ISC2 CCSP jobs in 2025: Cloud security outlook and career opportunities
Thanks to cloud infrastructure, gone are the days when businesses and corporations stored everything IT-related on-site. This highly accessible and flexible option allows a company to have servers, databases, backups, assets and client information off-premises. Using the cloud has several advantages, including scalability of resources and the ability to leverage 24/7 support by the cloud provider’s team. Many organizations also benefit from the ability to deploy remote workforces — anywhere in the world — using cloud-based apps and computing resources.
However, the cloud is also vulnerable to many kinds of cyberattacks and threats. Therefore, IT professionals are needed to help safeguard and protect the assets in a cloud-based infrastructure. Those with the coveted Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification are high on the list of such professionals.
For more information on in-demand cloud certifications and other emerging skills, download our Emerging trend checklist.
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CCSP skills and domains
While preparing for the CCSP, you learn skills pertaining to its six CCSP domains:
- Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design – 17%
- Cloud Data Security – 20%
- Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security – 17%
- Cloud Application Security – 17%
- Cloud Security Operations – 16%
- Legal, Risk, and Compliance – 13%
Your skills can make you a compelling candidate for CCSP certification jobs, especially because with the aggregated knowledge you gain, you gain the ability to deal with a wide range of security and compliance issues. You also understand how to build effective architecture, secure it, and adjust security according to an organization’s digital assets.
In addition, you learn how to secure applications running in the cloud, safeguard workflows and data moving to and from the cloud, and key compliance concerns. Many of these apply directly to IT positions in healthcare, the financial sector, and businesses that collect customer data.
Does CCSP help me get a job?
The short answer is yes. Like any objective verification of important skills, the CCSP can help you get a job. This is especially true because the market is ripe for cloud security professionals. Companies are constantly trying to shift workloads and applications to cloud infrastructures, often because of their scalability and low upfront costs. Everything in the cloud must be secured, and your CCSP certification demonstrates that you have the skills to do the job.
Some candidates may have the skills needed to secure cloud workloads and apps, but they lack proof. This may make it difficult for an employer to commit to hiring them. By getting your CCSP, you give potential employers proof they can point to as they decide to bring you on.
Jobs that require CCSP certification
Even though each employer’s requirements differ, many require CCSP certification because it gives them an objective standard with which to compare candidates. Also, hiring a certified professional may reduce the chances of hiring someone who doesn’t have the experience or know-how to secure their environment. Here are some of the jobs that may require CCSP certification:
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Cloud Security Analyst. In this role, you monitor cloud systems, look for security breaches, analyze logs and investigate incidents. You then make recommendations regarding how to improve cloud security.
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Cloud Security Engineer. A cloud security engineer designs and implements security controls that protect cloud infrastructure. They also configure networks and build incident response systems to protect data and assets in the cloud.
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Cloud Operations Manager. This job focuses on managing day-to-day operations, such as monitoring security and optimizing the performance of cloud-based systems. You may also have to ensure compliance standards and data protection protocols in this role.
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DevSecOps Engineer. A DevSecOps engineer works with the dev team to ensure they have the resources they need to deploy software without increasing the organization’s vulnerabilities.
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DoD 8140 CCSP work roles
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has issued the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF), which defines how organizations that work for and in conjunction with the DoD should identify, develop and manage their cyber workforces, which includes people interviewing for cloud security job roles. The CCSP is recognized by DoD 8140 as a qualification that certifies professionals for a number of advanced and mid-level cybersecurity jobs. By earning your certification, you not only pave the way to work with the DoD but also make it possible to work for a third-party provider that the DoD may hire to secure its cloud assets. Some of the work roles include:
- Network Operations Specialist
- System Administrator
- Cyber Defense Incident Responder
- Authorizing Official/Designating Representative
- Information Systems Security Developer
- Systems Requirements Planner
- Enterprise Architect
- Security Architect
- System Testing and Evaluation Specialist
- Information Systems Security Manager
CCSP jobs salary
CCSP professionals often collect impressive salaries. As outlined in our article about CCSP salaries, the average total compensation is $148,202.
Ultimately, the amount you get paid will depend on where you live, the industry in which you’re employed and your experience.
Here are some of the more common roles and how much you can expect to get paid, according to PayScale.com:
- Security Architect: $155,306
- Information Security Analyst: $86,410
- Information Technology (IT) Manager: $109,962
- Security Engineer: $124,820
- Information Security Manager: $122,431
For more salary data — across cybersecurity positions — you can download our free cybersecurity salary guide.
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CCSP career outlook
There’s no shortage of CCSP certification jobs, especially because so many businesses have been moving to the cloud. As companies continue to expand their cloud infrastructures, those with cloud security skills will continue to be in high demand. You qualify for several careers after earning your cert, including Cloud Security Analyst, Cloud Security Engineer, Cloud Operations Manager, DevSecOps Engineer and more.
You also qualify for positions with companies that must abide by DoD 8140, a standard that governs the qualifications of professionals who interface with DoD information systems. Since almost any IT company can end up doing work for the DoD, getting your cert can drastically expand your employment possibilities.
Worried about whether you’ll be able to pass? Don’t be. You can use our CCSP training hub to learn more about the exam and how to prepare for it. In addition, you can take Infosec’s CCSP Boot Camp. This immersive course fully prepares you for the exam and gives you skills to apply in the workforce immediately.