Career Snapshot: Cyber Security Analyst
- Median Salary (2025, U.S.): ~$124,900 (for Information Security Analysts)
- Average Salary (All Levels): ~$99,400/year
- Entry-Level Roles: ~$60,000-$80,000 depending on region and technical skill set
- Senior Roles / High Experience: $130,000-$160,000+ in specialized roles or large organizations
- Job Outlook (2024-2034): Projected growth ~29% — much faster than average, as demand rises for cybersecurity defenses across industries.
Essential Skills for Success
Students aiming to work as Cyber Security Analysts should build skills in:
- Understanding security fundamentals: network security, threat models, risk assessment
- Incident detection & response: monitoring, alert management, investigating breaches
- Tools & technologies: firewalls, SIEM systems, intrusion detection/prevention, security policies
- Scripting or basic programming for automation or log parsing (e.g. Python)
- Ethical hacking or vulnerability assessment basics
- Communication & compliance: translating security risks to non-technical stakeholders, understanding legal/regulatory requirements
- Continuous learning mindset: cybersecurity evolves quickly, so adaptability is critical
Education Pathways
Most Cyber Security Analysts hold at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information security, cybersecurity, or related fields. But this beginner-level pathway makes the field accessible earlier through certificates, foundational coursework, and hands-on experiences.
For CTE programs, opportunities can include:
- Dual credit or high school courses in cybersecurity fundamentals, IT, or computer science
- Simulated labs and project work (e.g. setting up secure networks, mock incident response)
- Partnerships with local employers or labs to provide real cybersecurity exposure
Credentials & Certifications
The SchoolDay Academy Cyber Security Analyst Pathway (Beginner Level) includes certificates designed to help learners gain job-ready skills. Recommended credentials and certificates include:
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate – beginner-friendly, covers tools, threats, and security fundamentals
- Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate – focuses on security operations, threat mitigation, and network defense practices
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate – builds foundational analysis skills, incident response, and preparation for foundational certs
Additional complementary certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified in Cybersecurity (ISC2)
- Certifications in ethical hacking or vulnerability assessment
These credentials help students stand out by showing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Related Career Pathways
With experience and specialization, learners can move toward roles such as:
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Vulnerability / Penetration Tester
- Security Engineer
- Information Security Manager / Architect
- Compliance, Risk, or Governance Roles
These roles typically demand advanced technical expertise, certifications, and often leadership or oversight responsibilities.
How to Get Started
For Students:
- Begin with the SchoolDay Academy Cyber Security Analyst Pathway, which provides structured beginner-level training, practical labs, and recognized credentials.
- Use free resources or community labs to practice skills: analyze logs, set up virtual networks, try basic vulnerability scanning.
- Volunteer or intern in roles with any security or IT support component—helping monitor activity, applying updates, or assisting with access control.
- Build a portfolio of small security-related projects (e.g., securing a small web server, simulating incident recovery) to showcase skills.
- Shadow a cyber security analyst or join mentorship programs to understand day-to-day operations and tools.
For CTE Directors and Districts:
- Promote the SchoolDay Academy pathway as a way to embed cybersecurity credentials and lab-based learning into your programs.
- Facilitate school-based projects or events like capture-the-flag competitions, security awareness campaigns, or infrastructure audits.
- Partner with local businesses, IT security firms, or universities to offer internships or job shadows.
- Ensure curriculum includes dual credit, certification preparation, and lab-based assessments to align with Perkins V career and technical education goals.
Why SchoolDay Academy Recommends This Pathway
SchoolDay Academy recommends the Cyber Security Analyst pathway because it prepares students for one of the highest-demand and fastest-growing roles in tech. Security threats are evolving constantly, and analysts play a critical role in protecting people, data, and organizations.
For students, this pathway offers strong salary potential, a chance to do impactful work, and opportunities in many sectors.
For schools, it delivers measurable outcomes — in credentials, portfolio work, and applied learning — while aligning with Perkins V priorities like equity, stackable credentials, and career readiness.
Conclusion
Cyber security analysis is one of today’s most essential and high-paying beginner pathways, with rapid growth, strong salaries, and the chance to defend and secure the digital world. By guiding students into this pathway, districts can align with workforce needs while preparing learners for lifelong success.
Explore the Cyber Security Analyst Career Pathway on SchoolDay Academy and start building your future today.