The Cybersecurity Salary Myth

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[@joshstewart1649]

I got to six figures job hopping. First job 67k as a Risk Management Specialist then left 6 months later for an 80k job as a Cyber Security Analyst. Was there 2 1/2 years and left for my job now making 120k as a security engineer and have an interview tomorrow for a management position paying between 140k to 160k. Total experience is 4 1/2 years in cyber security before that I was in the business world. Getting to six figures in less than five years isn’t bad and very doable especially considering other professions which can take longer. I love making six figures in tech without the need to move into management as is the case with many other professions like accounting or HR.

[@paulinoleal5592]

Can you please talk about how you got your first job thank you! I want to get into the field but I don’t have the money to go to university

[@z1008z]

@@paulinoleal5592 if you dont have money you will need to mostly study on your own then man,try to do certified courses which can help you in your job,,i only know this.Hope it was helpful in some way ,All the best :)

[@paulinoleal5592]

@@z1008z Yeah. Thank you 🙏

[@z1008z]

@@paulinoleal5592 i can provide you some websites where you can learn cybersecurity from scratch! If you want them??

[@wonderrrien]

​@@z1008z go ahead :)

[@143jeg]

Here is the salary progression since getting my first job in security: 2020 - first Cyber Security job - 65k 2021 - same job - 70k 2022 - switched companies - 90k 2023 - starting new job next week - 120k

[@Novascular]

what was the first job?

[@143jeg]

@Novascular "Security Administrator" at a telecommunications company. It started as being mostly firewall administration, but over the time that I worked there, my responsibilities expanded quite a bit.

[@avchor]

@@143jeg What type of education / certifications did you have going into your first security job?

[@143jeg]

@avchor I just have a general IT degree, I did take any security related classes I could though. Then I got my GSEC in 2021 and GEVA in 2022. Luckily, on my employers dime.

[@thatotladi4271]

got in so simple no cert, general IT how did you achieve this 😲

[@mrashco]

a HIGHER paying job does NOT mean it's a BETTER job.

[@airflare7285]

now this is key

[@hilt1085]

Doesn't always"" imagine working at mcdonalds for 9 an hour would you rather that

[@mrashco]

@@hilt1085 True. So yes, a lower paying job doesn't equal a better job either. It's never that simple.

[@innocentrage1]

It always has for me.

[@vanderumd11]

@@mrashco it always has worked for me. More money = better

[@zsi]

I can echo the same. I was entry-level into security to do pentesting and red teaming in 2014 and accepted a final offer of $62,000. One year later I was making 78K, year after 92K. Today I am well into 6 figures but the journey was not as easy as others try to make it sound. You have to enjoy the work and contend with burnout... it isn't as easy as taking OSCP, negotiating 10 job offers from companies that desperately want you, and then working 9-5 "doing security" while collecting huge paychecks. It is a rough road, but highly rewarding for those that truly enjoy their work. I love hacking and i love the money and benefits, but sometimes I'd rather just sell my computer and go work on a farm or become a camp counselor.

[@traviswilson1202]

This is a pretty good insight. You focus a lot on the enjoyment of the work, it's tough to excel in an environment that you dread. I'm not in cyber yet, but I'm going to school for it. I've worked a job I don't particularly love for the last 7 years, I think it's important to make a mental note of the importance of work in one's life. It's significant, but it's just a means of obtaining comfort and necessities. This has helped me through a relatively monotonous job, and the mentality I hope to take into cyber, while obviously I want to enjoy the ins and outs!

[@rathelmmc3194]

In general I hate it when people make it sound like jobs are "easy". Nobody gets paid 6 figures for an easy job. Jobs that pay that much exist because most people can't do them for one reason or another. Anything in IT you need to have a passion for it otherwise you're going to be terrible at your job and will never move up.

[@Somedudeonline2023]

As someone who wants to do this job as little as possible to be able to do other stuff with my life and you know hobbies would you still recommend this job

[@zsi]

@Somedudeonline The job has afforded me the ability to be able to do a lot more with my time. Every employer and job is different, where I am I work remotely and my team is international. So, 9-5 isn't super strict and I travel fairly often for fun. I may spend a month in Asia or a week in Miami for fun while working at the same time. Very rarely am I asked to work crazy hours, typically I am just given parameters for an engagement and I am left alone from start to report. Pentests are easy enough, but red teams are often where the stress comes from if you're doing them often enough with little recovery time between them. There are no explicit demands you work 60+ hours but quite often you find the challenges so fun you work crazy amounts anyway to chase every curiosity and explore every rabbit hole. If you're young and healthy you will get through it on little sleep and tons of stimulants, but continue long enough and you'll find that stimulants aren't enough to keep you going. I would do this job all over again as it's been very rewarding, but I'd set up boundaries with myself about curtailing my desire to explore every curiosity. Not every rabbit hole is worth exploring. Doing "as little as possible" is relatively dependent on many factors. If you're new, expect to work a lot because you'll spend much of your time learning many things on the fly and you will lack the necessary experience to see and utilize shortcuts. After you gain experience, you can get away with a lot, but constantly going the easy route will backfire at some point. If you're not naturally curious and wouldn't do hacking for fun on your own time, you won't last long in your career.

[@danielmann4159]

Hey J, I am studying cybersecurity in college right now and am really interested in the pen tester field. Do you have any suggestions on what my best route would be?

[@UnixGuy]

So you're telling me one can't get a 6-figure cyber security job in 24 hours by following the 6-figure career coach? 🤣

[@EMSpdx]

LORD...for real! These people!

[@EmJ444]

LMFAO

[@Donuts_Milk]

@@EMSpdx 😂😂😂

[@h378dh4uj]

Right!? Suddenly the warning labels on everything is starting to make sense. Think of how many people would confuse their silica packets for seasoning.

[@HelloThere-xs8ss]

No one can be mediocre. Security is the line of defense of valuable information and potentially people's lives. Being mediocre puts all that at risk.

[@johndank2209]

But perfection doesn't exist, no system is 100% secure

[@cx777o]

@@johndank2209 its not about perfection, its about continually growing and adapting to have better skills than today. On top of that getting better also is something which can be done for the sake of giving the best at any situation for ones own self, because you value what you do and want to give it your all.

[@143jeg]

We all started out mediocre, but I think I agree with your point. To stay in this field, one needs to work at it.

[@JC-Alan]

@@143jeg you don't START your IT journey with security... You have to have a fundamental understanding of other concepts, like networking, to implement effective security measures. Sure, a lot of it is methodology, but you can only work with what you know. I'd almost never recomme d someone start out with sec unless they have a strong home labbing background, and even then, I'm not sure.

[@kathurtado13]

​@@JC-Alan what would be the 1st position for someone who has no clue about computers?

[@anonyghost7422]

Nothing but facts! I’ve called out those “influencers” for saying you can get a 200k job with no coding/IT experience. Are people really that gullible?! I have a degree and sec + making ~75k and looking at a promotion to earn ~90k. It’s 100% doable but like Grant said, high salary = big responsibility. You will get home mentally drained and if you don’t have a passion for it, you are going to hate it real quick. People are afraid to do the work, but the world don’t work like that. Those who land those high paying jobs tend to be the exception and not the rule. Keep learning and it will come over time !

[@OiVinn-eq1ml]

Are we thinking the same influencer? lol

[@tyeli8262]

What programs do you use to keep learning?

[@OiVinn-eq1ml]

@Martin Wagoner Yea lol

[@Jonathan-jd7hd]

Yeah he be trippin

[@JRCGuitarist]

People don’t want to do the work? Eh…seems awfully generic of an assumption. Most people are looking more so for paths that get them to a result with minimal wasted time. This is largely because paths that do require a certain amount of time tend to come with fickle responses that don’t get people where they need to go. For example, going the path of IT Help Desk. A lot of people travel this route, but as of recently, I’m finding out a lot of people get trapped, even when they get degrees, certs and try to network. So, there are people who warn others before taking up this job to be careful. What path is worth working hard on, and will get the results needs most of the time?

[@David_408]

I know I’m a rarity but I got 6 figures one year after graduation, working my second cyber related position. My employer decided to take a chance on me despite there being more experienced candidates. The point is well made though that expectations should be tempered in this field that claims high demand but can be difficult to get started in.

[@collinsinfosec]

That's awesome David!

[@Fahodinho]

what made you stand out?

[@David_408]

@@Fahodinho I had just got my Masters, worked on getting multiple CompTIA security certs, and just made sure to continue to learn after college was over. I did training with TryHackMe. And I think doing good on my skills/knowledge assessment during the interview process all helped me. I was also told by my manager that my personality was better suited than the more experienced candidates.

[@Fahodinho]

@@David_408 that's awesome bro, would you mind revealing the company name? or at least the size and type/industry of company

[@David_408]

@@Fahodinho It's a large healthcare org.

[@NateOfLight]

Started in security 3 years ago. 3 years of technical exp, a degree, and some entry certs. Started at 57k. Just signed an offer for 180k. If you want to do it: know systems well (Windows/Unix), have a reasonable understanding of IPv4, learn cryptography, automation, and get intimate with ubiquitous technologies (SIEMs, XDR, Firewalls, SOAR, cloud, etc.). I know a little about a lot, and a lot about a couple subjects. Shoutout to everyone trying to make it out there.

[@cyb3rint3l74]

Went from 70k to 135k base by simply moving companies. Only had under 2 years exp. Same role too. High paying roles are out there, you just have to look and take risk

[@joshholmes1372]

Started about 70k 5 years ago contracting. Regular bumps got me to about 100k in 4 years. Then flipped fed and got a promotion. Now im at 130k with potential to jump up to 150 next year. Locality pay is pretty huge in my area and I've been very fortunate with opportunities. The best thing you can do is find an area to specialize and make yourself invaluable. For me, it was Splunk and getting it implemented in our SOC. Edit: I also made a point of volunteering for shit other people didn't want to do. It's not just an easy path to get big jumps.

[@keyntankeye]

I’ve been in IT for a while now doing SRE work. Im about to get my cybersecurity degree. I dont plan on switching to Cyber. I think having an advanced security skillset will assist me in becoming a better SRE. There are some senior SREs who don’t know the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption.

[@greydocmethod]

I'm definitely in the minority but I will say it is possible. If you get with the right employer and market yourself accordingly. Ive been making six figures (100 -200k) in security since I was 20 and only had Sec+ back then. If anyone has any questions I'd love to advise. Thanks Grant for all your hard work, I've been a follower of yours for awhile and even won the personal firewall you gave away a few years ago. Wishing success to all who work towards it.

[@BubbleS1]

Hey, I'm newer to Cyber Security and I have a couple questions, 1.) what tips do you have for writing/studying notes effectively? 2.) I always hear to start with CCNA and Sec+ as the go to recommendations for certs, what topics do you think are important that may go overlooked or that you found useful that you wish you learned or were happy that you did early on? (If none, what tools/programs should I be learning about) I'll leave it at 2 as to not be too bothersome but thank you so much if you read this and even more so if you respond!

[@collinsinfosec]

It is possible, I agree. I remember giving away the personal firewall some time ago, hopefully it worked well and I hope all is well :)

[@OiVinn-eq1ml]

100-200k with just a cert & no debt? You must be loaded by now. Wish I had done the same.

[@Crypto00700]

Can I have your Instagram

[@greydocmethod]

@@OiVinn-eq1ml Correct, I actually got paid to learn security. Granted I took a very inconventual and strategic approach that many wouldn't consider.

[@alexosow]

Thanks for covering this! I'm a college junior getting ready to go into a career into either selling technology or cyber security, I've had interests in both but money is definitely one I always had listed as a perk of choosing the cyber security end. I'd be interested to hear your opinion on similar industries that pay the same as cyber security

[@ssttpy]

i’m about to get my associates in cybersecurity in may and i plan to start my certifications before then, i’ve done it mainly because i wanted to learn. getting a job in this industry would be a dream regardless of pay.

[@axelcodr]

love the honesty and real life perspectives!!!

[@NanoElec]

This is why I am subscribed to you! All these influencers are hyping people up and getting views that line their wallets.

[@internati0naled974]

I agree, it’s not the norm. I got into IT 9 years ago, in my late 20’s. I’m in a HCOL city, first IT job was mid 50k. 2021 was my entry into cybersecurity, close to 200k salary, a senior role for a vendor. I was able to pivot due to my network engineer and basic project management background. Congrats to those who are able to crack a six figure job right off the gate. However, in my experience this is not the norm. Took me 9 years and job hoping 4 times to get at the point I’m at. If anything I attribute my high pay to job hopping rather then certs, etc.

[@far2ez539]

The only thing abnormal about your story is how long you needed to be in the industry to get the breakthrough imo. 7 years ago I had friends landing their first jobs around 80k-100k in infosec. Job hopping does help, but it isn't necessary if you just want to break $100k. I started at a place and, without changing my employer, went from $100k to $200k in about 5 years. Then to $400k on a job hop. Hopping helps, but isn't necessary at all. Honestly, 90% of the people in these comments are saying "Yeah I make $x00k per year!! I'm definitely the exception!!!" No. You're not. None of you are. The exception are the people who work infosec, have actual skills, are above 30, and DON'T make $200k/year.

[@TheFiveRiversPodcast]

@@far2ez539 Based on what statistics are you making the claim of someone over 30, with actual info sec skills, making < 200k are an exception ? That’s an absurd statement unless you can back it up with actual numbers. I work for a large publicly traded MSSP and I can name a lot of people with actual technical skills over 30, who don’t make 200k. Six figures yes but 200k, that’s a huge number. Also there is nothing abnormal about the time it took OP to get to where he is today. I have gone through the same struggle and time, and yeah I don’t make 200k, I am over 30, and I am steadily improving my skills.

[@mamaonlyson5204]

What's the best laptop 2 use I got 900

[@internati0naled974]

@@far2ez539 Got to disagree, I worked in Fintech for 3 years. Most people I knew are smart and have skills, none of them were cracking 200k. That salary is high, I live in NYC. With the new transparency law you actually get to see the pay range for most of these jobs. Unless you are in sales, management, or unique skill set 200k isn’t seen. As for cracking six figures staying at one job, it could be. It’s the exception though, most jobs give an increase of 5% yearly and that’s if your a top performer.

[@internati0naled974]

@@TheFiveRiversPodcast I think people are fooled cause of these FAANG salaries. In my experience those are not the norm. Unfortunately some people will get a harsh dose of reality since these companies started reducing headcount.

[@mina-fq8vf]

I appreciate the honesty. It didn't deter me and helped me to just keep a realistic mind set.

[@ilovekettlechips]

This needed to be said. Not just for Cybersecurity but people jumping into tech overall. While it's not IMPOSSIBLE, it's Very unrealistic for people to make jumps like that,

[@adrianlocquiao4865]

Hey Grant! Thank you for sharing and explaining this topic

[@skyejacobson7743]

It's super important that you guys that are looking at general tech jobs do so with a grain of salt. It seems awesome in the moment and you may be super excited to do it because of the explosive popularity of people saying it can be done without a college education. But stay aware, it can be SUPER difficult to find these entry level jobs even as a self-taught person because no matter what a college degree will trump you every time and understanding that if you don't have the drive and passion to stay learning and truly commit yourself to the job it can be the most depressing and awful lifestyle. Good luck to all you aspiring Secs!

[@johnportugal5589]

I really enjoy Collin’s transparency. I hate that other channels just post garbage to get the views, we all know who they are. Whenever I watch one of your videos I can always expect something genuine from them. I personally dislike like how people have begun gravitating towards the field just for the money and because of unrealistic expectations when it comes to “hacking”. All in all, I love the content. Keep it up

[@georgejad]

From personal experience, I don’t think it’s a myth. I think it’s accepting a lower salary than you’d like. I did not take an offer unless it was over 100k. My first job right out of college was 105k. Just had to wait and keep trying. I also agree that it IS based on Location. I’m in Northern Virginia.

[@tecnoChannell]

Here in Milan we get 26-28k per year as entry job position in cybersecurity on average, after a master degree in the hardest technical university of Italy and we pay a lot of taxes. You are very lucky to work in USA

[@copyright8291]

@@tecnoChannell You mean 28k before taxes? That's insane. My first job in cybsersecurity earned me 41k before taxes in Romania.

[@tecnoChannell]

@@copyright8291 yes exactly, BEFORE taxes and the cost of living in Milan is skyrocketed. Of course consider that after 5 years you'll not earn less than 40k per year, which translated after taxes in more or less 2k per month in 14 months per year (two times per year you get double salary)

[@techwithbecca]

looove this breakdown!

[@danielwalters3680]

Great video Grant, hope all has been well

[@robertb874]

Thank you for the useful video!

[@CraigGrubber]

thanks a lot for amazing video!

[@NarutoGamez1]

Thank you for the video!

[@Clarence_Stinson]

Realistic perspective. Thanks!

[@EileenTheCr0w]

I definitely understand the exageration, most of my experience is in sales, so I'm not new to the inflated numbers game. They usually advertise their highest earners can get 150k+ or some nonsense when they know full well that 90% of their people are making like 45k-60k. It's deceptive and misleading. But at least in cyber security, I do find it more interesting and there are other perks like remote opportunities. So if they claim the average is like 120k but I "Only" get 85k.. I'd still be happy to start there and move up with more certifications and experience. Of course I'm still gonna try for 6 figures where possible though.

[@Mr.Coffee117]

I am just starting a new job as a associate technologist and i am starting out at $65k a year with 12% bonus every year. IT has many different fields you can start at making decent pay and just work your way up.

[@tottiegod8021]

I see writing code is a valuable skill for cybersec. Quick maneuverability around a *nix system is a plus too. If you want to make $100k+ you need to be more than a script kiddie. Yet the reality is, I even acknowledge this as a developer, that your #1 vulnerability are people. Phishing or social engineering is pretty much how most companies get breached, at least initially.

[@EthanMichalak]

I am currently a senior studying cybersecurity with multiple 6 figure job offers(No I don't live in a big city or anything like that). I'm not commenting on the video to brag or anything like that but to share my experience and what it truly takes to get those offers out of school. I've studied computers and computer security since I was in high school...around 2016~. In college, I've written and participated in multiple papers, one at a national laboratory in the national security directorate. So my entire summer was basically just working with a research team and implementing POCs of our research. This pattern would go on and in a big way, cybersecurity has become my life. I've only recently had a "true" school break this last winter break where I decided not to pursue anything school/work related. I've also interned at a big cybersecurity FFRDC(you probably use a framework of theirs) and did overtime during my time there so my work would stay relevant to the mission of the organization. By all means, I agree with what Grant Collins is trying to get across in his video. Unless you are a workaholic or are extremely motivated, the odds of obtaining such a job are unlikely straight away out of college. Feel free to ask me anything in the replies section.

[@milo9199]

What school do you go to? I got accepted to Purdue's cyber program

[@EthanMichalak]

@@milo9199 I go to a Cal State, their cybersecurity program is pretty new

[@bean709]

@@EthanMichalak im at cal state la and their cybersecurity program is pretty much nonexistent, currently pursuing a cs degree but interested in perhaps pursuing a job in cybersecurity. what do you recommend to learn on my own time to potentially transition to pursuing that as a job. Obviously i don't know if it's something i wanna stick with either but I just sort of want to dip my toes in the water to see how it is yk.

[@j.vosier6786]

Do you have any certs?

[@EthanMichalak]

@@j.vosier6786 I do have some certifications yeah, although by all means I probably should have more. I have several certifications in digital forensics(axiom, ftk), security+, CITS, and a radio certification. Although I want to pursue a cloud certification, maybe CYSA+, or OSCP

[@cybern00b78]

I work in a SOC at the moment and the junior position (0-3 years of experience) gets 40/hr. That's pretty damn good for a newbie getting into the field if you ask me. The senior position gets 70/hr and the gig is low stress.

[@friedchicken567]

I got an interview tomorrow for Soc analyst. Any last minute advice? It’s with a recruiter

[@--Morpheus--]

Yeah thats killing it quite frankly. Youd be hardpressed to find anyone making more than 35/hr until they put in "their dues" for 4 years like for example electricians. Comparatively IT and cybersec make way more than the people who actually build the infrastructure barring the near suicidal linemen. In the glass industry there are guys with 15+ years experience that have a hard time demanding more than 30 an hour. I have a feeling a lot of IT doesnt actually know how good they have it.

[@wizcactus]

Make an video on how to analyse logs and what all things need to look for. And how to provide structured analysis.

[@novanoskillz4151]

So true, im a web developer. And my first job was $56k. a year later $83k. two years after that $117k ... just put in the work and keep learning.

[@ahmedbenothman2630]

Do you work front end or back end ?

[@novanoskillz4151]

@@ahmedbenothman2630 100% frontend. All react/ typescript and sass

[@andiuptown1711]

@@novanoskillz4151 do you think AI will replace programmers or is a CS still worth getting? (I start in the fall)

[@BungieStudios]

@@andiuptown1711 AI is a tool to assist you. To make your job easier and quicker. It's not going to replace you. A person still has to know what to request of the AI, be able to "proofread" to know what the AI is providing is good, and modify anything to meet your needs. AI drives my car for example (L2). I still watch the road. I am ready take over when I have to. There are plenty of times when it reaches its limits. _"And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good..." -Genisis 1:3-4 NIV_

[@andiuptown1711]

@@BungieStudios True but I also hear that this will only benefit those that are already Senior Engineers. What about the junior and entry level roles now and by the the time I graduate in a few years?? Appreciate the Bible verse 🙌🏿

[@ItsOnlyLogixal]

Can also back this up. I'm entry level but I had no qualifications at all just a good cv, past companies and problem solving skills. I accepted an offer for £30k~ (UK) and that was the max they could offer me. But once you hit 6 months+ you start getting offers.

[@addd21323]

I disagree with the idea that you shouldn't join the field just for the money. I make close to $350k at a faang-like as a senior security engineer and I'd put my level of interest in the topic of cybersecurity at like a 3/10. I wouldn't do anything at all related to this field if it wasn't my job. I dislike the work tremendously, but what it's allowed me to do is save/invest for a future where I don't have to work. I'm retiring within the next year, before the age of 35, and it's purely because I was able to stick with something I didn't enjoy, just so that I could chase the big monetary gains associated with it (for context, I started in the field around when I was 25 years old). I'd say if you're going to put yourself through that, just make sure you REALLY want whatever it is you're earning the money for.

[@christophercroney298]

I'm in a similar situation, really just changing the money and hoping that I can stomach the work. I'm also 25 years old and I'm currently a high school teacher desperately needing a change of pace. May I ask how you started at 25? I sometimes feel like I am behind my peers who did IT/CS degrees, I did a degree in physics instead.

[@javierdiaz224]

May i ask what are the better places to work in ciber all around the USA i'm from Spain and willing to work hard for a high paying job where i can scale up to high figures. I have a bachelors degree in telecomunications and will be starting a masters in ciber next year.

[@addd21323]

​@@christophercroney298 I had an associates certificate in "microcomputer repair" and got an entry level tech support phone support job at an internet service provider. I basically just told people to "unplug and replug the modem" for $12.75/hour lmao. The lesson there is to take anything as long as it gives u experience that will help u land better jobs. You can always job hop once you get some experience (even 2-3 months will set u apart from other candidates). I also started working on my other certificates while there (security+ and network+) and found the cheapest accredited school I could find (WGU) and went back to school for a degree in it security. I spent money on basically nothing else and lived w/ 2 roommates. Then after like 2 years, I job hopped until I was making $18/hour, then 6 months later job hopped again until I was making $43k/year and from there it was off to the races. The lesson there is to job hop constantly to increase your salary. I know people who still work at the places I worked at before who I'm not smarter than, but because they stay at the same job forever, they never make any serious money.

[@addd21323]

@@javierdiaz224 If you're looking for the high paying FAANG and FAANG-like companies, google for "levels salary site", go to the salary page that shows all salary data they have, then sort by compensation. Start making a list of all the companies that are paying $250k+. Apply to those companies.

[@niqeltravels]

Do you have cybersecurity degrees?

[@jarrettware5863]

Got my first tier 1 analyst job Feb 2021 making $70K for a startup. Got my second tier 1 analyst job in Oct 2021 for another startup making $70K. Aug 2022 got a manager job with global bank making $180K. Started in technology with the military first before I got into cyber. So 5 years experience in tech and 2 years in cyber.

[@peterdiscipleofjesus]

Jesus Bless you even more!

[@StickMasterKai]

Very nice, how did you find those startups and get a job from them?

[@rizwanzaman1793]

Thank you for being such a realist

[@static825]

Thanks for always keeping it real.

[@collinsinfosec]

Always try to.

[@vinesco5270]

I never expected to make 6 figures at entry level. 74k is more than enough to make me happy.

[@tecnoChannell]

In zittale we gat like one third as entry level…

[@ForexvisionaryFx]

74k per month?

[@JeanPereiraOfficial]

Endlich wird mit einigen Klischees aufgeräumt und es wird klar, dass Cybersecurity-Experten wirklich fantastisch bezahlt werden können. Ich liebe es, solche Videos zu sehen, die die Realität zeigen und Leute ermutigen, in diesem aufregenden und gut bezahlten Feld Karriere zu machen. Bitte macht mehr solche erkenntnisreiche Inhalte!

[@paulrichards8508]

I just got my first cyber job & make $100k as a Cyber Security Engineer I for a fortune 500 company in California. I have 3 years experience in help desk and a bachelors degree in Cybersecurity. I agree I talked to the HR department we are trying hire a manager for our team and every candidate has backed out stating $160k is to low to hire a Cyber manager and they all want $200k for the job. If companys aren't paying Cyber managers $200k then thats not ideal for someone entry level. I think consulting and multiple jobs you can make over $200k in cyber once you have certs and a specialty or service you offer maybe. I agree great content!!

[@thrillhouse4784]

The misconception is right out of the gate you'll make 6 figures as say an incident response analyst. But after few years experience, working with siems, knowing sharkwire and other tools depending on what area you go into, someone will give you 100k if you are really after it. My cousin started 3 years at county job as incident response, got new job making $120k. But that's on the lucky end of things. But fyi he has no certs, just interviewed well

[@sailor1637]

I’m a currently employed as a mechanic and welder. Both I have are diplomas. I have no experience in the tech world. But I’m slowly getting into tech lately and I find data analyst and cybersecurity a very interesting career. I might go to school for that type of work this summer.

[@level5599]

Dude literally same I’m a diesel tech lol

[@MrJbowles]

I work in manufacturing, cnc machining. I started looking into Tech as well.

[@RichyHH]

Yo I'm a welder in marines and I'm looking at making the jump into cyber security aswell . As much as I love time under the hood and turning spanners on the workshop floor , I think it's time to do something less physical and alot more profitable

[@newagain9964]

Forget data science.

[@Ticked_off_yote]

Same I’m a heavy equipment diesel tech and if everything goes right I’ll be starting school in april

[@ToFlyIm]

thank you for being honest sir.

[@PolymurExcel]

I got a job offer for a rather big Aero space corporation offering me $85k right out of college. That being said the offer was stringent on that I graduate from college with my Cyber Security degree. Even then, they only looked at my application because I have an active security clearance and six years of tech experience in the army.

[@aamirsingh4982]

How did you get experience in the army while in college and what did you do exactly?

[@PolymurExcel]

@@aamirsingh4982 the army pays their soldiers to go to college while they’re in service. That goes for Active duty, reserves, and national guard.

[@addd21323]

If you have 6 years of tech experience and a degree in cybersecurity, you're getting ripped off at $85k

[@JJSmalls]

Security clearance? That's $110k minimum. I'm not kidding. There are hundreds of small businesses that do federal contracting that charge the government way more than this figure I mentioned.

[@ericblackwell70]

@@addd21323don’t know why I found this comment funny not making fun of you saying that but more like watching someone take a 100 dollar bill from someone while making them think the 10 single dollars is the better deal 😂

[@markinson561]

Good vid!!

[@gadohimself]

I'm making around 60k euros per year in cybsec as a senior digital forensics bucko, and that's quite a high salary in the Netherlands. But most of my other colleagues don't make that amount. Most are around 3k per month.

[@DubYaJsWorld]

My metric for getting into cyber security this year is indeed. Im looking at the actual jobs hiring in my area and 80k-110k seems to be average. Now if i can get 70k work from home starting it in okay with that. It would be a pay cut until i get some experience in the field.

[@sithconsole]

I have a friend that makes 240K (in low COL area) in cybersecurity, he's pretty senior level though. Switched companies a few times so I imagine you just have to stick with it and be a high performer.

[@Sopiosrap]

thanks alot man! that was very helpful and real :D i am new on this and i searching informations about this work and sounds very good for me, btw i am from greece and i don't really know if this work its useful for here but i want to try give some time and learn more :D

[@reynardscroggins979]

I work in the Compliance side of things specifically as a QSA in PCI before going full time I opened my own LLC and took multiple contracts I once broke the 300k mark it’s definitely possible but for perspective I have my CISM and have been in the field for about 9 years now

[@ktms1188]

They do this exact same thing for states like California and New York who have billionaires that live there. Five people can bring up the average income by $30,000 a year in the state like California. So in reality people aren’t making that kind of money just the ultra rich bring the average up and it looks good.

[@aynuinbiale229]

Great explanation for those who don't know where to start.

[@jongraf1714]

Thanks, man. Passed my Sec +, now trying to decide where to go next. Never worked IT a day in my life.

[@mannylupercio8194]

Depending on where you are, sometimes you have to start at the bottom in an indirectly related role e.g. 3 months at an SD to get that Security Analyst opportunity.

[@gahilbert91]

Hope everything has worked out for you friend

[@info_player_start440]

Uncomfortable truth: You will tend to make more and faster money selling Cybersecurity than actually doing it.. From there you can work up further in the sales department or business development within cybersecurity, or maybe swap back over to a more technical role if you end up hating it. But if you really just want a straight shot to good money, cut out the crap and just do sales.

[@collinsinfosec]

Good point!

[@mikeplonka5241]

Honest question, how do you sell cybersecurity? I've never tried selling before, but I know there's good $ in it. Also are you remote? (I need to be, disabled wife)

[@obama218]

How can you get into cyber security sales???

[@Ashien22]

its actually good news! ty

[@bulba888]

3/8 through my Google CS cert, likely going for CompIA Sec+ next. When I start looking for jobs ill be ok to take whatever they give me, first job is more for experience than money

[@armyoftwo13]

I just want to learn how to run programs and make my own video games. I’m excited 😊

[@kevinkim480]

I have interest in cyber security. Your videos help me know about this area well thank you.

[@gusmueller4413]

i'm wondering if "six figure income" is a keyword that needed to appear multiple times in the transcript for SEO reasons

[@alexparakan]

Hey which monitors are you using Grant!? Also curious about your workstation as well.

[@diz354]

I make $174k a year no degree no boot camp self taught on TikTok 🤥

[@joelrobert4053]

😂

[@ishwaryanarayan1010]

Amazing😊

[@julieherman28]

Rock it!

[@robertlemonsjr]

Well said.

[@MaZeR98765]

My job title is systems administrator but had 6 months of help desk experience and an associates degree before getting the job and they kinda low balled my pay but the experience with the job title should be worth it later on.

[@rikogz6154]

How much also what degree did you get

[@ryguy2226]

Is it possible to get an entry level cyber security (or at least somewhat related) job with a B.S in Economics and Sec+? Along with a few additional certifications as well. I do have compliance experience as well, so perhaps something in risk? Would this be possible?

[@flexjohnson18]

Hmm I never heard about the 6 figs. For me if my military retirement plus med comp is about 40k per year I'm aiming to make 60-80k to bring my total income to 120k

[@harveylin3548]

I had to work in software/devops for 5 and half years before I got my first cyber position for 165k in a MCOL city, which is like 230k in a HCOL place that can't afford me a house.

[@jonnelson333]

I am probably a statistical outlier but my first job in cyber pays right around 112K a year after bonuses.

[@neloangelo__13]

Chase skills, the money will follow

[@Tidewater_paddler]

Took me abour 10 years to cross tbe 6 figure mark. With great compensation comes great job responsibility... youve been warned!

[@freddyjimenezguerrero6879]

I only just hit 200k+ after 10 years of experience in the IT field. But this is only with Certs. Not sure if its quicker for people with college degrees. But I can say I've gotten hired above those with college degrees because of experience.

[@missjess6011]

What do you do

[@heatherchevelle799]

College is for idiots.

[@chrish1384]

I'm graduating in June with my Cybersecurity Bachelor's and super nervous about finding a job...

[@Adonis8989]

Working in a data lab for Boeing making 76k with a 4K bonus. My previous job I was making 60k. I seriously hated it, I was always in a cold room with no windows, secured lab with hardly any guests walking in (unless they’re dropping off classified data). Only 4 people worked in the lab, 2 in the morning 5:30-3pm, and 2 in the evening 2:30pm-12am. I hated it! My lead was a cool guy but my manager was such a micromanager, he would give his engineers preferential treatment while we were the red headed step child. I missed my job making 60k because my hours were extremely flexible and I have lots of freedom. Money isn’t everything my friends. I now work as a systems engineer making 6 figures (with an AAS degree and a cyber cert) working 4x10. I love it!

[@fijisfinest5948]

How did you branch off to becoming a systems engineer?

[@bengunderson712]

The ability to get a security clearance can help significantly

[@sweoding1535]

It might not be that high for ppl in us and stuff. But in Sweden you will like never have that high salary. A good salary here is like 3700$ a month or like 44400 a year give it take and that’s after a few year in school with loans also to pay back. As you can’t get a job in it here without a degree. Many countries you can prove yourself and be self taught and land a job but not here :)

[@FFuNNuFF]

I got a 4 year degree in Cybersecurity and 3 years experience as an IT Support Technician. Legit cannot find any jobs paying over 20/hr, this job search is an absolute nightmare. Any help would be appreciated. :)

[@momentomori1747]

Try specializing in something that's hard to find. Virtualization (vsphere, citrix) and identity management (okta, oam, cyberark, sailpoint, etc) are both areas that IME are hard to fill positions for. I make over 100k by specializing and live in an area where 20/hr would easily cover my expenses. Also, Okta is dead simple to learn and get a cert for.

[@momentomori1747]

Also, look up requirements to get a job as a security architect and plan for that as your long term career instead of going the management track for maxing out your salary once you have more experience, as management always gets laid off first in downturns.

[@jdizzle22396]

Wtf

[@godsoloved24]

Can you do a video on whether cyber security is oversaturated?

[@edison2964]

I’m currently a security consultant a.k.a Pentester and I wouldn’t say my salary is quite high for a fresh grad especially for the number of the projects we receive In reality high salary ain’t always the case unless you got a job at a great company and depends on the country you at

[@j.vosier6786]

How did u become a pentester? Any certs?

[@edison2964]

@@j.vosier6786 It’s not much of a secret. Just study and work hard. I currently have a CRTP, eWPT and a eJPT. Currently studying for an OSCP to take it next year.

[@EileenTheCr0w]

The law of averages, half of the numbers are really above and half are really below. So you need to look at your specific area and experience range.

[@Crazywaffle5150]

I always enjoyed tech. I never had the chance to get into it. Now I work in aviation. I'm on getting my Security+. I live in Kansas, I literally would be happy with 65k a year as I make 52k. 65k would be a life changing income an I would finally feel like I made it.

[@nelsoncorreia7293]

As someone who made that exact jump in income... Yeah it's a huge difference in your monthly budget.

[@cyberchef8344]

Want above 6 figures after college? 1. Be a citizen of the US 2. Apply for a government contractor internship that will sponsor you for TS/SCI clearance 3. Don't do drugs and process your clearance while in college 4. Get your clearance by graduation and start full time. 5. Start out @ ~110k and quickly boost up to 150+ 6. Switch to a small for 175k at level 1 7. Get 200+ at level 2 and 275 at 3 (10-15 years) Bonus Pro Tip: Switch to Microsoft or Amazon doing cleared work for 250-350k at ~5 years of experience The above is 100% true. Hardest part is getting the clearance

[@Rb_Laden]

Lol solid advice! It always baffles me when I see people say it’s hard to start out making six figures in this field, then I remember I started out working for a defense contractor and I had a TS/SCI courtesy of the ANG.

[@cyberchef8344]

@@Rb_Laden Ya I feel like most people in the cyber world just don't realize that it's a thing. Also, the clearance life isn't for everyone, but it's just free money and job security for life :P

[@sergeymatisen]

can you speak English please what is clearance and clearance life?

[@cyberchef8344]

@@sergeymatisen A "clearance" is a government security clearance. i.e the thing you need to be able to work on projects that are "classified". TS/SCI is a specific level of clearance. TS -> Top Secret (highest clearance level). SCI -> Sensitive Compartmented Information. SCI is not technically its own clearance level, but it allows you to work on projects that are what we call "ECI'd". Basically very classified to the point where you only get to know about it if you're working on it, even if you have the proper clearance level to know about it. You can have a TS without having the SCI, but the reverse is not possible. TS/SCI is big money - not because you're some super skilled individual that deserves it - but because it currently takes years to complete the background check process for it. There are a lot of unfilled roles that require this clearance level, but not enough people to fill them. So simple supply and demand makes it very valuable and gives you job security for life assuming you don't 1. Stop doing classified stuff long enough for it to expire. 2. Go into discord like a moron and post classified documents resulting in life imprisonment. So pretty straight forward

[@somiltyagi7127]

Do check Allstate if you're looking for a new role 😉

[@paulhornbogen980]

Sir, appreciate your honesty about this subject. Don't believe in the hype. Thank yoyu.

[@anthonytamba7610]

im interested but i have no experience. idk if i will like it. what would the work look like if you can make a pov on the work you would really do it would be a good start for me and other maybe

[@EllencyOfficial]

Nice video! Thank you. Do you think part time positions for this job are usually available?

[@voltaireon]

It’s definitely a big gimmicky thing. I get cyber folks applying to senior roles that have a TON of certs but not a minute of experience…. Then they get offended when we say that they’re not ready for a senior associate role….. worse when I get folks saying they have X certification but they don’t. They passed the exam but don’t have the experience for the licensure, but still put the cert on their resume. Smdh.

[@Max-lm2jc]

Why wouldn't they put a cert on their resume that cost them a ton of money and effort to obtain?! Everyone screamed "get certs" so when they did now you say that they wasted their time? Hilarious. This whole field is an effing joke filled with obnoxious snobs. You folks don't even know what the hell you want.

[@hazespp]

i dont understand they passed the exam so they have the cert no???????

[@leoG017]

My question is how do they get the experience without working? Do they get it from the life they had before? Like a videogame or some shit?

[@Jake-fe4uf]

So a CISSP isn't worth?😂

[@68Tboy]

@voltaireon In Special Forces we select the type of person needed for the job. The background, training, and experience don't matter. I would say someone with no experience and ton of certifications is proving they are disciplined and a self learner. Give them a few months and they will blow people out of the water with more experience. Looks like you are missing out on a lot of talent.

[@distinguishedcatt]

thank u!

[@collinsinfosec]

Happy to help

[@BigDaniel18]

the reality is people are focused on that median or starting salary and get scared but there is room for growth by job hopping every few years and growing your skills to achieve that 6 figure salary

[@Culperrr]

I currently make $50k a year in my early 20's (Remote, GIS work in telecom), work 8-12 hours per day (including weekends because I want to), and I am happy with that. If the lowest average income is $70k per year, then I am happy with that too. I can't believe that people are saying "Yeah, I only got a $90k job" as if they should be sad about it. I have seen those videos where they were expecting more than $100k, lol. I just made a budget for someone who lives in Manhattan, NYC, NY, makes $70k a year, and has $500 left over to put into savings, retirement, and investments. Is it more about how much they think their work and/or time is worth? It just seems like people want the status of "I make $100k a year" and if they are lucky, they also get stock options and a signing bonus. Oh no, my bonus is only $20k, so let's negotiate for $30k.

[@StickMasterKai]

How did you get the remote job GIS work in telecom?

[@tallst1]

Thanks for this Video. Currently my first year in Cybersecurity (SOC) and I can tell you I was sold a lie by influencers, platforms, people etc. All my fault

[@atx00120]

What's your day to day like? I have a friend in soc and he told me his job is basically monitor dashboards and review/create tickets, is that accurate?

[@tallst1]

@@atx00120 Yes, Monitoring dashboards, analyzing, escalating and closing loads of tickets within SLA which leads to burnout and stress. Logging into client environments to access SIEMS and other tools and a load of other tasks for clients

[@Sulu2U]

Cybersecurity Analyst Intern. $30 an hour. 12 Week Summer Internship. Junior in a Cybersecurity undergraduate program. No certs currently.

[@joehere9753]

Where are you interning at?

[@Sulu2U]

@@joehere9753 I am interning at an airline.

[@magosh]

Which certs you have?

[@Sulu2U]

@@magosh I don't have any certs right now

[@riftsplitter2159]

This is mainly what I was looking for, I am interested in getting into the cyber security field and I keep seeing 100k salary posts. I know that they are drastically inflated and I wanted a real look at the payscale. I planned on doing this far before I figured out what the pay looks like, my biggest concern is I hear a lot about required experience. I lack that experience I want to know is there a way I can actually get started in the field fresh out of college?

[@far2ez539]

This guy's video doesn't know what he is talking about. Get a degree and actually know how to hack things and you can get a job as a pentester. Starting salary over $100k per year for certain and extremely attainable even without a degree.

[@dontknow4942]

Search for trainiships were they pay you after you finished college. They will not pay you 100k a year but you can build up your experience to get in higher payed jobs.

[@addd21323]

It all just depends on how good you are. There's people who leave carnegie mellon (top CS school), who have won various cybersecurity CTF competitions, and go straight into jobs making $200k-$360k/year. There's also tier 1 soc jobs that pay $30-$55k and will accept anyone with drive and a cert or two (net+, sec+, etc).

[@addd21323]

I'd say a realistic path for most people is $100k within 2-3 years via job hopping 3 or so times during that timeframe. Take any job that will pay you regardless of salary, then job hop after 6 months to make WAY more now that you have some experience. Stay there 1-1.5 years, then job hop again to land the $100k/year type of gig.

[@The..Commenter]

Tbh I don't even cate about the pay i just love the idea of doing cyber security

[@EileenTheCr0w]

How long do you think is a realistic time to get hired after obtaining a few certifications and applying around? I'm looking at starting with at least A+ and Security+ for cyber security analyst jobs.

[@2023PerfectDark]

I'm in CS bootcamp. They told me it depends. You can get hired while you're still doing advance courses.

[@daviidfm923]

I don't think this is a myth, sure you will have to start out somewhere but I do think pretty quickly you can get to a high-paying salary quickly.

[@michaelmurphy2112]

Agreed. The vast majority of people will start in the $60-80k range, but you should be in six figures within 5 years (depending on location)

[@daviidfm923]

@@michaelmurphy2112 idk I think most locations most cyber security jobs in even Detroit are 100k+

[@irolldice1696]

Genuine question I'm getting ready to go to school for this but I noticed where I'm going they have a two year program or a 1 year certificate program do I need to get a degree or is a certificate just the same