The top 10 highest-paying cyber security jobs in 2023

Cyber Security jobs are often highly paid due to the severity of the responsibilities, and professionals who possess advanced cyber security skills are also in high demand, as a result of the increase in cyber-attacks over the past few years.  

Employers are now willing to pay large salaries in order to get top talent to help their security infrastructure to be superior to their competition.

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 highest-paying Cyber Security jobs in 2022:

1.     Chief Security Officer

As the Chief Security Officer, you will be responsible for creating and delivering security solutions that help companies stay protected against cyber threats. You work closely with senior leaders in addressing security issues by designing and managing a program that aligns with the company's business goals. You need to be knowledgeable of up-to-date risks, standards, and best practices to enable you to operate various policies and procedures to support the frameworks that your company is using.

The average salary for a Chief Security Officer is £115,000

Skills: Information security, cyber security, risk management & assessment, analytical skills, cloud computing, security management, innovative thinking, communication skills, and leadership skills.

2.     Cloud Security Lead

As Cloud Security Lead, you will be responsible for developing cloud security solutions, and governance guidelines to ensure data protection. As a ‘Lead’ you will be the central point of contact for all cloud security matters, which involves engaging with key security stakeholders. You need to ensure the company is following the latest security best practices, as well as working with your team in assisting with the deployment and implementation of cloud security initiatives.

The average salary for a Cloud Security Lead is £100,000

Skills: Cloud computing & security, various cloud platforms, threat modelling, cyber security, DevOps, stakeholder management, risk management, fintech, malware detection, firewalls, migration, communications skills, and decision-making skills.

3.     Security Technical Architect

A Security Technical Architect needs to be able to create innovative security architecture designs for infrastructure platforms, that can be clearly understood by Engineers. Often you will work closely with Developers, so it is important to understand development lifecycles. You also need to keep up to date with the latest trends, cyber security standards, and technology shifts, as you will work to establish new services and solutions for your company.

The average salary for a Security Technical Architect is £95,500

Skills:  Cyber security, cloud security, DevOps, security architecture, threat modelling, programming languages, technical infrastructures, innovative thinking, problem-solving skills, leadership skills and communication skills.

4.     Cloud Security Architect

A Cloud Security Architect is responsible for designing secure and scalable cloud solutions based on the company’s business requirements. You will be responsible for advising on the best use of security services, procedures, and cloud security best practices and therefore you need to keep up to date with the latest trends. You also need to be able to identify weak points in current solutions both in the design phase and after implementation.

The average salary for a Cloud Security Architect is £86,000

Skills: Cloud security, cloud platforms, cyber security, DevOps, network security, firewalls, cryptography, security architecture, application security, incident response, innovative thinking, and communication skills.

5.     Application Security Specialist

An Application Security Specialist is the go-to person for technical app queries. You will often be expected to take the lead in security matters, and you will need to draw on your own knowledge and formal training to advise on new projects and improvements to the existing infrastructure. As a specialist in the field, you need to constantly think about security, risks, data integrity, and secure processes. You will aid product development teams in implementing, maintaining, and administering the tools required to ensure the security of applications.

The average salary for an Application Security Specialist is £83,250

Skills: Application security, data encryption, security monitoring, DevOps, cryptography, software engineering, secure coding, security architecture, threat modelling, application security testing, cyber threat, strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and communication skills.

6.     Network Security Manager

As the Network Security Manager, you will work to improve all network security measures including firewalls, routing, switching, configurations, and network monitoring, as well as leading the network team in escalating the overall business security status. You will need to be able to respond quickly in resolving any network vulnerabilities and implementing solutions to live incidents. You will also have a say in overall security improvements.

The average salary for a Network Security Manager is £82,000

Skills: Network security, firewalls, information security, ethical hacking, penetration testing, network monitoring, LAN/WAN, cloud security, cyber threat, data centres, critical thinking skills, organisational skills, and communications skills.

7.     Security Architect

As a Security Architect, you will work closely with stakeholders to define and develop the company’s security architecture. You are often required to work in conjunction with Solution Architects, Product Owners, Technical Leads, and Security Champions to identify security risks. Once risks have been identified, you need to produce a secure architecture along with requirements that meet the needs of the business. Therefore, it is essential you keep up to date with the latest trends and frameworks.

The average salary for a Security Architect job is £79,000

Skills: Security architecture, cyber security, cloud security, information security, network security, DevOps, firewalls, risk management, security operations, data protection, technical architecture, communication skills, and leadership skills.

8.     Cyber Security Manager

The Cyber Security Manager is responsible for the delivery of the security strategy, standards, and assurance measures aligned with company goals and objectives. You need to have a strong focus on protection, detection, and response to risks that could compromise the company’s assets and data. After you identify information risks, you need to help identify appropriate tactical risk mitigation measures. As a manager, you will most likely be working with a team to implement these strategies.

The average salary for a Cyber Security Manager is £72,750

Skills: Cyber security, information security, risk management, security operations, project management, incident response, identity access management, security architecture and management, innovative thinking and communication skills, business acumen, and leadership skills.

9.     Security Consultant

As a Security Consultant, you will be expected to have extensive knowledge of various security solutions. It is important that you are able to understand cyber security threats, and implementation challenges to help produce an appropriate solution that fits business goals. Projects might include analysing and researching security technologies to support the development of innovative solutions. You will also be responsible for identifying new opportunities to improve processes and help to create business case proposals.

The average salary for a Security Consultant is £68,500

Skills: Cyber security, information security, risk management, security operations, cloud security, network security, threat intelligence, stakeholder management, innovative thinking and communication skills, and business acumen.

10.  Cyber Security Engineer

As a Cyber Security Engineer, you need to be able to work collaboratively with senior teams to develop and specify IT security policies and procedures. You will need to be able to carry out regular security testing, whilst overseeing the day-to-day monitoring of services. This includes identifying weaknesses, providing high-level technical advice, and producing, managing, and maintaining continuous service improvement plans.

The average salary for a Cyber Security Engineer is £66,000

Skills: Cyber security, information security, firewalls, programming languages, risk management, security operations, DevOps, incident response, network security, innovative thinking, and communication skills.

These are just some of the Cyber Security job roles there are available. In order to reach these senior-level roles you need at least five or more years of industry experience. If you want to start a career in cyber security you need to develop the skills that will help you secure a job. Find out more about the top 15 cyber security skills here.