CISSP Jobs: Advancing Your Career in Cybersecurity

Earning your Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have experience and knowledge in eight domains of cybersecurity, including risk management, security architecture, security operations, and more. With a CISSP certification, you can qualify to work in various IT security-related careers. Learn more about the CISSP exam and explore the related jobs you can qualify for when you hold this certification.

What is CISSP?

CISSP is a certification for cybersecurity professionals offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). This globally recognized credential signifies you have the expertise to design and implement a cybersecurity program while establishing that you have a professional membership with the ISC2. 

The CISSP certification exam covers topics in eight domains: 

1. Security and risk management

2. Asset security

3. Security architecture and engineering

4. Communication and network security

5. Identity and access management (IAM)

6. Security assessment and testing

7. Security operations

8. Software development security

To qualify for the CISSP exam, you will need five years of professional experience working within at least two of the eight domains. You can satisfy one year with a degree or a related IT credential.

What if I do not have the experience to take the CISSP exam?

If you want to take the CISSP exam but lack professional experience, you can become an Associate of ISC2. This designation is for professionals who have passed the CISSP exam but are still gaining the required experience to become fully CISSP certified. In this position, you’ll have six years to earn your professional experience starting from the time you pass the exam. 

Is CISSP in high demand? 

CISSP-certified professionals are in high demand. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment for information security analysts will grow by 33 percent from 2023 to 2033, with 17,300 jobs added annually over the next decade [1]. For professionals in this growing field, ISC2 is a widely regarded professional organization offering vendor-neutral certification. The CISSP certification is seen as a good choice for many different job titles working with information security. 

What is the average CISSP salary?

According to ISC2, the global average salary for a professional with CISSP certification is $119,577 [2]. In North America, that figure rises to $147,757. Glassdoor reports a similar average pay for security professionals holding a CISSP certification at $134,742 annual base pay [3].

CISSP jobs

With a CISSP certification, you can demonstrate your skills and competencies to thrive in many different IT security jobs. Depending on your experience and interests, here are some jobs you can consider:

1. Security analyst

Average annual salary (US): $113,628 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [1]

As a security analyst, you work to protect companies and organizations from cyber threats by analyzing IT infrastructure for vulnerabilities and assessing threats as they become apparent. You'll use tools like anti-virus software and software to manage vulnerabilities in your company’s network or IT systems. In this role, you also need strong communication skills to report and explain the vulnerabilities and threats you find.  

2. Security consultant

Average annual salary (US): $104,554 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [1]

As a security consultant, you have many of the same job responsibilities as a security analyst, mainly protecting companies and organizations from cybersecurity threats. As a consultant, you will be working either in a freelance capacity or with a consulting firm. You'll help advise companies and organizations about the changes they could make to improve security, including helping to advise strategic plans. 

3. Security manager

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $79,120 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [7] 

As a security manager, you oversee the IT security program for a company or organization. You are responsible for tasks like hiring cybersecurity professionals, managing department resources, collaborating with other department heads to implement security procedures, and overseeing and directing the staff. In this role, you'll advise clients about the latest technology and trends in information security. 

4. Security architect

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $163,135 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [1]

As a security architect, you design and build the infrastructure to protect company assets. You work with company leadership to develop a strategic security plan, design the necessary components of your company’s security procedures, and manage a team of security engineers and analysts to implement your plan. In this role, you are also the primary person in charge of notifying leadership about new security technology and recommending updating security programs. 

5. Security systems engineer

Average annual salary (US): $135,098 [9]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [1] 

As a security systems engineer, you work to protect companies from cyber threats by testing and conducting risk assessments of company networks, servers, databases, or other company assets. Depending on the size of your team, you may work with a staff of other security professionals. In this role, you help integrate new security technology, correct security vulnerabilities, and monitor IT systems for new potential threats. 

Read more: What Is a Systems Engineer (and How Do I Become One)?

6. IT director

Average annual salary (US): $152,066 [10]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [7] 

As an IT director, you oversee the entire IT department, including managing or hiring staff, directing your team’s daily work, and managing IT security. You ensure the IT services your company needs are operating correctly and that everyone who needs to access IT infrastructure has appropriate clearance. In this leadership role, you oversee all of the activities of the IT department and help your team overcome problems and challenges as they arise. 

7. Director of IT security

Average annual salary (US): $216,930 [11]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [1] 

As the director of IT security, you oversee a company’s security department. This includes determining the company's security strategy and procedures and leading your team to implement those policies. You are responsible for managing a department budget and ensuring that your security policies comply with federal or state regulations. Depending on the size of your team, you may spend more of your daily hours working directly to combat cyber threats, or you may spend more time leading a team and developing strategic plans. 

Preparing for cybersecurity job on Coursera

A CISSP certification is one way to demonstrate you have experience and knowledge in cybersecurity and can help you qualify for CISSP jobs like security analyst, engineer, or manager. 

The CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Specialization offered by PACKT is an eight-course series on Coursera that can help you learn the skills you need to successfully take the CISSP exam. You can also prepare for a job in cybersecurity with a cybersecurity Professional Certificate course on Coursera from Google and Microsoft.