Vulnerability assessors apply advanced knowledge of cyberthreats and hacking techniques to help clients and employers protect valuable information. Observers often quote the saying \"it takes a thief to catch a thief\" when describing their job duties.<\/p>\r\n
Vulnerability assessment specialists draw on the same tactics cybercriminals use to breach systems. However, they use those skills to protect rather than attack.<\/p>\r\n
As of June 2022, Cyberseek estimated the U.S. cybersecurity workforce at over one million people<\/a>. The organization also reported nearly 600,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs across the country. These statistics align with broader trends, which point to a global shortage<\/a> of qualified cybersecurity professionals.<\/p>\r\n This is good news for aspiring vulnerability assessors. The U.S. and international labor markets are hungry for capable professionals and job prospects look bright.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Vulnerability assessors occupy important roles in cybersecurity teams. Their main duties focus on testing networks and systems for security flaws. Vulnerability assessors also perform security audits and track their findings in detailed reports.<\/p>\r\n Most vulnerability assessors work in a branch of cybersecurity known as security information and event management (SIEM). Other SIEM roles include penetration testers, threat intelligence specialists, and cybersecurity engineers. Together, SIEM teams build and maintain the cybersecurity systems businesses use to safeguard sensitive data.<\/p>\r\n Vulnerability assessors often work for cybersecurity consulting firms and technology services companies. Some hold full-time positions with organizations that have ongoing cybersecurity needs. Examples include government agencies<\/a> and financial institutions. Assessors can also work on a freelance basis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.<\/p>\n \n The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes vulnerability assessors within the broader category of information security analysts. BLS data<\/a> from May 2021 suggests these professionals earn the most in areas with well-established tech sectors. Examples of these regions include California's Silicon Valley, New York's Tech Valley, and Virginia's Dulles Technology Corridor.<\/p>\r\n Payscale specifically tracks nationwide salary data for vulnerability assessors and other cybersecurity specializations<\/a>. The site regularly updates vulnerability assessor salary information to reflect changing pay rates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n \r\n $84,000<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Average Annual Salary of Vulnerability Assessors, June 2022<\/p>\r\n Source: Payscale<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n As in most professional roles, vulnerability assessors usually see their salaries rise over the course of their careers. Earnings tend to keep pace with experience: the more experience, the higher the salary.<\/p>\r\n Some vulnerability assessors advance to higher-level roles in cybersecurity management<\/a> as they develop skills over time. For instance, technical knowledge, professional certifications, and\/or advanced degrees can help assessors move into security architect positions. Such a shift can increase a vulnerability assessor's salary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat Does a Vulnerability Assessor Do?<\/h2>\r\n
Top Online Programs<\/h2>\n \n
How Much Does a Vulnerability Assessor Make?<\/h2>\r\n
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\r\n Average Salary for Vulnerability Assessors by Experience<\/h3>\r\n