Is Cybersecurity a Good Career? 5 FAQs About the Field

UD Admissions | April 25, 2025

From pocket-sized smartphones to security systems that monitor our homes, internet-connected devices play a vital role in our daily lives. With technology woven into nearly every aspect of modern life, digital security has become a critical concern, making cybersecurity an indispensable field.

Cybersecurity is responsible for safeguarding the systems that keep us connected. With employment for cybersecurity professionals projected to grow 33% over the next decade, many are considering a career in the field. But those considerations often come with questions: Is cybersecurity competitive? Do cybersecurity jobs pay well? What do cybersecurity professionals actually do?

Here, we’ll explore some of the most commonly asked questions to help you determine if cybersecurity is a worthwhile career path.

Cybersecurity FAQs

What do cybersecurity professionals do?

Cybersecurity professionals protect sensitive data by preventing cyber attacks and recovering data when breaches occur.

Does cybersecurity pay well?

Cybersecurity specialists earn an average salary of $120,000 per year.

Is cybersecurity an oversaturated field?

Cybersecurity is incredibly in-demand, with a global deficit of over 4 million cybersecurity workers.

Will cybersecurity be replaced by AI?

No—while AI can help with task automation in cybersecurity contexts, it relies on human guidance and input to be effective.

Is a cybersecurity degree worth it?

A cybersecurity degree is still the most comprehensive path to success in the field.

1. What Do Cybersecurity Professionals Do?

At a high level, cybersecurity professionals work to protect sensitive data from cyber attacks. They create secure systems to prevent attacks and recover data when breaches occur. In addition, they test existing systems through a process known as ethical hacking to ensure those systems are secure enough to combat malicious actors.

Cybersecurity professionals are tactical problem-solvers who are constantly challenged to learn new skills and grow their knowledge base.

Learn more about the expansive career opportunities in cybersecurity by accessing our guide.

2. Does Cybersecurity Pay Well?

Due to the increasing demand for talent in the field, cybersecurity professionals can expect to receive competitive salaries and benefits. Cybersecurity specialists earn an average salary of approximately $120,000 per year, which is higher than the average tech salary today.

Additionally, the wide range of opportunities for career growth in the field is considerable. This creates the potential to receive significant salary increases in a relatively short period. The more specialized, advanced, and in-demand an individual's skills are, the more it is possible to double or triple one’s income within a few years.

3. Is Cybersecurity an Oversaturated Field?

Cybersecurity is an incredibly in-demand field that garners a lot of attention. This high level of awareness can make the talent pool appear oversaturated.

However, 2024 reports show a deficit of over 4 million cybersecurity workers globally. Due to the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing, companies are quickly realizing how understaffed and ill-equipped they are to handle growing security threats. As a result, a longstanding skills gap continues to widen, leaving many companies vulnerable to attacks. Far from being oversaturated, the cybersecurity industry needs experts to fill these vacancies.

4. Will Cybersecurity Be Replaced by AI?

Artificial intelligence can help in the automation of certain tasks, like threat detection and log analysis, but it needs human guidance to be effective. Despite its growing prevalence, AI still depends on human input, which means skilled cybersecurity professionals are needed to fill this gap.

AI fundamentally lacks what only humans possess—critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and moral courage. All of these characteristics are essential elements in managing security threats. To keep up with the rate of change, outpace malicious threats, and maintain secure systems, humans will always play a vital role in cybersecurity infrastructure.

Learn more about the skills needed for cybersecurity professionals and how to make the transition into this field.

5. Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It?

While there are varying ways to enter the field, a cybersecurity degree provides the most comprehensive path for success. In particular, a master’s in cybersecurity will set the groundwork necessary for a thriving career.

The best cybersecurity master’s programs will prepare students for industry advancement by offering real-world experiences, investing in personal growth, and immersing them in the challenges facing organizations today. An education taught by industry-leading professionals with years of expertise produces well-rounded graduates.

Learn to Lead in Cybersecurity at UDallas

The MS in Cybersecurity at the UDallas College of Business uniquely prepares students with the hard skills to advance their careers, and the character formation leads with a human-first mindset in our technology-driven world.

Through a real-world cybersecurity education taught by experienced industry professionals, graduates emerge industry-ready with a comprehensive understanding of essential topics like:

Data protection
Legal and compliance
Programming
Operational and strategic cybersecurity management
Penetration testing
Digital forensics

To discover more about the growing prevalence of AI and cybersecurity, the types of careers in the field, and how you can differentiate yourself as an ideal candidate in the job market, download our guide.