CISSP Jobs: Advancing Your Career in Cybersecurity

Key takeaways

With a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, you can qualify to work in various IT security-related jobs.

• CISSP-certified professionals are in high demand, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting 16,000 job openings in this field every year from 2024 to 2034 [1].

• CISSP certification can help you qualify for IT security roles like security consultant, security architect, and security systems engineer.

• You can also qualify for higher-level roles, such as IT director and director of IT security, with a CISSP certification.

Learn more about the CISSP exam and explore the related jobs you can qualify for when you hold this certification. If you’re ready to start building your IT security skills, enroll in the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to understand the cybersecurity landscape and learn core concepts foundational to security, compliance, and identity solutions in as little as six months. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career certificate for your resume.

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 up to six years to earn your professional experience starting from the time you pass the exam.

Is CISSP still in 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 29 percent from 2024 to 2034, with 16,000 job openings 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 in information security.

What is the average CISSP salary?

According to ISC2, the global median salary for a professional with CISSP certification is $127,000 [2]. In North America, that figure rises to $150,000 [2]. Glassdoor reports a similar median total pay for security professionals holding a CISSP certification at $165,000 annually [3]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

What jobs can you get with a CISSP certification? 7 CISSP jobs to consider

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:

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of June 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

1. Security analyst

Median annual total salary (US): $125,000 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 29 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 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

Median annual total salary (US): $130,000 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 204 to 2034): 29 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 devise strategic plans.

3. Security manager

Median annual total salary (US): $88,000 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 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

Median annual total salary (US): $231,000 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 29 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 updates to security programs.

5. Security systems engineer

Median annual total salary (US): $185,000 [9]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 29 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 team 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

Median annual total salary (US): $167,000 [10]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 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 access to the 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

Median annual total salary (US): $285,000 [11]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 29 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.

Explore structured learning paths to deepen your knowledge

If you’re interested in expert guidance and no-fluff tips to help you build your skills, subscribe to our YouTube channel. You can also explore free career resources to learn more about cybersecurity certifications and jobs:

• Explore career paths: Cybersecurity Career Progression: Job Levels & Skills to Advance

• Read our Career Chat issue: 8 cybersecurity certifications for career growth

• Hear from an insider: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career

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