In today’s stock markets, two of the most prominent trends are artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. While AI-related job roles often take the spotlight, cybersecurity remains a highly specialised and crucial industry.
With companies and governments managing vast amounts of sensitive data, cybersecurity has become a top priority for CEOs and political leaders alike. Recognising this, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has identified cybersecurity as one of Singapore’s most talent-starved sectors, highlighting the strong demand for skilled professionals.
So, with cybersecurity standing out as a bright spot in the tech hiring landscape, how much can you earn in this field? Let’s explore the numbers.
Entry-Level Roles Offer Competitive Salaries
One of the biggest concerns for job seekers entering any industry is the starting salary. In cybersecurity, the shortage of skilled professionals means entry-level salaries are relatively attractive compared to other tech roles.
According to recent job data from NodeFlair, a tech salary and job insights platform:
- Cybersecurity operations roles at entry level can pay up to S$5,500 per month.
- Security engineering positions typically offer starting salaries around S$4,000 per month.
- Some entry-level roles in security operations can pay as much as S$7,000 per month.
This makes cybersecurity an appealing career choice for those looking to enter the tech industry with strong earning potential.
Experience Leads to Higher Pay
As in any profession, experience leads to higher salaries, but in cybersecurity, the demand for skilled professionals makes this even more pronounced.
According to recruitment firm Morgan McKinley, cybersecurity professionals with significant experience can command substantially higher pay:
- Cyber threat intelligence professionals with 10 to 15 years of experience earn between S$12,500 to S$19,000 per month.
- Those with more than 15 years of experience can expect salaries ranging from S$20,000 to S$29,000 per month or more.
Even mid-level professionals can earn above-average salaries compared to other industries:
- Security engineers with four to seven years of experience typically earn S$6,250 to S$7,500 per month.
- Senior security engineers with eight to 10 years of experience earn between S$8,300 to S$9,600 per month.
This rapid salary progression reflects the industry’s high demand for expertise and the complexity of cybersecurity roles.
In-Demand Cybersecurity Roles Pay Even More
As with any industry, demand and supply influence salaries. Cybersecurity roles that are highly specialised and in short supply tend to offer higher compensation.
While tech giants such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud remain key employers, cybersecurity professionals are needed across various industries.
Fintech companies, e-commerce platforms, and banks are actively hiring cybersecurity experts, particularly in critical areas such as cloud security and threat detection. The need to protect digital assets and financial transactions means that specialists in these domains can command even higher salaries.
Certifications Can Boost Your Earning Potential
If you are considering a career in cybersecurity, obtaining industry-recognised certifications can help you stand out and increase your earning potential.
One of the top cybersecurity certifications in Singapore is the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). This certification covers:
- Information gathering and vulnerability analysis
- Privilege escalation and password attacks
- Bypassing antivirus software
More importantly, the OSCP certification demonstrates practical hands-on skills, making it highly valued by employers and increasing job prospects in the cybersecurity field.
Cybersecurity is not only a high-demand industry but also one that offers strong earning potential at all career levels. With attractive starting salaries, rapid salary growth with experience, and high-paying specialised roles, this field presents excellent career opportunities.
If you are interested in pursuing cybersecurity, consider gaining hands-on experience, obtaining certifications, and specialising in in-demand areas such as cloud security and cyber threat intelligence. With the growing reliance on digital security worldwide, a career in cybersecurity could be both financially rewarding and future-proof.
Read Also: Salary Guide: How Much You Can Earn As An IT Professional In Singapore
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