How to Get a Job in Cybersecurity (or Switch Careers Into It)

Cybercrime is projected to cost businesses a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025. Attacks have surged over 300% in recent years, with new incidents happening every 39 seconds. The rise of AI, cloud computing, and remote work has drastically expanded the attack surface—meaning companies need cybersecurity professionals now more than ever.

The Demand Is Real

So what are companies doing about it?

The cybersecurity workforce has grown by 57% since 2010, but it still isn’t enough. Demand continues to outpace supply, creating a wide-open lane for newcomers—especially those who are motivated and willing to learn. Cybersecurity job growth is expected to reach 33% per year through 2033, making it the 5th fastest-growing field in the U.S. Right now, there are an estimated 570,000 to 750,000 unfilled cybersecurity roles in the U.S. alone.

And while you might hear seasoned pros say things like “cybersecurity isn’t an entry-level job” or “you need to be a sysadmin or SWE first,” the truth is: times have changed. With nearly half of the unfilled roles classified as entry-level, there’s never been a better time to pivot into the field—even without a traditional tech background.

Certifications: The Gatekeeper to Entry

Unlike many fields, tech (and especially cybersecurity) doesn't fully trust degrees or bootcamps to validate your skills. Certifications are, well, required.

Some of the best certs to start with include:

• CompTIA Security+ – the most recognized entry-level cert.
• CompTIA CySA+ – great for detection and analysis roles.
• CompTIA CASP – for more advanced operational security roles.
• (ISC)² CISSP – the gold standard for those with 5+ years of experience.
• Cloud Certifications (AWS/GCP/Azure) – with the cloud shift, even a basic cert is a major plus.
• Specialty Certs like OSCP, OSCE, or GCIH – highly respected for red teaming, penetration testing, or incident response.

Certs show employers you care enough about this career field outside of your working hours to actually put in some of your free time to understand the tools, threats, and frameworks used in the real world.

Gaining Experience Without a Degree

Ideally, you’d come into the field with a degree in computer science or cybersecurity, plus a few certs under your belt. But let’s be real—not everyone wants to go back to school for another bachelor’s. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to prove yourself without one:

• Personal Projects: Build a home lab using virtual machines to simulate attacks and defense scenarios. Practice ethical hacking/penetration testing, packet sniffing, or using Splunk. Tools like Kali Linux or Parrot, Wireshark, Metasploit, and BurpSuite are your new best friends. Learn how the internet works. Learn what the OSI model is. Learn a language—C (hard, but foundational) or Python (easy, flexible)—and build networking CLI tools or small automation scripts. Publish everything on GitHub to create a public portfolio.
• Certifications: Start with beginner-friendly ones like Security+ or CySA+, then work your way toward OSCP (penetration testing), CISSP (information security management), or cloud certifications (cloud security) depending on the niche you want to land in.
• Self-Learning Platforms: Use hands-on, gamified labs from sites like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, BlueTeamLabs, or CyberDefenders to simulate real-world cyber scenarios and Capture-the-Flags (CTFs). Many of them offer learning paths for specific job roles too. Learn how to do bug bounties on platforms like HackerOne and BugCrowd.
• Networking & Community Involvement: Cybersecurity is a team sport. Get involved in the community through LinkedIn, Reddit (like r/cybersecurity), Discord servers, Twitter/X, or local meetups. Provide value to the security community with vulnerability reports, security research, or blogs. Attend conferences like Black Hat, DEF CON, or SANS summits to learn and connect. One solid referral can beat 1000 online applications.

Navigating the Job Market

Breaking into cybersecurity isn’t just about skills—it’s about visibility. Here’s how to stand out:

• Resume & LinkedIn Optimization: Highlight relevant skills, certs, and personal projects clearly. Use industry keywords. If you’ve built a lab, joined a CTF, or completed a TryHackMe path—show it off.
• Networking: Stay active in online communities, comment on posts, ask questions, and message people working in the roles you want. Many professionals are happy to offer advice or point you to open roles.
• Job Boards: Don’t limit yourself. Use niche platforms like CyberSecJobs, CyberSeek, or InfoSec Jobs, but also stay active on general job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
• Recruiters & Talent Pipelines: Many tech recruiters specialize in cybersecurity placements. Reach out on LinkedIn or join tech-specific staffing platforms. Some large companies also have entry-level rotational programs or apprenticeships tailored to career changers.

Remote Work Opportunities

Cybersecurity is one of the best industries for remote work. Unless you're pursuing a position that requires a security clearance (which, by the way, is worth getting), you can expect most roles to be hybrid or fully remote.

This is a huge perk—especially for people pivoting from traditional 9-to-5s who want more flexibility or work-life balance. Remote roles also open you up to national job searches, so you’re not locked into your local job market.

Career Progression & Salary Expectations

Now into the meat and potatoes.

• Entry-Level: As a junior SOC Analyst with a Security+ cert, you can expect to earn around $90k—sometimes higher in metro areas or if you have a security clearance.
• Mid-Level (5 Years): With some experience and a few intermediate certs, you’re looking at $110k–$130k depending on your specialization.
• Senior Roles: If you make the jump from technical to leadership (think Security Manager, Director, or VP of Security), you’ll start clearing $150k–$200k+—especially if you’re in a high-stakes or compliance-heavy industry.
• CISO Track: Most Chief Information Security Officers have 15+ years of experience, but salaries at that level are often $250k+ with bonuses, stock options, and executive perks. The trick? Don’t get stuck in the “career analyst” trap. Stay strategic. Move up or laterally. Learn the business side, not just the tech. Look for leadership roles early and often.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is one of the few fields where curiosity, passion, and persistence can get you further than a degree alone. The industry is wide open for people who are self-taught, career-changers, or just hungry to solve real-world problems.

Build. Learn. Connect. Apply. Repeat. The jobs are there. Go get one.