How Can Cybersecurity Certifications Help Increase Your Salary?

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The amount of risk today’s digital world possesses isn’t hidden from anyone, especially the cybercriminals. They are aware of each type of vulnerability available in individual as well as organization’s systems and networks. Therefore, companies of all kinds are looking for skilled cybersecurity professionals who can protect their digital infrastructure and sensitive data.

Professionals working in this domain are already eligible for handsome annual salary packages, and with top cybersecurity certifications under their belt, the salary they can earn can increase significantly. It helps to demonstrate your cybersecurity skills and knowledge to employers and boosts your salary in your cybersecurity jobs.

Let us check out some more interesting facts related to cybersecurity certifications and their impact on your salary.

Salary advantage of cybersecurity certifications

Studies have always shown a strong correlation between cybersecurity certifications and higher salaries. As per a study by ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the average global salary for cybersecurity professionals having cybersecurity certifications in their name was $115,000 as compared to $95,000 for professionals without certifications. This means, that earning a cybersecurity certification can directly lead to a 17% increase in average salary.

Another study by CompTIA’s Skills Report published last year further reinforces this fact. The report suggested that entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP™)from USCSI®can help increase your starting salaries by up to 12%. So, we can definitely confer that certification are an attractive investment for your cybersecurity career.

Specialized Cybersecurity Certifications for additional Salary boost

If you earn a cybersecurity certification, then you can enjoy an extended salary beyond just averages. There are several specialized cybersecurity certification programs that are in high demand across various industries such as the Certified Ethical Hacker, or Certified Cybersecurity Consultants (CCC™) that can enhance your earning potential manifolds.

For example, CISSP certification by ISC2 is one of the most recognized and specialized certifications for information and cybersecurity specialists. And having this certification can help professionals earn an average salary of $129,481 in the US (as per their cybersecurity workforce study). Similarly, there are other certifications that empower professionals with specialized cybersecurity skills including cloud security, incident response, digital forensics, penetration testing, etc. that help earn higher salaries.

How do certifications increase value to get an increased salary?

Candidates with cybersecurity certifications in their resumes get higher salaries because of the immense value these certifications provide to them. Here’s why certifications make you a more attractive professional in this domain:

Validates your skills and knowledge

The top certifications are recognized among employers across industries, and they validate your cybersecurity skills and knowledge and reduce the risks associated with hiring the wrong candidates. So, employers are assured that they are bringing the right candidate to the table.

Demonstrate professionals’ commitment to lifelong learning

Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your commitment to professional development and lifelong learning. This makes candidates particularly attractive during the recruitment process in this ever-evolving industry.

Specialized Expertise

Specialized certifications, as we mentioned above, empower professionals with in-depth knowledge in specific cybersecurity fields like penetration testing, incident response, network security, or anything else. So, if you have specialized skills, you can be a valuable asset for organizations with specific security needs.

How to find the right certification for salary growth?

So, you want to grow your salary by earning a cybersecurity certification for your career. But with plenty of options available in the market, how do you find the best one for you?

Well, here are a few things you must consider:

Your career goals: identify the skills you want to learn or areas where you want to develop your expertise and find the certification that matches your career goals.
Experience level: this is an important point to consider. Cybersecurity certifications are designed for all levels of expertise, beginners, intermediate, and experts. Analyze your current career position and choose the one that aligns with you.
Industry recognition: check for the certifications that are widely recognized among employers. Some certifications offered by USCSI®, CompTIA, and ISC2, are credible and accepted globally across industries.

Tips for higher salaries

Consider the following things as well to enhance your employability and earn higher salaries:

Gain relevant experience
Develop soft skills
Build a strong portfolio of practical projects
Learn to negotiate effectively

Conclusion

Cybersecurity certifications are a valuable investment that can significantly increase your earning potential. By demonstrating your knowledge, commitment, and expertise, certifications make you a more attractive candidate and pave the way for a successful and lucrative career in cybersecurity. Remember, the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, so continuous learning and acquiring new certifications will remain crucial for sustained salary growth throughout your career.