Ready to unlock what's possible as an experienced tech professional in a senior-level digital security role? The proper training and certification can help get you there.
CompTIA's Advanced Security Practitioner Certification (CASP+) is now the new CompTIA SecurityX, the latest addition to CompTIA's Xpert series. SecurityX is the capstone certification in the CompTIA cybersecurity pathway, designed for experts like you who are ready to advance in their careers.
You've worked hard to get to this point in your tech career. Now is the time to bolster your reputation, land the senior cyber security role you've been eyeing, and unlock your potential in this rapidly evolving field.
Prepare for your future with CompTIA SecurityX
SecurityX's expertly crafted curriculum can help you take the next step. While the certification is designed for security architects and senior security engineers who lead and improve an enterprise's cybersecurity readiness, if you are ready to step into a more advanced cybersecurity role, SecurityX will help prepare you.
We're looking at cybersecurity roles that correspond to the training and certification provided by SecurityX. These are roles that will be critical in sectors across all industries.
Employers are looking for skilled professionals who specialize in cybersecurity. This includes understanding how to examine an overall architecture and determine where security needs exist or where operations should be tightened up.
With training and certification through CompTIA's SecurityX, you'll bring to the table these highly coveted skills that can be adapted for a variety of roles in today's job market.
SecurityX job roles
Designed for advanced-level cybersecurity professionals, CompTIA SecurityX can also be applied to a variety of other roles in digital security.
To prepare for job roles that align with the SecurityX training and certification, you'll need a solid understanding of security principles and overall tech foundations.
You can build your knowledge of IT infrastructure through entry-level certifications, including Tech+ and A+. With these certifications, you'll have the skill set needed for entry-level tech roles like help desk technician.
Once you understand the basics, you can improve your skillset through specialized certifications like Network+ and Security+. You'll want to continue advancing your tech career by moving into more intermediate-level roles like network administrator. When you're ready to level up to a more senior role, SecurityX can help validate your skills.
Let's look at these job roles, what job duties you can expect from your day-to-day workflow, and their projected job growth and median annual earnings.
Security architect
Security architects play an essential role in helping keep networks secure. Beyond just using threat mitigation tools and assessing networks for vulnerabilities and other threats, security architects take a hands-on approach to developing networks and security protocols to keep networks, data, and users safe.
A typical day for a security architect may involve collaborating with business leaders, developers, engineers, and other stakeholders. They'll provide guidance and leadership on cybersecurity policy, research, and design security features for IT projects, apply cryptography to secure data, and stay current on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices.
The need for cybersecurity talent continues to grow. According to a CompTIA analysis of Lightcast and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, nearly 30,000 cybersecurity architects will be needed in the U.S. alone by 2030. And looking back over the last year, there were more than 5,000 job postings by employers seeking cybersecurity architects in the U.S. during 2024.
The median annual salary for cybersecurity architects in the U.S. is $150,000. Many factors influence wages, including location, job level, industry sector and employer size, specialty skills, and more. For those committed to growing their experience and expertise over time, professionals may earn much higher pay. Those in the advanced career stage may earn more than $195,000. (Source: CompTIA Explore Careers)
Cybersecurity engineer
Cybersecurity engineers work closely with security architects. While these two roles overlap, they are different in terms of job responsibilities. While security architects might envision how a secure system should look in an enterprise, cybersecurity engineers implement this vision and figure out how to put it into practice.
Some of the everyday job duties of a cybersecurity engineer may include creating new solutions to solve existing security issues. This is often because of the rapidly evolving cyberattack methods and threat vectors.
These security engineers might also supervise changes in hardware and software and facilitate how end users engage with technology.
They'll also modify legal, regulatory, and technical areas affected by changing security needs.
Cybersecurity engineers are in high demand as enterprises and organizations continue to value and allocate resources to their security approaches and defenses. According to CompTIA's analysis of Lightcast and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, more than 51,000 cybersecurity engineers will be needed in the U.S. alone by 2030. And looking back over the last year, there were nearly 46,000 job postings by employers seeking cybersecurity engineers in the U.S. during 2024.
Further reflecting the high demand for this role, the median annual salary for cybersecurity engineers in the U.S. is $140,000. Again, many factors influence wages, and for those committed to growing their experience and expertise over time, advanced career professionals may earn a much higher salary, earning more than $192,000. (Source: CompTIA Explore Careers)
Cybersecurity manager
A cybersecurity manager is an advanced step from the cybersecurity analyst or engineer position. As a cybersecurity manager, you will oversee and maintain systems that safeguard the security of extensive databases, including customer information and patient records. Your responsibilities will include managing and administering the assessment of client computer systems, identifying security vulnerabilities, developing and implementing new security measures, and monitoring and responding to security incidents.
CompTIA's analysis of Lightcast and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that cybersecurity managers will continue to be in demand, as more than 36,000 will be needed in the U.S. by 2030. Over the last year, there were more than 32,000 job postings by employers seeking cybersecurity managers in the U.S. during 2024.
All cybersecurity job roles command a premium, including cybersecurity managers in the U.S., who earn a median annual salary of $151,000. Those at the higher end of the salary range may earn close to $215,000 depending on career stage, location, specialty skills, and more. (Source: CompTIA Explore Careers)
IT auditor
An IT auditor evaluates an organization's IT systems, processes, and controls to ensure they are secure, efficient, and compliant with regulations while identifying risks and recommending improvements.
The IT auditor role serves as a stepping stone for advancing cybersecurity careers, particularly for those aspiring to become cybersecurity analysts or engineers. As an IT auditor, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring IT systems comply with established policies and practices. Your responsibilities include evaluating technology, managing teams, implementing necessary controls, and maintaining detailed records.
The rapidly evolving threat of cyber attacks and compliance needs have resulted in a demand for these skilled professionals. According to CompTIA's analysis of Lightcast and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, projected employment for IT auditors in the U.S. is more than 32,000 through 2030. Over the last year, there were more than 7,000 job postings by employers looking to hire IT auditors in the U.S. during 2024.
IT auditors in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of $103,000. Salaries will vary greatly depending on career stage, location, specialty skills, and more. Some professionals in this role may earn over $136,000. (Source: CompTIA Explore Careers)
Chief Information Security Officer
If you love cybersecurity, becoming a Chief Information Security Officer, also known as a CISO, would be a good fit for you. These top-level executive positions require candidates to be extremely skilled and well-versed in the world of cybersecurity.
To be a good fit for this role, you'll have had a history of cybersecurity-related roles ranging from security administrator to cyber risk analyst. The culmination of your diverse skill set will help you thrive in this role.
CISOs are typically well compensated as senior-level positions. According to the Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report 2024, IT executives -- including CISOs -- in North America earn an average annual salary of more than $163,000. Again, pay varies depending on location, specialty skills, and more.
Advance in your career with CompTIA SecurityX
You've taken the right steps, investing your time and energy into becoming a skilled cybersecurity professional. Now's the time to validate your expertise with the most advanced cybersecurity certification on the market, CompTIA SecurityX.
Learn more about how this SecurityX can help you unlock your potential. Stand out and bring highly sought-after technical skills to help enterprises and organizations reach new heights in their security goals.
Plan your path forward and start exploring your next job in cyber today.