How to hire a cyber security specialist

How to hire a cyber security specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cyber security specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cyber security specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cyber security specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a cyber security specialist do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The cyber security specialist hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A cyber security specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, cyber security specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of cyber security specialists.

   Type of Cyber Security Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Cyber Security Specialist	Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.	$33-60
   Information Assurance Engineer	Information assurance engineers are responsible for protecting an organization's data. They act as a team of security specialists that use their skill in securely operating and keeping data to protect the organization's most essential asset... Show more	$32-56
   Information Technology Security Manager	An information technology security manager is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the organization's network systems to prevent unauthorized access and illegal dissemination of information from the database. Information technology security managers resolve technical issues, configure network updates, and upgrade system infrastructures to enhance optimal performance and navigation... Show more	$43-81

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Cyber Security
   • Incident Response
   • NIST
   • Security Operations
   • Forensics
   • DOD
   • RMF
   • SIEM
   • Network Security
   • Windows
   • Security Incidents
   • Key Management
   • Risk Assessments
   • IP

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and monitor enterprise antivirus and software firewall programs.
   • Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
   • Scan network infrastructure for insecurities and vulnerabilities using programs such as ACAS and HBSS.
   • Work on implementing DISA STIGS.
   • Assist in using Nessus to scan local machines.
   • Upload audit files to ACAS in preparation for STIG scans.

   More cyber security specialist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your cyber security specialist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A cyber security specialist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, cyber security specialists' average salary in hawaii is 37% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level cyber security specialists 45% less than senior-level cyber security specialists.
   • Certifications. A cyber security specialist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a cyber security specialist's salary.

   Average cyber security specialist salary

   $93,395yearly

   $44.90 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level cyber security specialist salary

   $69,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average cyber security specialist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$113,223	$54
   2	District of Columbia	$107,944	$52
   3	Oregon	$104,059	$50
   4	California	$103,048	$50
   5	New York	$99,619	$48
   6	North Carolina	$98,008	$47
   7	Pennsylvania	$95,440	$46
   8	New Mexico	$92,561	$45
   9	Colorado	$92,351	$44
   10	Virginia	$91,708	$44
   11	Massachusetts	$90,648	$44
   12	Arizona	$90,531	$44
   13	Maryland	$89,765	$43
   14	Texas	$89,181	$43
   15	Florida	$86,543	$42
   16	Alabama	$86,118	$41
   17	Illinois	$85,562	$41
   18	Georgia	$84,148	$40
   19	Missouri	$81,261	$39

   Average cyber security specialist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	BP America Inc	$121,044	$58.19
   2	SAP	$115,369	$55.47	12
   3	NVIDIA	$114,934	$55.26	5
   4	Cisco	$114,158	$54.88	20
   5	Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.	$112,933	$54.29
   6	Sanofi US	$112,402	$54.04
   7	Citi	$111,539	$53.62	4
   8	Arrowstreet Capital	$110,666	$53.20
   9	Parsons	$107,882	$51.87	29
   10	Randstad North America, Inc.	$107,065	$51.47	2
   11	Pacific Gas and Electric	$104,532	$50.26
   12	Cedars-Sinai	$103,683	$49.85	2
   13	AT&T	$102,897	$49.47	31
   14	Papaya Global	$102,794	$49.42
   15	Southern California Edison	$102,319	$49.19	3
   16	M.I.T. International, Inc.	$102,198	$49.13	1
   17	Noodles & Company	$101,807	$48.95
   18	TD Bank	$101,771	$48.93	27
   19	Oracle	$101,563	$48.83	613
   20	Anistar Technologies	$101,128	$48.62

4. Writing a cyber security specialist job description

   A cyber security specialist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a cyber security specialist job description:

   Cyber security specialist job description example

   Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services is seeking highly qualified and capable candidates for the temporary backfill for the D3I D2 - Cyber Security Professional position as awarded in the SMDC NCR-IADS Task Order. Candidates with experience with the 263d AAMDC are highly encouraged to apply to this temporary position.
   
   The selected candidate will assist in all Cyber Security process on behalf of the 263rd Army Air & Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) to ensure compliance of its Hardware and Software architecture as per DoD Information Assurance (IA) criteria, to include the application of Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes, and demonstrated understanding of IA Vulnerability Management (IAVM) procedures. The position requires experience performing security checks, system tests, and assessments to include applying DISA Security Technical Information Guide (STIG) to all applications. The candidate will ensure all components of the architecture are accredited to operate at the required security level as per the appointed Authorizing Official (AO). This position requires significant coordination with the Government Customer, contractor team and outside vendors. The successful candidate must have demonstrated experience acquiring Interim Authority to Operate (IATO) and Connect (IATC) approvals or Authority to Operate (ATO) and Connect (ATC) approvals. Direct experience with the Joint Air Defense Operations Center (JADOC) or JADOC-Developmental (JADOC-D) is highly desired.
   EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
   
   * Must have at least an active Secret DoD Security Clearance.
   * CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Security+ Certification
   * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant Computer Science field is required.
   * At a minimum, candidate should have demonstrated five (5) or more years of relevant experience in Cyber Security and/or System Administration.
   * Must have demonstrated proficiency using MS Office applications.
   
   PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
   
   * Additional CompTIA certifications, to include Cisco certifications are desired.
   * Demonstrated ability to manage and configure and STIG network devices, load and configure inline encryption devices, and apply system patches is a plus
   
   #LI-AC1

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right cyber security specialist for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cyber security specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit cyber security specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting cyber security specialists requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   Sometimes, it's not enough to interview cyber security specialist candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cyber security specialist

   Once you've selected the best cyber security specialist candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new cyber security specialist first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a cyber security specialist?