career path, certifications can refine your skills even further as well as demonstrate your knowledge and experience to employers. 

We’ve compiled a list of beginner-friendly certifications that will help you hit the ground running and shape you into a well-rounded cyber specialist.

• CompTIA certification
• Certified Ethical Hacker
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification

Certifications exams measure your knowledge of a specific topic or methodology and should only be pursued after relevant coursework and professional training has been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cybersecurity 

Cybersecurity is not a new field but it has seen rapid growth. Due to this, it can be intimidating to break into the industry, so we’ve answered a few frequently asked questions below to help alleviate any concerns you may have on your journey to becoming a cybersecurity professional.

• Will cybersecurity jobs become automated?

While simpler functions such as threat detection may become automated, it is impossible to fully automate cybersecurity due to the rate at which cyberattacks change and become increasingly sophisticated. 

• What are cybersecurity jobs like?  

You might meet with clients and coworkers, address security concerns, and utilize creative problem-solving skills to meet their needs.

While no two positions are the same, your day-to-day will be far from monotonous. You will be presented with unique growth opportunities and communicate with a variety of people throughout your career.

Interested in learning more about industry trends and opportunities? Take our free Hack into Cybersecurity mini-course to learn more!

• Does cybersecurity require coding? 

No. For many entry-level positions, coding skills are not usually required; however, many higher-level positions in the field will require some knowledge of coding. 

• Is it easy to change careers to cybersecurity? 

Cybersecurity is often easier to break into for a handful of reasons. For starters, the requirements to enter the industry are often minimal as many listings no longer require a four-year degree.

Secondly, the demand will likely be present for many years to come and you can learn the basics on your schedule.

• How can I start training with no experience? 

The University at Buffalo Cybersecurity Bootcamp is an excellent way to start your training from the ground up. Our comprehensive 10 month program is designed to build a foundation of knowledge and refine your cybersecurity skills with hands-on courses led by active industry experts.