For Educators: Military Resources
Military Cyber-Operations Officers
Median Salary
63,890
Workforce Count
13,602
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Cyber-operations officers develop and oversee both offensive and defensive cyberspace capabilities in support of the full range of military programs. Offensive operations involve the application of computer power to target the capabilities of hostile adversaries. Defensive operations involve protecting data, networks, net-centric capabilities, and other designated systems. Some cyber officers focus on offensive or defensive operations, while others integrate the two to support military operations.
What is the work environment like?
Cyber-operations officers work in offices or in command and control centers on land or aboard ships.
How many people have this role in the Military?
13,602
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$131,292
2 Years
$80,868
6 Years
$131,292
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Cyber operations officers may have an education in computer science or a related field. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. In addition, cyber operations officers receive specialized training, both on-the-job and in the classroom. Job-specific training may include:
- Team leadership
- Analyzing information
- Preparing technical products
- Planning and systems employment for DoD information networks
- Defensive cyberspace operations
- Advanced communication architectures
- Project and contract management
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
- Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Network and System Administration/Administrator
- Information Technology Project Management
- System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test