ITCareerFinder analyzes salaries and hiring trends to uncover this year's best-paying cyber security roles.

Data breaches are becoming so ubiquitous that it’s easy to gloss over the headlines, but the fallout is much harder for companies to ignore -- hacks are not just embarrassing but can lead to serious financial and reputational damage. So, it’s not surprising that there’s high demand for IT security specialists, and that those who are up to the task are generously compensated. In fact, cyber security is the 3rd most highly sought-after skill set in 2023, and many companies report info-sec vacancies due to their inability to find qualified candidates.

Not only are these skills in peak demand, but cyber security is one of the highest-paying IT specialties, bringing in an average salary of $102,600 (more than double the $45,760 average for all occupations) according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. But not all cyber-sec jobs pay the same. A handful of positions stand above the rest, at least in terms of compensation.

Here are some of the highest paying cyber security careers for 2023:

A guide to the most valuable CompTIA certifications, broken down by IT career path.

This article will be updated annually with the best CompTIA certifications.

CompTIA certifications have long been a staple for IT professionals looking to solidify their skills and advance their careers. Their global recognition, career-focused subject matter, vendor-neutrality, and respect among employers and workers make them the first choice for many in the field.

But which CompTIA certification(s) should you pursue?

This guide will provide an overview of today’s best CompTIA certifications, organized by IT career path and skill level, to help you decide which credentials are right for you.

ITCareerFinder breaks down the top 5 online bachelor’s degrees in information technology.

The digital age is upon us, and with it comes an array of technological advancements, challenges, and possibilities. If you’re passionate about technology, pursuing an IT degree online can be an excellent way to harness this high-tech revolution into a rewarding career.

Online learning has exploded in popularity and capability, with the top programs offering flexibility and affordability without compromising quality. While the self-managed format of online degrees isn’t for everyone, it can unlock a world of opportunity for the right, self-motivated learners. Beyond the obvious benefit of a flexible schedule, students in top-tier online tech programs can take advantage of interactive course materials, sophisticated simulations to put their computing skills to the test, and global networking abilities that provide access to the leading minds in their field, regardless of location.

But where do you begin? To help answer this question, we’ve highlighted some of the best information technology degrees you can earn online.

Discover the technical and soft skills to jumpstart your IT career in 2024.

Amid widespread technological advancements and shifts in organizational priorities, understanding the roles employers want to fill in the coming months (and beyond) is essential for career-minded IT professionals.

This post will highlight ten of the most sought-after IT skills for 2024. For each skill set, we’ll explore key demand drivers and identify some of the roles, platforms, and certifications you can pursue to capitalize on emerging trends.

Here are our top ten in-demand IT skills for 2024:

A guide to penetration testing certifications, including what they are, why they're valuable, and the best pen testing credentials for your cybersecurity career path.

This post will be updated annually with the top pen-testing certificates.

Penetration testing - a.k.a. “pentesting” - involves simulating attacks on networks and computer systems to identify vulnerabilities which can then be shored up by the cybersecurity team. Pen testing is a vital component of an organization’s information security strategy.

Pen testing certifications are professional credentials earned by IT security specialists who demonstrate a level of proficiency in this field. The leading pen-tester certificates are offered by various types of institutions, including cybersecurity industry associations, globally recognized certifying bodies, and technical training providers.

In this post, we will identify the best penetration testing certifications by experience level and specialization. For each certificate, we’ll highlight the key skills it covers, prerequisites, costs, benefits, training options, and more.

The timeframe for earning a college degree in cybersecurity varies based on program level and format. This post will outline how long it takes to obtain different cybersecurity degrees and provide a synopsis of each type.

Here's a quick summary of cybersecurity degree durations:

Yes, cybersecurity is a STEM degree. Let’s explore how.

Cybersecurity degrees align with all four STEM domains. Here’s how cybersecurity fits into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

ITCareerFinder breaks down the key differences between cybersecurity bootcamps and degrees to help you choose the best path forward.

As cyber attacks continue to escalate, the demand for skilled and certified IT security professionals has surged dramatically. This boom in hiring has brought with it a proliferation of educational pathways, each promising the quickest and most comprehensive route to becoming an IT security specialist.

Among these options, two learning paths stand out: cybersecurity bootcamps and cybersecurity degree programs. But which is the better route? Let's delve into the nuances of both to help you make an informed decision.