Raleigh Cybersecurity Salaries: What Can You Expect to Earn?
Last Updated: December 26th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In Raleigh, cybersecurity professionals can expect lucrative salaries thanks to a booming tech industry. Info security analysts earn a median of $124,140, exceeding the state median. Factors like education and certifications significantly impact earnings. Entry-level roles offer $55K-$75K, while seasoned professionals can exceed $182K annually. With tech giants like Cisco and Red Hat based in Raleigh, demand for cybersecurity experts is high. Continuously acquiring certifications like CISSP and engaging in networking opportunities is key to advancing in Raleigh’s thriving cybersecurity scene.
The cybersecurity scene in Raleigh is straight-up fire right now.
According to this research from CompTIA, the tech industry in North Carolina grew like crazy over the past decade, with Raleigh seeing a massive 72.8% jump in tech employment—the highest increase in the whole report! And when it comes to cybersecurity salaries, the numbers are looking seriously sweet.
This data shows that the median salary for info security analysts in Raleigh is a whopping $124,140.
That's way above the state median of $125,930. But it gets even better—some of the top cybersecurity roles in Raleigh can pay over $160K according to this salary research.
With major players like Cisco, IBM, and Red Hat setting up shop here, plus a boatload of startups and government agencies, the opportunities are endless.
If you're looking to level up your cybersecurity game, Raleigh should definitely be on your radar.
Table of Contents
- Factors Influencing Cybersecurity Salaries in Raleigh
- Entry-Level Cybersecurity Positions in Raleigh
- Mid-Level Cybersecurity Careers and Salaries in Raleigh
- Advanced Cybersecurity Roles and Their Earnings in Raleigh
- Tips to Increase Your Cybersecurity Salary in Raleigh
- Conclusion: Maximizing Your Cybersecurity Career in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Frequently Asked Questions
Check out next:
Wrap up with a comprehensive summary of Raleigh's tech job ecosystem as you prepare to launch your career.
Factors Influencing Cybersecurity Salaries in Raleigh
(Up)Let's talk about those Raleigh cybersecurity salaries, 'cause they're legit! When it comes to cashing in on this field, there are a few key things that matter.
First up, your education and certs can make a huge difference. If you've got a bachelor's degree, you're looking at an average of around $125,930 per year. But if you level up with a master's, that number can climb to over $158,850 annually.
And don't sleep on those industry certs like CISSP or CEH - they can boost your earnings by a solid 10-15%.
Here's how different aspects impact your salary in the cybersecurity field:
- Educational Background - Having a bachelor's degree can mean an average salary of $125,930, while a master's increases it to over $158,850.
- Certifications - Credentials like CISSP or CEH can increase your earnings by 10-15%.
Experience is another game-changer.
Entry-level roles like Cybersecurity Analyst or Info Sec Specialist typically pay between $51,000 to $99,960 per year.
But as you rack up those years in the field, your paycheck grows too. Mid-career pros with 5-10 years under their belt can expect to rake in $99,710 to $158,850 annually.
And if you're a seasoned vet with over 10 years of experience? You're looking at $182,090 or more per year - that's some serious cash!
"Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you." - Aldous Huxley
Below is a table showing the impact of experience on salary:
Experience Level | Average Salary Range |
---|---|
Entry-Level (0-4 years) | $51,000 to $99,960 |
Mid-Career (5-10 years) | $99,710 to $158,850 |
Seasoned Professional (10+ years) | $182,090 or more |
Now, the industries hiring cybersecurity talent in Raleigh are pretty diverse.
You've got tech giants, finance firms, healthcare orgs, government agencies, and consulting companies all on the hunt for skilled professionals. With Raleigh's booming tech scene and heavy government presence, the demand for cyber talent keeps climbing, driving up those competitive salaries across sectors.
As cyber threats evolve, employers know they need to invest in top-notch security pros to protect their digital assets and maintain a rock-solid security stance.
Entry-Level Cybersecurity Positions in Raleigh
(Up)Alright, so you're just starting your cybersecurity journey in Raleigh? The entry-level jobs in this area are a solid way to kick things off.
You'll find roles like Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Associate, and Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst up for grabs. According to the research, an entry-level InfoSec Analyst can make around $65,000 on average, while SOC Analysts bring in roughly $58,000 annually.
But gaining real-world experience and continuously leveling up your skills is key for advancing your career and boosting that paycheck.
Major companies in Raleigh, like Red Hat, SAS Institute, and Cisco Systems, are actively searching for fresh talent in entry-level cybersecurity roles.
They offer valuable training and mentorship opportunities to help you grow. Plus, according to CyberSeek, the Raleigh area has a 36% employment rate for cybersecurity jobs, so there's definitely a demand for skilled professionals like yourself.
To stand out from the crowd, consider getting certified in CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Building a solid foundation in network security, risk management, and incident response can seriously boost your job prospects and earning potential. Here's a breakdown of what Raleigh companies typically offer for entry-level cybersecurity roles:
- Financial expectations: An Information Security Analyst can earn anywhere between $55,000 - $75,000.
- Salary ranges: The role of Cybersecurity Associate typically offers $50,000 - $65,000.
- Compensation details: For SOC Analysts, the salary ranges from $45,000 - $70,000.
As this seasoned cybersecurity pro, Joseph Gonzalez, from Raleigh said,
"Entry-level roles are the stepping stones to a fulfilling career in cybersecurity. Continuous learning, hands-on experience, and a passion for staying ahead of emerging threats are keys to unlocking your true earning potential."
Mid-Level Cybersecurity Careers and Salaries in Raleigh
(Up)Check it - as you level up in the cybersecurity game in Raleigh, your cash flow gets a serious boost. Mid-level gigs like Cybersecurity Analyst are all about monitoring networks, spotting weak links, and locking things down tight.
You can bank anywhere from $75K to $95K for that kind of work. If you're more of a strategic mastermind, the Information Security Manager role could be your vibe, overseeing an organization's entire cybersecurity ops and crafting killer strategies.
That'll score you $90K to $120K in this town. Or maybe you're into Penetration Testing - you know, ethical hacking to test systems and beef up defenses.
Those mad skills can land you $80K to $110K around here.
To really slay these mid-level cybersecurity roles and max out your earning potential, you gotta stay on that grind.
Certifications are key, like the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) which can boost your pay by $25K. The CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) are also worth checking out, adding around $15K and $20K respectively to your annual income.
The real deal? Raleigh's tech scene is booming, and companies like Red Hat, Cisco, SAS Institute, and Credit Suisse are hungry for skilled cybersecurity pros.
As the demand keeps surging, mid-level cybersecurity specialists can expect fat paychecks and plenty of room to grow.
Jennifer Brown, President of the Raleigh Cybersecurity Professionals Association, summed it up perfectly: "Raleigh's cybersecurity talent pool is expanding rapidly, and companies are actively seeking skilled professionals to strengthen their cybersecurity posture."
So, if you're ready to hustle and make moves, the mid-level cybersecurity scene in Raleigh is where it's at.
Advanced Cybersecurity Roles and Their Earnings in Raleigh
(Up)If you're a cybersecurity pro in Raleigh with mad skills and experience, get ready to rake in the big bucks.
Senior roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Cybersecurity Architect, and Security Manager are where the real money's at, with salaries easily crossing six figures.
According to the data, CISOs in Raleigh rake in an average of $145,000, while Cybersecurity Architects earn a stellar $127,000 per year on average.
But scoring these prime gigs isn't a cakewalk.
Companies want pros who can talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to security frameworks, risk management, and developing bulletproof cybersecurity programs.
You'll also need to be a boss at communicating and leading teams, 'cause collaborating with different departments and stakeholders is crucial.
The good news? The future looks incredibly bright for senior cybersecurity pros in Raleigh.
With major players like Cisco, IBM, and Credit Suisse setting up shop here, and the local tech industry growing faster than the national average, the demand for experienced cybersecurity leaders is skyrocketing.
Daniel Harris, CEO of CyberSecure Solutions, a top cybersecurity consulting firm in the area, says,
"If you're willing to keep leveling up your skills and take on leadership roles, the opportunities are endless."
So, if you've got what it takes, get ready to cash in big time in Raleigh's booming cybersecurity scene.
Tips to Increase Your Cybersecurity Salary in Raleigh
(Up)Wanna boost that cyber-cash in Raleigh? The job market's poppin' off, with cyber gigs growing 33% by 2030.
That's a fat bag of opportunity! To level up, you gotta get certified and skilled up.
We're talking CISSP, CCSP, CEH - the real deal certs that keep recruiters drooling. Stay hungry for knowledge, hit up those local colleges for dope cyber programs.
And don't sleep on networking! Get that face time at meetups, conferences, anywhere the cyber crew hangs. With the right moves, you could be raking in 182K - that's the 90th percentile salary for Raleigh's cyber elite.
So whatchu waiting for? Level up, connect, and watch that bank account blow up like a sick beat drop!
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Cybersecurity Career in Raleigh, North Carolina
(Up)Let me break it down for you on the cybersecurity scene in Raleigh - it's straight fire! Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, this city is where it's at for landing that dream job and raking in some serious cash.
We're talking entry-level roles averaging around $60K, mid-level positions hitting $90K, and advanced gigs soaring over $120K per year.
But here's the real tea - to truly ball out, you gotta stay on top of your game and keep leveling up.
According to the big dogs at (ISC)², a whopping 63% of cybersecurity pros agree that constantly upskilling and grabbing new certs is the key to climbing that career ladder.
And with tech giants like Cisco, IBM, and Red Hat calling Raleigh home, the demand for skilled cyber warriors is only going to keep growing. The North Carolina Technology Association predicts a 21.9% spike in tech jobs by 2026, and you better believe cybersecurity is a major player.
So, what's the move? Start by snagging some seriously impressive certs like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).
But don't stop there - get involved in Raleigh's tight-knit tech community by hitting up networking events, meetups, and professional associations. As Robert Herjavec said,
"What's really driving the cybersecurity world is continuous education and employees staying ahead of the curve."
By constantly sharpening your skills and tapping into the resources this city has to offer, you'll be well on your way to scoring that cybersecurity dream job and making bank.
Check out these top employers and get ready to slay!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the median salary for cybersecurity professionals in Raleigh?
The median salary for information security analysts in Raleigh is $124,140, which is slightly above the state median of $125,930.
How do education and certifications impact cybersecurity salaries in Raleigh?
Having a bachelor's degree can mean an average salary of $125,930, while holding a master's degree can increase it to over $158,850 annually. Certifications like CISSP or CEH can further boost earnings by 10-15%.
What salary can entry-level cybersecurity professionals expect in Raleigh?
Entry-level roles such as Information Security Analyst and SOC Analyst have salaries ranging from $45,000 to $75,000 annually, with an average of around $65,000 for InfoSec Analysts.
Which companies are hiring cybersecurity professionals in Raleigh?
Major companies like Cisco, IBM, Red Hat, and government agencies are actively hiring cybersecurity professionals. The Raleigh area also has a robust tech scene with many opportunities in diverse industries.
How can professionals increase their cybersecurity salary in Raleigh?
To increase salaries, professionals should pursue advanced certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or CCSP, gain more experience, and engage in continuous learning. Networking in Raleigh’s tech community also provides opportunities to enhance salary potential.
You may be interested in the following topics as well:
Take advantage of the Available Scholarships in Raleigh to ease your financial burden while pursuing your tech education.
Stand out in the competitive job market by opting to Enhance Skills with Nucamp Coding Bootcamp.
Explore the exciting range of tech jobs available in Raleigh for newly minted coders.
Witness the creativity-driven role of a UX/UI Designer at Fidelity Investments and its financial allure.
Experience groundbreaking insights at the All Things Open Conference, the premier event for open-source enthusiasts.
Discover the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in Raleigh and how it might shape your career path.
Meet the top hiring companies like Cisco and IBM that are driving employment growth in Raleigh's cybersecurity sector.
Get involved in real-world project involvement that enhances your learning experience at Raleigh coding bootcamps.
Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.