Cybersecurity Jobs in Government: 8 Roles to Consider

Demand for cybersecurity professionals is high. In fact, the International Information System Security Certification Consortium identified a 4.8 million-person supply gap for skilled cybersecurity workers in 2024 [1]. Not only is demand outpacing supply, but the need continues to grow. 

Learn more about cybersecurity jobs in government, why you might want one, and how to advance your career prospects.

Why choose a cybersecurity career in government?

In cybersecurity, you’ll typically find more entry-level jobs than people available to fill them in the public and private sectors. That makes finding a cybersecurity job with the government easier and heightens your job security. If you pursue cybersecurity and agree to work with the government in advance, you could benefit from a CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program. Otherwise, you may benefit from loan forgiveness offered to those who enter the public sector after graduation through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Working for the government may also provide you with meaningful opportunities to feel a sense of purpose. You’ll know that your work is helping your community, whether at the local or national level. 

You’ll also typically earn more in a cybersecurity role and have greater job security than in other technology jobs.

What does the government do for cybersecurity?

The government plays a role in cybersecurity by investigating malicious online activity and implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols. Several agencies within the Department of Homeland Security play direct roles in cybersecurity, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB), and the United States Secret Service (USCG).

8 types of cybersecurity jobs in the government 

Cybersecurity professionals in government jobs help protect critical services and civic stability. Whether looking at the local, state, or federal level, you’ll find many cutting-edge cybersecurity job opportunities in technology with the government.

1. Software developer

Average annual salary (US): $95,202 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [3]

As a software developer in the public sector, you’ll design computer applications and programs. Analyzing user needs and cybersecurity functions, your role is to design, plan, recommend, and develop software that reduces risk.

2. Cybersecurity analyst

Average annual salary (US): $103,826 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [5]

Cybersecurity analysts protect the government’s networks and systems. You’ll get to know the software and hardware so that you can manage and maintain it. You’ll also have to monitor for potential vulnerabilities and work to prevent attacks.

3. Information security analyst

Average annual salary (US): $110,420 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [5]

Information security analysts look for signs of security vulnerabilities or incidents. You’ll monitor and analyze the network and systems to recognize any potential threats or illicit activity. Some other common duties include researching, documenting, and reporting on information security. 

4. Computer scientist

Average annual salary (US): $138,347 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 26 percent [8]

If you want to research new and innovative ways to use computing technology, a computer scientist job could suit you. Working in cybersecurity as a computer scientist, you could also play a role in creating new information security standards.

5. Database administrator

Average annual salary (US): $89,896 [9]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 9 percent [10]

Database administrators set up and manage the systems the government uses to store and secure its data. You’ll need to know how to back up and query data and support business continuity.

6. Systems developer

Average annual salary (US): $99,377 [11]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 11 percent for computer industry jobs at large [12] 

A systems developer works to create efficient systems. You’ll design, develop, test, and evaluate hardware and systems that meet users’ needs. Part of your job will involve authentication, access control, and other security procedures. Most of your tasks will be performed in the backend and system coding.

7. Data analyst

Average annual salary (US): $73,709 [13]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 36 percent for data scientist jobs [14]

Data analysts leverage different data sources to gather insights. Specifically, in a cybersecurity role, you can expect to model, mine, research, and report on data and processes related to securing data, access, and workflows.

8. Digital forensics examiner

Average annual salary (US): $78,365 [15]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 11 percent for computer industry jobs at large [12] 

In a digital forensics role, you’ll work to understand how an attack happened and its breadth. You’ll also gather evidence to identify the bad actor, which can lead to prosecution. You'll be trained to understand methods to recover data from mobile devices, computers, and media storage. In this role, you may work for law enforcement agencies and government entities.

How to get a government job in cybersecurity

The skills, education, and experience needed for a cybersecurity job in government can vary greatly. Still, the following elements could help you launch your career or stand out in the selection process.

Education

It'll be helpful to have an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity, computer information systems, or a related technology field. Some positions will also require a graduate degree in cybersecurity. 

One starting point could be to attend one of the nearly 400 schools identified as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) programs. The National Science Foundation’s CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program also aims to help community college students work in cybersecurity for the government. 

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) Education and Training catalog also helps you find courses that can help you develop your cybersecurity skills. 

Since cybersecurity work doesn’t always involve direct technological skills, you could also find a role in the field with a communications, budget and finance, or legislative affairs background.

Skills

The breadth of skills you could apply in a cybersecurity role is expansive. You will need both technical and workplace skills. What’s required will vary depending on your responsibilities and job description. Technical skills you may encounter include:

• Ability to code in several languages 

• Understanding of programming and database languages

• Knowledge of access management

• Awareness of governance and regulatory structures

• Experience with antivirus protections and ways to secure network access

• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

Among the common workplace skills, employers will look for strong communication and research skills, an interest in continued learning, adaptability, creative problem-solving, and the ability to work well in teams.

Security clearances

All government jobs require some level of security clearance. When applying for a federal job, the level of your cybersecurity role will dictate the level of the background check.

Boot camps

Boot camp programs can generally help you quickly develop relevant skills for a cybersecurity career. These intensive, accelerated learning experiences typically give you access to experts in the field and hands-on training. 

Certifications 

When seeking a career in cybersecurity, you could also benefit from a certification program. Some industry-related certifications to consider include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) helps advanced professionals demonstrate their security and risk management expertise. 

• CompTIA Security+ is for early-stage professionals who want to show they have a basic understanding of threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities; technologies and tools; architecture and design; identity and access management; risk management; and cryptography and public key infrastructure.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), for more advanced professionals, allows you to demonstrate your ability to find vulnerabilities bad actors might leverage. 

• AWS Certified Security - Specialty lets early-stage professionals prove their expertise in designing and implementing security solutions.

Build in-demand skills to prepare for cybersecurity jobs in the government on Coursera

Begin preparing for a cybersecurity career in government with the Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization from NYU on Coursera. Other useful options for beginners to start learning include Google’s Foundations of Cybersecurity course or the AWS Fundamentals Specialization on Coursera. These programs cover cybersecurity fundamentals and why it's important to protect organizations from cyber threats.