Cyber security is considered a good career path in Australia. Cyber professionals enjoy plentiful job opportunities and high salaries. Most uni graduates should be able to achieve a career that is lucrative and satisfying.
Let's explore the value proposition from seeking roles where you protect digital assets and networks. By earning a cybersecurity degree or postgraduate qualification, you can position yourself to enter an in-demand field with a skills shortage and high-paying jobs.
Does Cyber Security Pay Well?
Cyber security offers lucrative job opportunities in Australia, whether you're starting your career or have years of experience in the industry. Compensation packages are attractive according to Seek job data.
Roles like Security Engineer and Security Consultant command some of the highest salaries, ranging from $135K to $155K annually. Even entry-level positions such as Cyber Security Analyst start at $110K, providing strong earning potential early in your career.
The field’s rapid growth adds to its appeal. Positions like Cyber Security Analyst and Information Security Analyst are projected to grow by 38.9% over five years, offering increasing opportunities and competitive pay across the sector.
Related: What Pays More: Data Analytics or Cyber Security?
Demand for Cyber Security Professionals
There is high demand for cyber security professionals, with essentially every skilled worker able to get a job. Rapid growth in cyber threats has outstripped the supply of newly qualified workers.
The Australian digital defense market was valued at US$4.6 billion in 2021, with a projected increase to US$5.8 billion by 2024. Job opportunities span many sectors, from healthcare to telecommunications. Employers are recruiting experts to reinforce digital defences.
Employment of Database & Systems Administrators & ICT Security professionals was 63,800 in May 2024 and is projected to grow by 14.2% over the next five years according to National Employment Projections. The field offers strong growth and expanding opportunities for professionals.
Some of the most in-demand jobs are security analyst, network security engineer, cybersecurity consultant, penetration tester, and chief information security officer. These roles are crucial in safeguarding the digital infrastructure of businesses and government entities.
Pros and Cons of Working in Cybersecurity
While every career has pros and cons, working in cybersecurity offers some outstanding benefits due to high demand for expertise. If you're interested in this line of work, you'll likely find that the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages.
Pros: In Australia, the demand for cyber professionals continues to exceed supply, leading to stable employment, competitive salaries, and varied job options across multiple sectors. Rapid technological change ensures continuous learning opportunities, allowing for both personal and professional growth.
Cons: On the flip side, the work can be demanding and, at times, stressful. Cyber threats can emerge at any time, meaning there's always the potential to be called in at a moment's notice to deal with an emergency or critical situation. There's also a pressing need to stay updated with the latest in the field and little room for mistakes.
How hard is cybersecurity? While almost any IT job presents technical challenges, many roles in cybersecurity are easier than people often imagine. With a foundation in IT and a passion for problem-solving, you should be able to handle the complexities involved. You can also choose the ideal specialisation for you, such as analysis, engineering, management, or network security.
Related: Cyber Security vs Network Security
How to Break Into the Field
Breaking into the field may seem daunting, but is achievable with the right approach. There's a clear emphasis on university education as a gateway into cybersecurity. With an essentially zero percent unemployment rate among cybersecurity experts, a degree doesn't just provide knowledge—it opens doors to abundant job opportunities.
If you haven't studied at uni before, start with a bachelor's degree in cyber security, computer science, or information technology. These programs introduce foundational concepts, strategies, and tools of the trade. Additionally, you can specialise in areas such as network engineering, digital forensics, or cybersecurity analytics.
Success requires a blend of technical proficiency and soft skills. Knowing systems and threat mitigation is essential. But abilities like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are valuable too. Strive to bridge the gap between technical complexities and layman understanding in your work.