Tolulope MichaelCybersecurity Vs Information Technology Salary
With cybercrime costs predicted to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, the cybersecurity market is expected to experience sustained growth. This will further increase the demand for skilled professionals and will likely push salaries for cybersecurity roles even higher.
While cybersecurity and information technology (IT) share common ground, they are distinct in terms of specialization, roles, and compensation.
Cybersecurity professionals focus on safeguarding systems from cyber threats, while IT professionals manage the design, implementation, and maintenance of these systems.
This article will compare cybersecurity vs information technology salary structures and roles of both fields. We will also highlight which career path might better align with your skills and aspirations.
Cybersecurity vs Information Technology Salary: Comparison Table
| Criteria | Cybersecurity | Information Technology |
| Job Focus | Protecting systems from cyber threats | Managing technology infrastructure and systems |
| Main Roles | Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, CISO | IT Support Specialist, Network Engineer, Systems Analyst |
| Average Salary | $93,395/year | $81,241/year |
| Top Salary | $239,000/year (CISO) | $133,340/year (Site Reliability Engineer) |
| Job Growth (2022-2032) | 32% (Much faster than average) | 23% (Faster than average) |
| Education Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity or related field | Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science or related field |
| Certifications | CISSP, CEH, CISM | CompTIA A+, Network+, MCSE |
| Work Environment | High-pressure, specialized | Diverse, broader focus |
| Industry Demand | High demand across all industries | High demand across multiple industries |
| Which is Better? | Higher salaries, fast job growth, specialized roles | Broader career options, strong demand in diverse roles |
| Career Flexibility | Moderate (Specialized field) | High (Many transferable skills) |
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What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the field dedicated to protecting networks, systems, and data from cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and digital theft. As the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats increase, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has risen exponentially.
This field involves tasks such as identifying vulnerabilities, preventing breaches, and responding to attacks. Key roles in cybersecurity include cybersecurity analysts, penetration testers, and security consultants.
These professionals work across industries to ensure that sensitive information remains secure, making cybersecurity an essential component of modern business operations.
The scope of cybersecurity also extends to specific domains like cryptography, ethical hacking, and digital forensics, offering specialized career tracks for those interested in technical, investigative, or policy-related roles.
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity professionals are tasked with protecting everything from financial data to national security.
What is Information Technology (IT)?
Information Technology (IT), on the other hand, is a broader field that encompasses the development, maintenance, and management of computer systems, software, and networks. IT professionals are responsible for ensuring that these systems run efficiently and meet organizational goals.
Unlike the specialized nature of cybersecurity, IT spans various disciplines such as software development, database management, and systems administration.
Common job titles in IT include network administrators, IT support specialists, and systems analysts. These roles require knowledge of both hardware and software to ensure the smooth operation of an organization’s technology infrastructure.
IT professionals might work on tasks ranging from troubleshooting technical issues to designing complex IT solutions that align with business objectives.
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Differences in Job Roles and Responsibilities
Cybersecurity Roles
In cybersecurity, the primary focus is on defending digital assets from various forms of cyberattacks. Professionals in this field are trained to detect, prevent, and respond to security threats.
Cybersecurity analysts are tasked with monitoring networks for breaches, while penetration testers or “ethical hackers” actively test systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
Other roles include security consultants, who provide advice on improving an organization’s security infrastructure, and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), who oversee a company’s entire cybersecurity strategy.
Incident response teams are often employed to mitigate damage when a breach occurs. Overall, cybersecurity roles require a deep understanding of potential threats, along with a proactive approach to defending systems and data.
These roles demand high technical expertise, often focusing on specific areas such as network security, cryptography, or threat intelligence. The need for specialized skills makes cybersecurity professionals highly sought after in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and government.
IT Roles
IT professionals have a broader set of responsibilities, often dealing with the operational aspects of technology infrastructure.
IT support specialists help maintain the functionality of an organization’s technology systems by troubleshooting hardware and software issues. Network administrators manage and maintain the organization’s computer networks, ensuring they function efficiently and securely.
Other important roles in IT include systems analysts, who study an organization’s current technology use and recommend improvements, and IT project managers, who oversee the implementation of new systems or updates.
IT professionals ensure that business processes are not disrupted by technical failures, maintaining a strong focus on both operational efficiency and business needs.
While IT roles are diverse, they often involve ensuring that the technology systems meet the demands of the organization, whether it’s maintaining servers, managing databases, or ensuring seamless user experiences across platforms.
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Educational Requirements and Certifications
Cybersecurity Educational Path and Certifications
A career in cybersecurity typically starts with a bachelor’s degree in fields such as cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems. However, as the demand for cybersecurity professionals increases, many individuals are pursuing master’s degrees to gain advanced knowledge in areas like cryptography, digital forensics, and cyber law.
In addition to formal education, certifications play a critical role in advancing a cybersecurity career. Certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) are highly valued by employers.
These certifications validate a professional’s expertise and commitment to staying current with evolving cyber threats. Many cybersecurity roles require or prefer candidates with these certifications, as they provide an edge in a competitive job market.
Moreover, continuous learning is essential in cybersecurity due to the rapid evolution of cyber threats. Professionals must regularly update their knowledge by obtaining new certifications or attending industry conferences and training programs.
IT Educational Path and Certifications
IT careers typically require a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field.
Degrees in IT equip professionals with a broad understanding of software, hardware, networks, and system management, preparing them for various roles in the industry. IT degrees cover essential topics such as programming, systems analysis, and network management.
Like cybersecurity, certifications are essential for career advancement in IT. Popular certifications include CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), which validate a professional’s ability to manage and troubleshoot IT systems.
Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) are also valuable for specialized roles in IT.
IT professionals often pursue certifications to enhance their technical skills and remain competitive in the industry. These certifications can also be job-specific, depending on whether the role focuses on networking, system administration, or database management.
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Cybersecurity vs Information Technology Salary Comparison
Average Cybersecurity Salary
Cybersecurity professionals tend to earn higher salaries compared to many other IT roles due to the specialized nature of their work and the increasing demand for these skills. According to data from industry sources, the average salary for cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. is around $93,395 per year, with experienced professionals earning significantly more.
Roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can command salaries upwards of $239,000 annually, while positions such as Penetration Tester or Security Architect offer salaries in the range of $124,424 to $147,142.
Cybersecurity professionals with advanced certifications and experience in high-demand areas, such as network security or threat intelligence, often see their salaries rise even higher. The ongoing surge in cyber threats has led to a shortage of qualified professionals, further driving up compensation.
For those pursuing a career in cybersecurity, the financial rewards can be substantial, especially in senior or leadership positions.
Average IT Salary
While IT professionals may not always earn as much as their cybersecurity counterparts, the field still offers competitive salaries across a broad spectrum of roles. The average salary for an IT professional is approximately $81,241 per year.
IT specialists in roles such as network engineer, software developer, and systems administrator can earn salaries ranging from $58,000 to $133,000, depending on their level of experience, location, and certifications.
High-paying IT roles, such as Site Reliability Engineer (average salary: $133,340) and Data Warehouse Architect (average salary: $119,557), demonstrate that certain IT jobs can compete with cybersecurity roles in terms of salary.
However, entry-level IT roles, such as IT support specialists, typically earn lower salaries compared to entry-level cybersecurity positions, with an average salary around $50,000.
Though the salary gap between IT and cybersecurity varies by role and specialization, IT professionals often benefit from greater flexibility in career paths, which can lead to substantial earnings in the right circumstances.
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Job Outlook and Market Demand: Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
The demand for cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed in recent years due to the growing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in cybersecurity roles is projected to grow by 32% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
This demand is fueled by the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, the rise of remote work, and the need for businesses to protect sensitive information.
Cybersecurity job opportunities are abundant across various industries, including finance, healthcare, government, and technology. Roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Penetration Tester, and Security Architect are highly sought after, with organizations often struggling to find qualified professionals.
The global shortage of cybersecurity talent only amplifies the market demand, making cybersecurity a lucrative career choice for those with the right skill set and certifications.
Demand for IT Professionals
IT professionals also enjoy strong job security and high demand, though their growth rate is somewhat slower than that of cybersecurity roles. The BLS projects a 23% increase in IT job opportunities over the same 10-year period (2022–2032). While this growth is still faster than the national average for all occupations, it reflects the more general nature of IT work.
As businesses continue to adopt digital technologies, cloud computing, and data management solutions, the need for IT professionals to manage and support these systems remains essential. Roles such as Network Administrators, Database Managers, and IT Support Specialists are consistently in demand across sectors like retail, healthcare, and education.
Although IT offers a broad range of career opportunities, cybersecurity is a more specialized field with faster growth, driven by the ever-present and evolving threat of cyberattacks.
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Factors Influencing Salary Differences: Specialization and Complexity
One of the primary factors influencing the salary differences between cybersecurity and IT roles is the level of specialization required.
Cybersecurity professionals typically focus on highly specialized tasks such as penetration testing, digital forensics, or threat intelligence, which require a deep understanding of security protocols, advanced encryption techniques, and vulnerability management.
This expertise, coupled with the growing threat landscape, makes cybersecurity roles more complex and specialized, often resulting in higher salaries compared to general IT roles.
In contrast, IT roles are broader in scope, covering areas such as network management, software development, and system support. While these roles are crucial for maintaining business operations, they do not always require the same level of specialization as cybersecurity positions, which explains the salary gap between the two fields.
Geography and Industry
Geography plays a significant role in determining salary differences between cybersecurity vs information technology professionals. Professionals working in major tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, and Washington D.C. often earn higher salaries due to the high cost of living and the concentration of tech companies in these areas.
For instance, a Cybersecurity Analyst in Silicon Valley may earn significantly more than one in a smaller city due to the demand for security expertise in the region.
Industry also influences salary differences. Cybersecurity professionals working in high-risk sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government often command higher salaries than those in industries with less exposure to sensitive data.
Similarly, IT professionals in sectors like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce may see higher salaries compared to those in more traditional industries.
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Certifications and Experience
Certifications play a pivotal role in boosting salary potential in both cybersecurity and IT. In cybersecurity, advanced certifications such as CISSP, CEH, and CISM can significantly increase earning potential. Professionals with these certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and are often rewarded with higher salaries and leadership roles.
Similarly, in IT, certifications like CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, and AWS Certified Solutions Architect can lead to salary increases, particularly in roles related to cloud computing and systems architecture.
Experience is another critical factor. Entry-level cybersecurity and IT roles offer competitive salaries, but seasoned professionals with 5–10 years of experience or more can command significantly higher wages, especially in managerial or specialized technical positions. In both fields, experience coupled with relevant certifications provides a pathway to higher earnings.
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Pros and Cons of Each Career Path
Cybersecurity Career Path
Pros:
- High Salary Potential: One of the biggest advantages of a cybersecurity career is the high salary potential. Specialized roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Penetration Tester, and Security Architect often command six-figure salaries. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the demand for cybersecurity experts remains strong, providing excellent job security.
- Job Growth: The 32% job growth projected for cybersecurity professionals over the next decade highlights the increasing need for these skills. This means more job openings and better opportunities for advancement.
- Specialization: Cybersecurity offers highly specialized career tracks, allowing professionals to focus on areas such as ethical hacking, cryptography, and digital forensics. This deep expertise often leads to higher compensation and job satisfaction for those passionate about security.
Cons:
- High-Pressure Environment: The responsibility of protecting sensitive data and preventing security breaches can be stressful. Cybersecurity professionals often face high-pressure situations where immediate responses are necessary to mitigate threats.
- Continuous Learning: Given the rapidly changing nature of cyber threats, cybersecurity professionals must continually update their knowledge through certifications and training, which can be time-consuming and demanding.
IT Career Path
Pros:
- Diverse Opportunities: IT offers a broad range of career paths, from IT support specialists to network administrators and software developers. This diversity allows professionals to switch roles within the field and explore different areas of interest.
- Flexibility: IT professionals can work in various industries, from healthcare to finance and education. The skills learned in IT are often transferable, providing flexibility in career choices and the ability to move across sectors.
- Steady Job Growth: With a projected 23% job growth over the next decade, IT professionals enjoy a strong job market, though not as fast-paced as cybersecurity. IT roles are essential to every organization’s operations, ensuring steady demand.
Cons:
- Lower Specialization: IT roles tend to be broader and less specialized than cybersecurity roles, which can lead to lower salaries for certain positions, especially in entry-level roles like IT support. Specializing in areas such as cloud computing or database management can help improve salary potential, but the path may not be as clearly defined as in cybersecurity.
- Lower Salary Ceiling: While IT professionals can earn high salaries in certain roles (e.g., Site Reliability Engineer), many positions, particularly at the entry-level, do not command the same earning potential as cybersecurity jobs.
Conclusion
When comparing cybersecurity vs information technology salary, it becomes clear that both fields offer lucrative opportunities, but the right choice depends on your career goals, interests, and desired specialization.
Cybersecurity professionals typically enjoy higher salary ranges, especially in specialized roles such as Penetration Tester or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This field’s focus on protecting digital assets from increasingly sophisticated threats makes cybersecurity careers not only financially rewarding but also essential to the digital economy.
On the other hand, Information Technology (IT) professionals benefit from the broad applicability of their skills, offering flexibility and diverse career paths in sectors ranging from healthcare to finance.
While some IT roles may offer slightly lower salaries compared to cybersecurity, positions in areas like cloud computing and network engineering can be just as lucrative, especially with the right certifications.
Ultimately, the decision between IT vs cybersecurity should be based on individual interests in specialization versus broader technology roles. Those who thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments focused on defense and security may find cybersecurity to be the best fit.
Meanwhile, individuals who prefer working on technology infrastructure, systems development, and business solutions may gravitate toward IT.
Whether you’re passionate about safeguarding systems from cyber threats or ensuring smooth business operations through technology, both career paths promise strong growth and rewarding compensation.
FAQ
Which is better, information technology or cybersecurity?
The answer depends on your interests and career goals. If you enjoy solving broad technology challenges, managing systems, and working across different sectors, Information Technology (IT) may be a better fit. IT roles offer flexibility and cover tasks such as network management, software development, and IT support.
On the other hand, cybersecurity focuses specifically on protecting data and systems from cyber threats. If you are passionate about security, ethical hacking, or investigating cyberattacks, cybersecurity may be the better option. Additionally, cybersecurity tends to offer higher salary potential and faster job growth, but it can be more specialized and high-pressure.
Which pays more, cybersecurity or computer science?
On average, cybersecurity professionals tend to earn higher salaries than those in general computer science roles. While computer science encompasses a broader range of jobs, including software development and database management, cybersecurity’s specialized nature and high demand contribute to its competitive salaries.
For example, roles like Security Architect and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) often command salaries in the six-figure range. That said, highly specialized computer science roles in areas like artificial intelligence and cloud computing can also offer comparable pay.
Who earns more, cybersecurity or data science?
Both cybersecurity and data science offer high-paying roles, but the salary comparison can depend on the specific job and industry. On average, cybersecurity professionals in leadership roles (e.g., CISO) or highly specialized areas (e.g., Penetration Tester) tend to earn more than entry-level or mid-level data scientists.
However, data science professionals, particularly those working in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or big data, can also command significant salaries, often comparable to cybersecurity salaries. Ultimately, both fields offer lucrative opportunities, but cybersecurity has a slightly higher earning potential at the senior level.
Is cybersecurity high paying?
Cybersecurity is considered a high-paying field. The average salary for cybersecurity professionals is around $93,395 per year, with more senior roles such as CISO earning upwards of $239,000.
The specialized skill set required and the growing demand for cybersecurity experts to protect organizations from evolving threats contribute to the high salaries in this field. Additionally, professionals with advanced certifications like CISSP or CEH can significantly boost their earning potential.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your cybersecurity journey? You can do that with an expert beside you to guide you through without having to stress much. Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Tolulope Michael, a cybersecurity professional with over a decade of field experience. This will allow you to gain personalized insights and guidance tailored to your career goals.
Visit tolumichael.com now to book your session. This is your opportunity to embark on your cybersecurity career with confidence. Don’t miss out!
