CySA+ jobs outlook

Certifications go a long way in the cybersecurity field. They teach you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in various career pathways but also net you a higher salary. Plus, your certification will put you above the competition when applying for a new job or promotion.    

The CySA+ certification by CompTIA is ideal for mid-level professionals who have already earned their Security+ , Network+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credentials. CySA+ builds on the foundational principles you learned in your core certifications and teaches you skills related to threat detection and risk assessment, as well as current security analyst techniques — including automated incident response, threat intelligence and cloud-based tools.  

Common CySA+ jobs  

A CySA+ certification opens doors to many different professional pathways. Here are some of the most popular jobs for CySA+ holders, according to CompTIA:   

Most jobs fall under the analyst umbrella, although cybersecurity specialists and cybersecurity engineers are also represented. This is likely because CySA+ focuses on skills like data analysis for identifying vulnerabilities, risks and threats.   

You may end up filling multiple roles throughout your career or advancing through the ranks from a job as a cybersecurity analyst to a security engineer. A loose roadmap for how you’d like your career to progress can help you decide if CySA+ is ultimately the right choice for you.   

CySA+ job market  

As the cybersecurity field grows at a red-hot pace, the demand for certified professionals is also growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports positive growth across the entire industry, but it’s helpful to zoom in on specific roles.   

Take a look at what they have to say about the outlook for information security analysts, which is just one of the many jobs you can pursue with a CySA+ certification:   

If there’s one big takeaway here, it’s that there are a ton of exciting opportunities for you to explore. And with the right skills and certifications, your future in cybersecurity will be a bright one with a generous salary.   

Let’s do a deeper dive into all the factors that make up the big picture of the CySA+ jobs outlook.   

Best geographic locations for CySA+ jobs  

Some cities have a better cybersecurity scene than others. As a result, you’ll see more job availability and higher salaries there. Take a look at some of the best cities for finding a job with the CySA+ certification and their average salaries:  

Best companies to work for with a CySA+  

It may come as no shocker the best-paying places to use your CySA+ are big cities. Typically, large metropolitan areas have a higher concentration of tech-related jobs than small cities and rural areas. What may be surprising is the concentration in the southeastern U.S., with Atlanta, Ga., making the cut. Texas is also a hotbed of cybersecurity employment with not one but two major cities on the list. 

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Best companies to work for with a CySA+  

We know the job outlook looks good, but what about employers? Who hires CySA+ certification holders?   

Companies of all shapes and sizes hire people with the CySA+ certification. However, some companies have a reputation for hiring a higher-than-average number of CySA+ holders, so you may want to pay special attention to those companies when your job search begins.   

The U.S. Armed Forces and defense contractors are the top employers in this arena, although companies in retail, finance and healthcare also need cybersecurity pros.   

Here is a list of companies where CySA+ holders are in high demand, along with the average salary for each one:   

CompTIA also publishes a list of employers that commonly hire CySA+ holders. As you can see, there’s more industry variety represented here:   

Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive. Your cybersecurity skills are in high demand at companies in almost every industry.   

Years of experience for CySA+ professionals  

The CySA+ certification is a big professional benefit, but it’s not the only thing employers look at when they’re considering hiring you. How many years of work experience you have is another major factor.   

CompTIA recommends having at least three years of related experience before you tackle the CySA+ exam. Although that’s not a hard-and-fast rule, it does give you a benchmark for where you should be in your career.   

CySA+ certification job outlook at a glance  

Based on the data available from Glassdoor, Indeed and CyberSeek, we can draw a few conclusions from employment trends for CySA+ holders. To fall into the hiring “sweet spot,” consider the following:   

Furthering your cybersecurity career   

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, and the demand for experienced professionals is only increasing. While the odds of finding a job are in your favor, you can’t expect one to fall into your lap. Certain factors like the relevancy of your certifications will set you apart from the competition and ensure you’re the best candidate.   

Earning this mid-level certification is an excellent way to take your cybersecurity career to the next level and move into higher-paying roles.   

For more on CySA+, from CySA+ jobs to exam tips, visit the Infosec CySA+ hub and watch our webinar, CompTIA CySA+ certification (CS0-003) changes: Everything you need to know.

Sources 

• CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA
• What Jobs Can I Get with CompTIA CySA+ Certification?, CompTIA
• Information Security Analysts, Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Information Security Analysts Salaries in United States, Glassdoor
• IT Security Analyst Careers, Indeed