The Cybersecurity Salary Myth

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[joshstewart]

I got to six figures job hopping. First job 67k as a Risk Management Specialist then left 6 months later for an 80k job as a Cyber Security Analyst. Was there 2 1/2 years and left for my job now making 120k as a security engineer and have an interview tomorrow for a management position paying between 140k to 160k. Total experience is 4 1/2 years in cyber security before that I was in the business world. Getting to six figures in less than five years isn’t bad and very doable especially considering other professions which can take longer. I love making six figures in tech without the need to move into management as is the case with many other professions like accounting or HR.

[jeg]

Here is the salary progression since getting my first job in security:

2020 - first Cyber Security job - 65k
2021 - same job - 70k
2022 - switched companies - 90k
2023 - starting new job next week - 120k

[UnixGuy]

So you're telling me one can't get a 6-figure cyber security job in 24 hours by following the 6-figure career coach? 🤣

[mrashco]

a HIGHER paying job does NOT mean it's a BETTER job.

[HelloThere-xsss]

No one can be mediocre. Security is the line of defense of valuable information and potentially people's lives. Being mediocre puts all that at risk.

[zsi]

I can echo the same. I was entry-level into security to do pentesting and red teaming in 2014 and accepted a final offer of $62, 000. One year later I was making 78K, year after 92K. Today I am well into 6 figures but the journey was not as easy as others try to make it sound. You have to enjoy the work and contend with burnout... it isn't as easy as taking OSCP, negotiating 10 job offers from companies that desperately want you, and then working 9-5 "doing security" while collecting huge paychecks. It is a rough road, but highly rewarding for those that truly enjoy their work. I love hacking and i love the money and benefits, but sometimes I'd rather just sell my computer and go work on a farm or become a camp counselor.

[alexosow]

Thanks for covering this! I'm a college junior getting ready to go into a career into either selling technology or cyber security, I've had interests in both but money is definitely one I always had listed as a perk of choosing the cyber security end. I'd be interested to hear your opinion on similar industries that pay the same as cyber security

[joshholmes]

Started about 70k 5 years ago contracting. Regular bumps got me to about 100k in 4 years. Then flipped fed and got a promotion. Now im at 130k with potential to jump up to 150 next year. Locality pay is pretty huge in my area and I've been very fortunate with opportunities.
The best thing you can do is find an area to specialize and make yourself invaluable. For me, it was Splunk and getting it implemented in our SOC.
Edit: I also made a point of volunteering for shit other people didn't want to do. It's not just an easy path to get big jumps.

[keyntankeye]

I’ve been in IT for a while now doing SRE work. Im about to get my cybersecurity degree. I dont plan on switching to Cyber. I think having an advanced security skillset will assist me in becoming a better SRE. There are some senior SREs who don’t know the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption.

[axelcodr]

love the honesty and real life perspectives!!!

[NateOfLight]

Started in security 3 years ago. 3 years of technical exp, a degree, and some entry certs. Started at 57k. Just signed an offer for 180k. If you want to do it: know systems well (Windows/Unix), have a reasonable understanding of IPv4, learn cryptography, automation, and get intimate with ubiquitous technologies (SIEMs, XDR, Firewalls, SOAR, cloud, etc.). I know a little about a lot, and a lot about a couple subjects. Shoutout to everyone trying to make it out there.

[mina-fqvf]

I appreciate the honesty. It didn't deter me and helped me to just keep a realistic mind set.

[David_]

I know I’m a rarity but I got 6 figures one year after graduation, working my second cyber related position. My employer decided to take a chance on me despite there being more experienced candidates. The point is well made though that expectations should be tempered in this field that claims high demand but can be difficult to get started in.

[NanoElec]

This is why I am subscribed to you! All these influencers are hyping people up and getting views that line their wallets.

[anonyghost]

Nothing but facts! I’ve called out those “influencers” for saying you can get a 200k job with no coding/IT experience. Are people really that gullible?! I have a degree and sec + making ~75k and looking at a promotion to earn ~90k. It’s 100% doable but like Grant said, high salary = big responsibility. You will get home mentally drained and if you don’t have a passion for it, you are going to hate it real quick. People are afraid to do the work, but the world don’t work like that. Those who land those high paying jobs tend to be the exception and not the rule. Keep learning and it will come over time !

[adrianlocquiao]

Hey Grant! Thank you for sharing and explaining this topic

[johnportugal]

I really enjoy Collin’s transparency.
I hate that other channels just post garbage to get the views, we all know who they are. Whenever I watch one of your videos I can always expect something genuine from them.
I personally dislike like how people have begun gravitating towards the field just for the money and because of unrealistic expectations when it comes to “hacking”. All in all, I love the content. Keep it up

[ilovekettlechips]

This needed to be said. Not just for Cybersecurity but people jumping into tech overall. While it's not IMPOSSIBLE, it's Very unrealistic for people to make jumps like that,

[danielwalters]

Great video Grant, hope all has been well

[skyejacobson]

It's super important that you guys that are looking at general tech jobs do so with a grain of salt. It seems awesome in the moment and you may be super excited to do it because of the explosive popularity of people saying it can be done without a college education. But stay aware, it can be SUPER difficult to find these entry level jobs even as a self-taught person because no matter what a college degree will trump you every time and understanding that if you don't have the drive and passion to stay learning and truly commit yourself to the job it can be the most depressing and awful lifestyle. Good luck to all you aspiring Secs!