Cybersecurity Certifications for Veterans
Transitioning service members have job skills that fit well with the requirements of the cybersecurity industry. For some jobs in your military career field, certifications or specialized training may be required. Will that experience translate into a civilian career in cybersecurity? Or do you need more online training?
For those already working in that field as a servicemember, the answer may be yes. For those interested in cross-training into a new field, new certifications and experience may be needed. What kind of certifications?
We examine some key aspects of cybersecurity credentials below. This information is current at press time, but the tech industry is always evolving, and the certifications below may be revised or replaced as it changes and grows.
Cybersecurity Certifications for Veterans
There are a number of disciplines to explore within cybersecurity, including careers in cyber investigation and digital forensics, as well as web security and data privacy.
Salary and Growth Potential
The cybersecurity industry offers competitive salaries compared to the military. There are also many opportunities for advancement; veterans find that their military experience provides a strong foundation for this career path. That’s thanks in part to their military training and experiences protecting sensitive information and maintaining operational security.
Employment of information security analysts and other cybersecurity jobs is projected to grow 29 to 32 percent through 2034, a rate some feel is much faster than the average for other occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects approximately 16,000 openings each year over the decade.
Industry growth beyond 2026 is driven in part by rising cyberattacks and a broader integration of artificial intelligence into security operations.
Salary and Compensation Trends
The average yearly pay for information security analysts (in 2026) was listed at $124,000. Entry-level professionals typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000, according to similar data. Senior roles, including security architects or managers, often have salaries exceeding $200,000 a year.
Specializations in cloud security and/or artificial intelligence security offer higher earning potential. Security clearances for government or defense work can increase base pay by $15,000 to $25,000.
At press time, computer systems design and related services employ approximately 22 percent of cybersecurity professionals. Finance and insurance sectors follow at 16 percent.
When it comes to finding work in the cybersecurity field, newcomers often get creative. For example, some veterans use a recruiting agency to help them find jobs in a new career field once they are certified. Don’t overlook this as an option once your qualifications are updated.
CompTIA Security+
Earning a CompTIA Security+ credential is one way for service members to enter the civilian cybersecurity field. Having this certification proves your knowledge of security protocols and risk management.
This certification may also fulfill a requirement for Information Assurance Technical Level II positions, depending on several factors. Beyond entry-level certifications, veterans can earn advanced certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Advancing Your Career with CISSP and CEH
The CISSP certification is for managers and architects who design security systems. Earning a CISSP may require some professional experience, but military roles often provide the right background.
Another option? The Certified Ethical Hacker or CEH credential. This program teaches individuals find vulnerabilities in a computer network. Cybersecurity remains a growing field with high demand for veterans.
Military Security Clearances in the Job Market
The Department of Defense updates its requirements regularly to keep pace with new threats, and training on these threats is usually par for the course. On the inside, military members are granted security clearances to handle sensitive materials on the job.
When leaving the military, especially for those interested in cybersecurity careers, a security clearance can be an advantage in the hiring process. Don’t neglect researching how your military security clearance is valued in the cybersecurity world; you may be surprised by what you find.
Many government contractors require employees to hold both a clearance and a specific cybersecurity certification or related credentials for the appropriate jobs. And when you leave military service, it may be necessary to recertify or to update expiring certifications. To do this, you have options, including boot camps, practice tests, and study guides.
