USA Career Guide - Information Security Analysts
Education and Training Requirements of Information Security Analysts
To become Information Security Analyst in USA one needs minimum bachelor’s degree in information or computer sciences. Since these professionals heavily associate with business of company degree like major in management information systems are preferred. Those who obtain an MBA post MIS or degree computer sciences etc. have an edge in industry. Also those candidates who obtain a post graduate qualification like MS or PhD and computer and information sciences finds better job options in both private and government industries. Information security is not merely a job, rather it’s a challenge, those who have critical thinking skills, eye for details and can think ahead of times enjoy work benefits in profession.
Industrial Overview
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects held about 302,300 jobs in 2010.The following table shows the industries that employed the most information security analysts, web developers and computer network architects in 2010:
- Computer systems design and related services - 18%
- Telecommunications - 8%
- Finance and insurance – 7%
- Management of companies and enterprises – 5%
Job Prospects of Information Security Analysts
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates around 22% job growth for information security analysts from year 2010 to 2020. Certainly this owes to newer technologies coming everyday, computerization and use of IT services in every field of life, engineering, public health, education, media, transportation and any other services which we can name. Also existing work force will keep retiring from present job while IT and computer software will be growing there by leaving enough void for new entrants.
Pay of a Information Security Analysts in the US
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage of information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects was $75,660 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,190, and the top 10 percent earned more than $119,940.
A survey conducted by Robert Half Technology estimated the salary of data security analysts to be between $89,000 and $121,500 in 2012 and systems or network security administrator’s wages to be between $85,000 and $117,750.
The same survey estimated that a network architect makes between $95,500 and $137,000 in 2012.
Web developers make between $61,250 and $99,250 in 2012 according to Robert Half Technology.