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Computer & Math · Usually needs a bachelor's degree

Information Security Engineers

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Also called: AI Security Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Security Specialist), Application Security Administrator (Application Security Admin), Application Security Engineer, Automotive Security Engineer, BISO (Business Information Security Officer), Cloud Engineer

Is this career right for me?

Median pay

$116,580

Pay for the broader BLS group “Computer Occupations, All Other”

Pay range (10th–90th)

$55,940 – $188,470

People employed

435,370

Whole BLS group

Holland code

CIR

Conventional · Investigative · Realistic

Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers

Is this career right for you?

These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.

  1. 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
  2. 2.Do you want a job with little physical risk?

The hard parts

  • Tight deadlines are common

Information Security Engineers pay by state

Highest-paying states

District of Columbia$156,590
Maryland$144,680
Colorado$139,580
Virginia$139,030
Delaware$137,470

Lowest-paying states

Tennessee$76,470
Louisiana$77,000
North Dakota$78,330

Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Computer Occupations, All Other”.

Information Security Engineers salary in every state →

What information security engineers do

  1. 01Identify security system weaknesses, using penetration tests.
  2. 02Coordinate monitoring of networks or systems for security breaches or intrusions.
  3. 03Assess the quality of security controls, using performance indicators.
  4. 04Train staff on, and oversee the use of, information security standards, policies, and best practices.
  5. 05Scan networks, using vulnerability assessment tools to identify vulnerabilities.
  6. 06Develop response and recovery strategies for security breaches.

Skills that matter most

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking

Knowledge

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • English Language
  • Telecommunications
  • Customer and Personal Service

Work styles that stand out

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Cautiousness
  • Intellectual Curiosity

Education and first steps

Less than a High School Diploma5%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)5%
Post-Secondary Certificate16%
Some College Courses11%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
Bachelor's Degree47%
Post-Master's Certificate5%

Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.

How people get started

  • Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
  • Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
  • On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
  • A professional certification is often expected.

Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.

Interest fit (Holland code)

Realistic4.30
Investigative5.54
Artistic1.33
Social1.83
Enterprising2.66
Conventional6.06

O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.

Career changes

Change from information security engineers

See all jobs for former information security engineers →

Change into information security engineers

Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).

Jobs similar to information security engineers →

Majors that lead here

  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology Project Management
  • Bioinformatics
  • Computational Biology
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Accounting and Computer Science
  • Computational Science
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics

From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.

Free help near you

You can get free career counseling, job search help and, if you qualify, help paying for training through American Job Centers, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Find an American Job CenterFind training programs

Links go to CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Keep exploring

Sources. O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0): description, tasks, skills, knowledge, work styles, education, interests and work context. Pay and employment: BLS OEWS May 2025 (national and state). Majors: NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Data Sources & Licenses