For Educators: Military Resources
Military Cyber Security Specialists
Median Salary
61,623
Workforce Count
12,875
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Cyber security specialists secure, defend, and protect data, networks, and other information systems by enacting appropriate security controls and measures. They monitor, analyze, detect, and respond to unauthorized activity in the cyberspace domain. Tasks include testing and maintaining hardware and software to ensure the security of Department of Defense networks. They perform deliberate actions to strengthen information systems and networks, perform vulnerability assessments, and respond to incidents. Cyber security specialists may focus on a specific type of information system, coordinating with network and system administrators, to ensure the security of Department of Defense information networks.
What is the work environment like?
Cyber security specialists work in offices or in command and control centers on land or aboard ships.
How many people have this role in the Military?
12,875
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
$121,289
2 Years
$79,670
6 Years
$121,289
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Like all enlisted personnel, cyber security specialists complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Cyber security specialists in the Military receive advanced training. Starting with extensive technical preparation in everything from database design to computer networking to communications systems, skills continue to be enhanced through classroom and on-the-job instruction. Training content may include:
- Conducting defensive cyberspace operations
- Conducting offensive cyberspace operations
- Operating automated data processing (ADP) equipment
- Analyzing information and preparing technical products and time sensitive reports
- Developing and maintaining analytical and operational working aids and databases
- Installating and configuring networks
- Caring, maintaining, and using networking software tools/equipment
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
- Criminalistics and Criminal Science
- Criminal Justice/Police Science
- Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
- Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation
- Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis
- Geospatial Intelligence
- Signal/Geospatial Intelligence
- Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
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?
- Administrative
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
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