How To Become A Computer Security Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a computer security specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Zhengping Luo Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a computer security specialist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $48.51 an hour? That's $100,909 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 32% and produce 35,500 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a computer security specialist?

Zhengping Luo Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Rider University

Securing your first internship or job in your field can be challenging and sometimes frustrating. It's important to keep an open mind about all potential job opportunities in your field. While your first job may not be your dream job, gaining experience will improve your prospects as long as you remain in the field. Be patient, as you may face many rejections before landing a good position. It's worth noting that rejections are often not a reflection of your qualifications. Employers consider various factors when hiring, and many of which are often have nothing to do with your professional skills, so don't be discouraged. Simply keep moving forward without carrying the burden of past rejections. After securing your position, remain open to challenges, as they often provide opportunities to make a name for yourself and advance your career.

ScoreComputer Security SpecialistUS Average

Salary

7.6

Avg. Salary $100,909

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.5

Growth rate 32%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%

Asian 9.64%

Black or African American 9.15%

Hispanic or Latino 8.99%

Unknown 6.09%

White 65.70%

Gender

female 24.26%

male 75.74%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.9

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a computer security specialist

Explore computer security specialist education requirements

Most common computer security specialist degrees

Bachelor's

58.9 %

Associate

21.1 %

Master's

14.4 %

Start to develop specific computer security specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
ACAS	13.17%
FISMA	10.96%
DOD	10.22%
Security Policies	10.06%
Linux	7.42%

Complete relevant computer security specialist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer security specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer security specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer security specialist resumes.

Research computer security specialist duties and responsibilities

Review and manage the security and information assurance capabilities of database applications, database structure and architecture.
Perform monthly IA evaluation of systems per DISA STIG guidance using approve DoD & DISA tools.
Conduct audits, analyze system security incidents, and recommend remediation efforts to meet DoD standards.
Evaluate, implement, and maintain encryption standards.

Prepare your computer security specialist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer security specialist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a computer security specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable computer security specialist resume templates

Build a professional computer security specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer security specialist resume.

Apply for computer security specialist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a computer security specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

Average computer security specialist salary

The average computer security specialist salary in the United States is $100,909 per year or $49 per hour. Computer security specialist salaries range between $72,000 and $141,000 per year.

Average computer security specialist salary

$100,909 Yearly

$48.51 hourly

What is a computer security specialist and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a computer security specialist?

Key steps to become a computer security specialist

Explore computer security specialist education requirements

Most common computer security specialist degrees

Start to develop specific computer security specialist skills

Complete relevant computer security specialist training and internships

Research computer security specialist duties and responsibilities

Prepare your computer security specialist resume

Choose from 10+ customizable computer security specialist resume templates

Apply for computer security specialist jobs

How did you land your first computer security specialist job

Average computer security specialist salary

How do computer security specialists rate their job?