Cybersecurity Jobs in Chicago

Key takeaways

With a large population, a strong economy, and initiatives to support cybersecurity state-wide, you can find many cybersecurity jobs in Chicago.

• Chicago cybersecurity jobs include roles such as penetration tester, cloud security specialist, cybersecurity analyst, ethical hacker, and identity and access management architect.

• Entry-level cybersecurity jobs in Chicago and elsewhere will likely require skills in communication and problem-solving as well as knowledge of coding, operating systems, penetration testing, and risk assessment.

• You can prepare for a cybersecurity job in Chicago or anywhere around the country by earning a degree, gaining experience, participating in boot camps, or earning certification.

Discover the types of cybersecurity jobs in Chicago and learn about the skills that can help you obtain a role, as well as options for gaining these skills. To learn in-demand skills that can help you prepare for a role in cybersecurity, enroll in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate program, where you can gain experience with tools including Bash, Linux, and Python.

Why choose a cybersecurity career in Chicago?

Due to its size and strong economy, Chicago offers many cybersecurity jobs you can explore. Chicago is the third-most populous city in the US [1] and is a prime location to pursue cybersecurity jobs. The increasing use of technology across organizations today has resulted in a surge of professions tailored to provide security for devices and their data. Companies understand the importance of employing qualified experts to protect their resources and prevent cybercrimes. 

Additionally, with 30 percent of respondents to the 2025 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study citing the inability to find people with the skills they need as the leading cause of skills shortages in the industry, the need for skilled cybersecurity workers is apparent [2]. With a high demand for these careers, you can explore a cybersecurity career path that fits your desires and skill set across various businesses in Chicago.

As a major hub of global business, Chicago will likely see an increase in demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals to manage its quickly evolving cybersecurity needs. The city also benefits from initiatives spearheaded by the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, such as the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), which awards grants to eligible entities to address cybersecurity risks and threats to Illinois state, local, and tribal governments [3]. The city's abundance of present industries and companies allows you to pursue your interests and focus on a pathway that matches your skill set. 

Cybersecurity jobs: Chicago, IL

You can expect demand for jobs in cybersecurity to grow much faster than average. From 2024 to 2034, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects cybersecurity jobs will see job growth of 29 percent, well beyond the average of 3 percent growth for all jobs in the US [4]. Below are a few examples of cybersecurity careers you can pursue in Chicago.

* All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of February 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

1. Penetration tester

Median total pay in Chicago (Glassdoor): $153,000 [5]

Penetration testers work to locate and fix security weaknesses within an organization's systems and devices. These roles are increasingly prevalent in industries where sensitive data is frequently dealt with. The duties of this role are similar to those of an ethical hacker.

2. Cloud security specialist

Median total pay in the US (Glassdoor): $142,000 [6]

This role deals with various cloud services and platforms to identify security weaknesses and build solutions to enhance an organization's overall system security. Once a cloud system is running, the security specialist is tasked with tracking potential threats and helping to respond to security situations. 

3. Incident response engineer

Median total pay in the US (Glassdoor): $138,000 [7]

Incident response engineers are on the front lines of handling cybersecurity threats using forensics to secure cloud systems. Other tasks may include auditing an organization’s security and testing system weaknesses through vulnerability testing.

4. Cybersecurity analyst

Median total pay in Chicago (Glassdoor): $142,000 [8]

Analysts in cybersecurity specialize in identifying cyber threats and stopping attacks from occurring on the infrastructure and systems of a company. They'll analyze vulnerabilities, build software tools to aid in protection, and maintain security protocols. 

5. Ethical hacker

Median total pay in Chicago (Glassdoor): $189,000 [9]

Ethical hackers perform penetration testing on an organization's computer systems to find areas that hackers may potentially target. In this role, you will conduct security-focused assessments and model threats to advise your employer on where to direct improvement efforts.

6. Identity and access management architect

Median total pay in the US (Glassdoor): $146,000 [10]

These roles create and implement systems for organizations that manage users' access to internal resources and data, such as single sign-on (SSO) applications. Identity and access management architects identify weaknesses by conducting user testing to boost the security of systems and the data contained within them. 

How much do cybersecurity jobs pay in Chicago?

According to Glassdoor, the median annual total pay for a cybersecurity specialist in Chicago is $158,000. This figure includes additional pay such as bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing. The total pay for entry-level cybersecurity specialists (0 to 1 year of experience) is $118,000, while a senior-level position (7 to 9 years of experience) is $149,000 [11].

Essential skills for cybersecurity jobs

Careers in the cybersecurity industry demand a particular set of technical and workplace skills. To stand out during the application process, refining your skill set and building in areas where you may be lacking is a great way to give yourself an edge over other candidates. Below are some necessary workplace and technical skills for cybersecurity jobs. 

Communication

As with many jobs, employers desire candidates with strong communication skills. For the cybersecurity industry, having verbal and written communication skills can increase your perceived value to a potential organization. When handling security threats, you need to explain issues or the pathway to a possible solution to coworkers who may not share the same technical understanding.

Problem-solving 

As a cybersecurity professional, you constantly alter how you discover potential threats to your network and defend against these attackers. Having the agility to tackle new challenges requires creative problem-solving with critical thinking as part of your routine. 

Coding 

As a cybersecurity professional, dealing with applications on the web and various online sources exposes you to different programming languages. Coding and programming languages are a core skill in cybersecurity because you use them to protect an organization's systems from attacks. Languages you may want to learn include HTML, CSS, C#, C++, Python, Java, and MySQL.

Operating systems

As a cybersecurity professional, you assess the security risks of all operating systems. Having a strong knowledge of the various systems you can handle will allow you to be prepared for stressful situations. Operating systems to become familiar with include macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. 

Penetration testing 

Many cybersecurity roles involve conducting penetration testing, which can be required for many cybersecurity specialists. With experience in penetration testing, you can provide value to an organization by testing its systems for vulnerabilities and advising them on what areas need upgrades to defend against hackers. 

Risk assessment

A core part of cybersecurity jobs is mitigating risk by finding weaknesses in systems to prevent various threats. By understanding your organization's risks, you can determine which strategies may help stop potential attacks. Conducting thorough risk assessments may also be part of your job in cybersecurity. These help you find the most detrimental vulnerabilities within a system to focus on.

Additional skills

Additional workplace skills common in the cybersecurity industry include:

• Critical thinking

• Attention to detail

• Adaptability

• Collaboration

Beyond the technical skills already described, here are some additional skills and knowledge you should have:

• Security information and event management (SIEM)

• Computer science fundamentals

• Hacking

• Computer forensics

• Security auditing

• Cloud security

How to gain the skills you need for cybersecurity jobs in Chicago

With a growing demand and lucrative salaries, cybersecurity jobs require specific skills to succeed. Understanding how to acquire these skills through education, experience, boot camps, and certifications is a great place to start your journey into pursuing these roles. 

Education 

Professionals in cybersecurity typically have a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or another related subject, such as computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity operations, and others. However, it is possible to land a cybersecurity job with an associate degree or no related degree. Two-year associate degree programs help you gain the proper skills to attain entry-level positions. If you do not have a degree, gaining relevant experience or completing boot camps and certifications can give you the proper qualifications. 

As you progress through your career, completing a master’s degree could allow you to reach a senior-level cybersecurity role. Companies tend to look at candidates with master’s degrees for positions where you may be in charge of teaching other professionals cybersecurity skills or dealing with public policy in some fashion.

Read more: Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?

Experience

It is common for employers looking to hire cybersecurity professionals to prefer candidates with some experience in the field. Gaining relevant experience through internships is a great option to begin your career. Many industries offer cybersecurity internships, even companies that are not technology-focused. 

If you are already a professional in a different type of role, your current experience may be applicable to help you qualify for a cybersecurity job. Transitioning from another career path is not uncommon for cybersecurity workers today. Examples of other disciplines with relevant experience include information technology (IT), software development, systems engineering, security, and more. 

Boot camps

Completing a cybersecurity boot camp is another great way to gain the necessary skills for cybersecurity jobs. These boot camps can help you prepare to pursue entry-level roles within a year due to the exposure they give you to industry experts and real-life scenarios to gain a full understanding of important concepts. Full-time workers looking to alter career paths into cybersecurity find value in boot camps because they allow you to handle your day job in parallel with pursuing professional development in cybersecurity.

Certifications

Certifications offer a great way to gain the skills to land your first cybersecurity role and advance within the industry. Many jobs within the cybersecurity industry mandate a certification to qualify.

Completing certifications usually requires passing a test and meeting professional work experience criteria. Having certifications when applying for jobs allows you to show employers that you have gained the proper skill set and knowledge in the required disciplines to be successful in a cybersecurity role. Many certifications exist for you to pursue, but a few of the top options offered today include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This certification is designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals who want to showcase their knowledge in security practices and principles.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Earning this credential proves to employers your expertise and ability to audit, monitor, and assess IT and business systems.

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): This certification validates your ability to gauge risks, respond to incidents, and provide good leadership. The CISM ensures that you're updated on security threats and industry requirements.

Stay in the loop on career trends and tips

Discover fresh insights into your career or learn about trends in your industry by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. For more cybersecurity career resources, check out these free guides:

• Prepare for interviews: Cybersecurity Interview Preparation

• Take a quiz: Cybersecurity Career Quiz: Is It Right for You? Find Out in 1 Minute

• Discover certificate options: Compare Your Options to Find the Right Cybersecurity Credential for You on Coursera

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