CySA+ jobs outlook: Working as a cybersecurity analyst

Certifications go a long way in the cybersecurity field. They teach you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in various career pathways but also net you a higher salary. Plus, your certification will put you above the competition when applying for a new job or promotion.    

The CySA+ certification by CompTIA is ideal for mid-level professionals who have already earned their Network+, Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credentials. CySA+ builds on the foundational principles you learned in your core certifications and teaches you skills related to threat detection and risk assessment, as well as current security analyst techniques — including automated incident response, threat intelligence and cloud-based tools.  

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Common CySA+ jobs  

A CySA+ certification opens doors to many different professional pathways. Here are some of the most popular jobs for CySA+ holders, according to CompTIA:   

Most jobs fall under the analyst umbrella, although cybersecurity specialists and cybersecurity engineers are also represented. This is likely because CySA+ focuses on skills like data analysis for identifying vulnerabilities, risks and threats.   

You may end up filling multiple roles throughout your career or advancing through the ranks from a job as a cybersecurity analyst to a security engineer. 

CySA+ job market  

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the demand for information security analysts is expected to grow by 33% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average job role. According to the BLS: 

If there’s one big takeaway here, it’s that there are a ton of exciting opportunities for you to explore. And with the right skills and certifications, your future in cybersecurity will be bright with a generous salary. The average CySA+ salary is $110,929, according to our Cybersecurity Salary Guide.

Let’s examine all the factors that contribute to the big picture of the CySA+ jobs outlook more thoroughly.   

Best states for cybersecurity jobs

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is not the same in every area of the U.S. Cyberseek, which has data around U.S. cybersecurity job openings, has a heat map that breaks down the geographic area of job openings. The most job openings can be found in:

• Virginia: 51,005
• California: 39,223
• Texas: 36,873
• Florida: 22,686
• Illinois: 19,595
• Colorado: 16,864
• New York: 16,842

Explore the Cyberseek heatmap here. 

Best companies to work for with a CySA+  

We know the job outlook looks good, but what about employers? Who hires CySA+ certification holders?   

Companies of all shapes and sizes hire people with the CySA+ certification. However, some companies have a reputation for hiring a higher-than-average number of CySA+ holders, so you may want to pay special attention to those companies when your job search begins.

Here is a list of companies where CySA+ holders have the highest salary ranges, according to Glassdoor: 

Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive. Your cybersecurity skills are in high demand at companies in almost every industry.   

Years of experience for CySA+ professionals  

The CySA+ certification is a big professional benefit, but it’s not the only thing employers look at when considering hiring you. Having work experience is another major factor.   

CompTIA recommends having at least four years of related experience before you tackle the CySA+ exam. Although that’s not a hard-and-fast rule, it does give you a benchmark for where you should be in your career. You can also filter salary sites by years of experience and clearly see that as you gain experience, the expected average salary can rise quite a bit.

Furthering your cybersecurity career   

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, and the demand for cybersecurity analysts is among the highest of all professions in the U.S. While the odds of finding a job are in your favor, you can’t expect one to fall into your lap. Certain factors like the relevancy of your certifications will set you apart from the competition and ensure you’re the best candidate.   

Earning this mid-level certification is an excellent way to take your cybersecurity career to the next level and move into higher-paying roles.   

For more on CySA+, from CySA+ jobs to exam tips, visit the Infosec CySA+ hub and watch our webinar, CompTIA CySA+ certification (CS0-003) changes: Everything you need to know.