APEX

Cybersecurity Analyst

Defend systems by monitoring threats, hardening configurations, and responding to incidents.

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adjacent pathchallenging64 live opportunities

Fit

58

Time to qualify

10 mo

cost ~$750

Local salary

$80k – $115k

remote up to $130k

Why this path fits you

Explainable signals from your profile.

  • Demand is high and rising — even adjacent backgrounds can break in via SOC or GRC roles.
  • Your documentation discipline maps well to GRC work.

Market Value Radar · Cybersecurity Analyst

Austin, TX

high confidenceUpdated Apr 15, 2026
Local market$80k – $115k
Remote benchmark$90k – $130k
National benchmark$85k – $125k

Entry

$65k – $85k

Mid

$95k – $130k

Senior

$130k – $180k

Total comp

$90k – $145k

Hourly equivalent

$38–$60/hr

Cost-of-living

Index 102 (US avg = 100)

5-yr growth

+14%

Beyond base: Shift differentials common in 24/7 SOC roles.

Estimate, not a guarantee. Salary ranges are estimates, not guarantees. Compensation varies by employer, experience, benefits, negotiation, and market conditions. Mock data sources: Mock BLS extract, Mock Lightcast extract.

Skill map

28% overlap with your current profile.

You already have

  • Attention to detail
  • Process documentation
  • Stakeholder communication

Skills to add

  • Networking fundamentals
  • Linux
  • SIEM tooling
  • Incident response basics

30-day plan

Lay the foundation.

  1. 1Start Google Cybersecurity certificate
  2. 2Set up a basic home lab
  3. 3Read the Defender's Mindset chapter from a SOC analyst guide

90-day plan

Ship and apply.

  1. 1Pass Security+ exam
  2. 2Complete 10 TryHackMe rooms
  3. 3Apply to SOC Tier 1 / GRC entry roles

One-year growth projection

SOC Tier 1 or GRC analyst at $70k–$95k, with strong climb to mid-level in 18 months.

Projection is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Actual outcomes depend on market, employer, and effort.

Matched opportunities

Hand-picked for the Cybersecurity Analyst path.

All opportunities →
  • Certification

    Google Cybersecurity Certificate

    Coursera / Google · Online · Remote-friendly

    68

    Fit

    Why this: Covers networking + Linux fundamentals you currently lack. Part of a stretch path you flagged interest in.

    ~5 months at 7 hrs/week$200Cybersecurity Analyst