There are a lot of jobs in cybersecurity, but it’s hard to get one.
The Cybersecurity Job Shortage
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world, but it’s also one of the hardest to get into. There are between 500,000 and 570,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. alone, according to estimates. The shortage is even worse around the world, with some reports saying there will be a gap of more than 4 million professionals by 2025.
Everyone, from small businesses to federal agencies, is feeling the pressure. As digital threats get smarter, the need for trained defenders grows. But even though there is a lot of demand, many professionals have a hard time getting into the field.
Why There Is So Much Demand
There are a number of reasons why demand is so high:
- More and more cyberattacks are happening, like ransomware, phishing, and data breaches.
- Government rules: For example, DoD 8570/8140 says that security professionals must be certified.
- Adopting cloud and AI: New technologies make it easier for hackers to get into systems and need new ways to protect them.
More remote work means more teams that are spread out, which makes them more vulnerable.
Key Statistics
33% Growth: Information security analyst jobs by 2033
$124,910:Average annual salary in 2024
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that jobs for information security analysts will grow 33% by 2033, which is much faster than the average for other jobs. The average annual salary in 2024 was about $124,910.
Education versus Certification
In the past, you had to get a four-year degree to get into cybersecurity. But that trend is changing. A lot of employers today care more about skills and certifications than formal education. People think that certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH, and Microsoft Azure Security Engineer are good signs of skill.
“Each week, we hear from veterans, career changers, and IT professionals eager to break into cybersecurity, but unsure where to begin. Earning a certification is often the most important first step—they provide clear direction and open doors to real job opportunities.”
— Michael McNelis, CMO of Training Camp
People who are changing careers or going back to work can often get certifications in a matter of weeks, not years. This makes them easier to get the jobs in the market. These programs are especially useful for veterans and people who are leaving the military, or Government and DoD workers who have to meet deadlines for compliance
Problems at the Entry Level
have problems even when there is a lot of demand. Even for entry-level jobs, many job listings ask for 2–3 years of experience. This puts new people in a tough spot: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience.
Certifications can help fill that gap. A lot of hiring managers see them as proof that you have basic knowledge and are willing to learn. Certifications can help people with some IT experience get jobs faster in roles like:
- SOC Analyst
- Security Administrator
- Risk Analyst
- GRC Associate
- Cloud Security Technician
A Growing Trend: Career Switchers
More and more people are coming to cybersecurity from fields that aren’t traditionally related. People who used to be teachers, work in retail, logistics, or healthcare are finding jobs by taking certification-based courses.
“People from all kinds of backgrounds are trying to get into cybersecurity, but many don’t even know the basics. Without a solid foundation, they struggle to keep up. The right training—especially certification-focused—helps them build those skills fast and actually get hired.”
— Trave Hurd, PMO for CCNA EduHub
It’s easier than ever for new workers to get jobs thanks to programs that offer hands-on labs, real-world scenarios, and help with job placement.
Looking Ahead
Cybersecurity will only get harder and more important as technologies like AI, machine learning, and Zero Trust architecture become more common. Companies that use old hiring methods or long onboarding processes may fall behind.
In the fight for cybersecurity talent, fast-track certifications and focused training are now very important. If you are a hiring manager or someone looking for a new job, knowing about this change can help you move faster and make better decisions in a high-stakes field.