Information Security Engineers
Computer and Mathematical
Day to day, this is building and watching the defenses around computer networks: firewalls, encryption software, access rules, and the procedures staff are expected to follow. The work includes scanning for vulnerabilities, running penetration tests to find weak spots, and judging whether existing controls actually hold up. When something gets through, the same person helps coordinate monitoring, investigates the breach, and works out how to recover. Staff training on security standards is part of the job, not a side task. It suits people who like tracking system quality, making careful design choices, and writing and explaining clear rules others can follow.
Typical education: Bachelor’s Degree (4-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$116'580
Median Wage Market Position
$116'580
What you might do
- Install and upgrade firewalls and encryption software
- Scan networks to locate security weaknesses
- Coordinate monitoring for breaches and intrusions
- Train staff on security policies and practices
- Investigate breaches to judge damage and weak spots
- Measure whether existing security controls are working
Skills that matter
- Finding weaknesses with penetration tests
- Writing security procedures and policies
- Tracking how security controls perform
- Explaining standards and training staff
- Installing firewalls and encryption programs
- Planning breach response and recovery
AI & the future of this role
Routine monitoring, log triage, and playbook-style defenses may lean more on automated tools over time. Incident judgment, threat modeling, and accountability for protecting critical systems still tend to favor experienced practitioners.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details