Aptly
Careers · Computer and mathematical

Information Security Engineers

Information security engineers develop and maintain systems that protect computer networks and data from unauthorized access. They build and upgrade security technology like firewalls, design security controls, and implement policies across organizations. These professionals work in IT departments, government agencies, financial institutions, and other organizations that handle sensitive information.

$116,580median pay, U.S., per year
$79,370–$157,500middle half earn
435Kemployed in the U.S.
Bachelor’s degreetypical education · 53% hold a bachelor’s or higher
HighAI exposure · AI tools can speed up many tasks. Skills in using them will matter, and some roles may change.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves monitoring network security systems for suspicious activity, testing systems for vulnerabilities, and implementing security updates and patches. Engineers may conduct security audits, review access logs, respond to potential breaches, and collaborate with other IT staff to improve security procedures. They document security incidents, maintain security hardware and software, and stay current with new threats and security technologies.

Who this work suits

Conventional
84Investigative
76Realistic
55Enterprising
28Social
14Artistic
6

Holland code CIR. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You likely enjoy systematic problem-solving and following established procedures while also investigating complex technical issues. If you're drawn to finding weaknesses in systems and ensuring rules and standards are properly implemented, this work suits you.

What it takes

Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.

Skills that matter most

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningWritingMonitoringSpeakingQuality Control AnalysisSystems Analysis

Knowledge areas

Computers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageTelecommunicationsCustomer and Personal ServiceDesign

Who is hiring

52open roles like this on employer career sites
21employers hiring
21posted in the last 7 days
VA · CA · NYwhere most openings are

Openings right now

Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
District of Columbia$123,360$156,590$180,48017,200
Maryland$114,920$144,680$165,73019,060
Colorado$100,150$139,580$160,52011,800
Virginia$108,160$139,030$165,32017,000
Delaware$103,620$137,470$170,170860
California$87,350$134,440$179,73080,150
Washington$84,540$128,940$168,03014,360
Connecticut$88,980$127,720$150,4403,100
New Mexico$92,560$127,090$167,9701,650
Hawaii$99,630$120,100$135,6802,080
New York$83,790$116,990$162,51011,460
South Carolina$80,120$112,260$136,9904,300
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
District of Columbia · $156,590Maryland · $144,680Colorado · $139,580Virginia · $139,030Delaware · $137,470California · $134,440Washington · $128,940Connecticut · $127,720New Mexico · $127,090Hawaii · $120,100New York · $116,990South Carolina · $112,260Texas · $111,530Vermont · $111,530Ohio · $109,780Massachusetts · $109,590New Jersey · $108,310Maine · $107,990Iowa · $107,340Pennsylvania · $107,230West Virginia · $107,140Alabama · $106,330Alaska · $105,960Michigan · $105,680Florida · $105,370South Dakota · $105,370Arizona · $105,240North Carolina · $104,850Georgia · $104,610Kansas · $103,380Oklahoma · $102,520Rhode Island · $102,210Missouri · $101,040Nevada · $100,220Illinois · $99,360Idaho · $98,700Utah · $97,470Oregon · $97,350Wyoming · $94,520Indiana · $93,540Nebraska · $92,480Minnesota · $91,750New Hampshire · $91,720Kentucky · $89,420Wisconsin · $88,130Arkansas · $86,940Mississippi · $86,940Montana · $81,970North Dakota · $78,330Louisiana · $77,000Tennessee · $76,470

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Local training programsCertificationsLicenses in your stateApprenticeships

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Enterprise Security ArchitectInformation Security ArchitectCyber Security EngineerInformation Security EngineerIT Security EngineerLead Information Security EngineerPlatform Security EngineerSecurity EngineerSystem Security EngineerApplication Security ArchitectPrincipal Security EngineerSecurity ArchitectApplication Security EngineerBlue Coat Proxy EngineerCyber Security Integration EngineerCybersecurity Risk Management Framework EngineerData Security EngineerEndpoint Security EngineerFirewall EngineerGCP Security EngineerIAM EngineerInformation Security DeveloperInformation Systems Security EngineerLead Security Engineer

and 9 more

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Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against information security engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 15-1299.05 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.