What cyber security roles are there?
The cyber security field is broad. The role you choose will affect your career progression and salary expectations. You could do anything from technical engineering to planning strategic responses to security threats. The most common roles in cyber security include:
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Cyber security analysts monitor threats and analyse vulnerabilities in operating systems.
- Penetration testers simulate cyber attacks to test an organisation's system defences.
- Security consultants advise businesses on security strategies and compliance.
- Incident responders manage and resolve security breaches quickly.
- Security engineers/architects design and build secure systems.
- A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) oversees the organisation's entire security framework.
Cyber security jobs salaries reflect the responsibility and technical expertise required.
What is the average cyber security salary in the UK?
The average cyber security salary across the sector lies between £32,000 and £66,000, with most people earning around £46,000 per year. In London, cyber security professionals earn about £35,000-£75,000.
However, this doesn't tell the whole story. This is a vast sector, with many different job roles. That means the average salary can vary greatly across the field.
Entry-level roles – including those reached through a degree apprenticeship or graduate scheme – usually start at the lower end of this range. As you gain experience, earnings can rise quickly. The highest-paying roles, like Chief Information Security Officers, involve a lot of responsibility as they're in charge of an organisation's entire cyber security strategy and risk management. A Chief information security officer (CISO) can earn an average of £77,000-£161,000 annually.
Upskill to earn more in cyber security
The amount you can expect to earn will also depend on your skillset and experience level – and may well sit outside the salary ranges of average cyber security salaries.
For instance, if you begin your job search with a postgraduate qualification and some work experience, you can expect higher cyber security earnings. Interested in learning about what it takes to kickstart your career? Find out more about studying and working in cyber security.
Entry-level cyber security salaries
Common entry-level roles in demand and their average earnings:
- IT security support technician: £25,000 per year (£28,000 in London)
- Junior security analyst: £29,000 per year (£49,000 in London)
- Security operations centre (SOC) analyst: £35,000 per year (£40,000 in London)
How do you get these positions? If you have a keen interest in becoming a cyber security professional, you'll need to gain foundational knowledge with IT certifications or a postgraduate degree. Develop your practical and technical skills. Working on home projects or open-source tools in your own time is a good idea.
Finally, networking with industry professionals can secure you connections. You'll also get to find out more about the industry and what's expected of you as a young cyber security employee.
Mid-level cyber security salaries
Mid-level cyber security professionals have about three to five years of experience in the industry.
Mid-level roles and the average salaries:
- Security consultant: £42,000 per year (£45,000 in London)
- Penetration tester: £49,000 per year (£52,000 in London)
- Incident response specialist: £50,000 per year (£50,000 in London)
You might also receive benefits, like a training allowance and performance bonuses. Many employers also offer flexible working arrangements for more senior employees.
How do you advance to a mid-level role? At this stage, you'll need to hold advanced certifications, have experience leading projects, mentor juniors, and manage client relationships.
High-level cyber security salaries
At the top, you can expect to earn a fairly sizeable salary. Cyber security becomes much more about leadership and strategy with technical expertise.
Senior positions and the average salary:
- Cyber security manager: £63,000 per year (£68,000 in London)
- Head of security operations: £93,000 per year (£103,000 in London)
- Chief information security officer (CISO): £111,000 per year (£121,000 in London)
Senior analysts and specialists can expect to earn well over £100,000 in some organisations. Third sector and governmental institutions might offer a slightly lower salary. CISOs in larger companies can also receive large bonuses.
The flip side is that these roles come with a lot more responsibility. This can mean a more time-consuming and stressful workload. These leadership roles involve strategic oversight, budget control, and risk management at the board-level engagement – all of which justify the higher pay packet.
How to get into cyber security in the UK with Walbrook
Cyber security careers are impactful. As we've shown, you'll like enjoy a stable job with strong financial benefits and promising progression.
At Walbrook, we're 12th in the UK for employment and further study, with 89% of Walbrook graduates securing skilled roles. And courses like our MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security will teach you to protect computer systems, secure information, and anticipate emerging threats. Learn about the fundamentals of AI, cloud computing, and undertake your own research project.
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