Published 19 Jun 2023

The Best Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs (Based on Salary)

Michael Yi

Are you interested in studying a cyber security course but not sure where it’ll take you?

To answer that question for you, we’ll go through four entry level cyber security jobs to give you the information you need to help make your decision.

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Security Analyst: Identifying Digital Vulnerabilities

As a security analyst, you’ll be at the frontline of cyber defence, protecting organisations from potential threats. Your role involves analysing security systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and proposing effective solutions. This entry level position allows you to work closely with experienced professionals, gaining practical experience while earning a respectable salary.

The average salary range for a security analyst is

$60,000 - 80,000

per year in Australia

What does a security analyst do?

As a security analyst, you’ll play a crucial role in safeguarding digital assets. Your responsibilities may include:

Conducting security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks
Analysing security logs, monitoring alerts, and investigating potential threats
Developing and implementing security policies and procedures
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with industry standards
Providing recommendations for enhancing security measures and mitigating risks

Incident Responder: Combatting Cyber Threats

If you thrive under pressure and possess excellent problem-solving skills, a career as an Incident Responder is the perfect fit for you. In this role, you’ll be the first to respond to cyber incidents, investigating and mitigating breaches to ensure the recovery of compromised systems. Australian organisations actively seek Incident Responders to protect their digital infrastructure, making this an in-demand entry level position.

The average salary range for a incident responder is

$70,000 - 90,000

per year in Australia

What does a incident responder do?

As an incident responder, your primary focus will be on detecting and responding to cyber incidents swiftly and effectively. Some of your key responsibilities include:

Monitoring and analysing security alerts to identify potential threats
Investigating security incidents and breaches to determine the extent of the damage
Implementing incident response plans to contain and mitigate the impact of cyber attacks
Collaborating with IT teams to restore systems and prevent future incidents
Conducting post-incident analysis to identify vulnerabilities and improve security measures

Penetration Tester: Ethical Hacking for a Secure Future

If you have a knack for breaking into systems ethically and uncovering vulnerabilities, a career as a penetration tester is your calling. As a penetration tester, you’ll assess the security measures of organisations’ networks and applications by simulating real-world attacks. With the increasing demand for cyber security professionals who can proactively identify weak points, this role offers excellent growth potential and competitive salaries.

The average salary range for a penetration tester is

$80,000 - 100,000

per year in Australia

What does a penetration tester do?

Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, perform controlled attacks on systems and applications to identify vulnerabilities. Some of the key responsibilities of a penetration tester include:

Conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration tests on networks, applications, and infrastructure
Exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access and testing the effectiveness of security measures
Documenting and reporting findings to stakeholders, along with recommendations for remediation
Collaborating with IT teams to implement security measures and ensure system resilience
Staying updated with the latest hacking techniques and security trends to enhance testing methodologies

Security Consultant: Guiding Organisations Towards Cyber Resilience

As a security consultant, you’ll be the trusted advisor for organisations, providing strategic guidance and expertise to enhance their security posture. This role requires a combination of technical know-how and strong communication skills, as you’ll be liaising with clients and helping them navigate the complex cyber security landscape. With experience and expertise, you can climb the ranks as a respected consultant and enjoy attractive remuneration for your services.

The average salary range for a security consultant is

$90,000 - 120,000

per year in Australia

What does a penetration tester do?

Security consultants play a vital role in helping organisations develop and implement effective security strategies. Some of the key responsibilities of a security consultant include:

Conducting risk assessments and gap analyses to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses
Providing recommendations for improving security frameworks, policies, and procedures
Assisting with the development and implementation of incident response plans
Conducting security awareness training and educating stakeholders on best practices
Collaborating with clients to ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and standards

The world of cyber security offers exciting and rewarding opportunities for Australians interested in studying and pursuing a career in this field. Whether you’re inclined towards becoming a security analyst, incident responder, penetration tester, or security consultant, these entry level jobs in cyber security provide competitive salaries and promising futures.

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