- 1.Security Consultants earn a median salary of $120,360 with 32% projected growth and 16,800 annual openings (BLS)
- 2.Education: Bachelor's in Cybersecurity or Bachelor's in Computer Science typically required
- 3.No state licensing required; certifications like CompTIA Security+ enhance competitiveness
- 4.Top states by salary: California ($162,486), New York ($138,414), Massachusetts ($134,803), Washington ($132,396)
- 5.Process takes 4 years including education plus certification preparation
What Is a Security Consultant?
A security consultant is a professional who protects computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft, and damage to hardware, software, or data. With 175,350 jobs nationwide, this is a growing occupation with strong career prospects.
The path to becoming a security consultant typically requires Dedicated cybersecurity degree covering technical and policy aspects.. To explore cybersecurity programs, see our comprehensive rankings.
Security Consultant
SOC 15-1212What Does a Security Consultant Do? Key Responsibilities
Security Consultants perform a wide range of duties depending on their work setting and specialization. Core responsibilities include:
- Monitor systems for security breaches and investigate violations
- Install and maintain security software and firewalls
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
- Develop security policies and procedures
- Respond to and remediate security incidents
- Train employees on security awareness
How to Become a Security Consultant: Step-by-Step Guide
Total Time: 4 yearsComplete Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
Dedicated cybersecurity degree covering technical and policy aspects.
- Focused curriculum
- Industry-aligned
- Growing program availability
Build Technical Skills
Develop hands-on skills through projects, internships, or bootcamps.
- Complete personal projects
- Contribute to open source
- Build a portfolio
Earn Relevant Certifications
Earn certifications like CompTIA Security+ to enhance your credentials.
- CompTIA Security+ - $392
- CISSP - $749
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) - $1,199
Gain Entry-Level Experience
Start your career in an entry-level security consultant position to build practical experience.
- Apply for entry-level positions
- Seek mentorship from experienced professionals
- Build your professional network
- Document your accomplishments
Pursue Specialization & Advancement
Specialize in high-demand areas and pursue leadership opportunities.
- Identify specialization areas
- Pursue advanced certifications
- Consider graduate education
- Develop leadership skills
Security Consultant Education Requirements: Degrees & Programs
Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
4 yearsDedicated cybersecurity degree covering technical and policy aspects.
Advantages
- Focused curriculum
- Industry-aligned
- Growing program availability
Considerations
- Newer programs may lack maturity
- Less flexibility than CS degree
Bachelor's in Computer Science
4 yearsBroader technical foundation with security electives.
Advantages
- Versatile career options
- Strong programming foundation
- Well-established programs
Considerations
- May need additional security training
- Less security-specific content
Security Consultant Certifications: Required & Recommended
While not required, certifications can increase salary by $5,000-$15,000 annually and demonstrate expertise.
Recommended Specializations
CompTIA Security+
CompTIAEntry-level security certification covering foundational concepts.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
EC-CouncilValidates penetration testing and ethical hacking skills.
Security Consultant Skills: What You Need to Succeed
Successful security consultants combine strong technical competencies with interpersonal skills.
Technical Skills
Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and network architecture.
Identifying and analyzing security threats and vulnerabilities.
Handling security incidents and breaches.
Ethical hacking and vulnerability assessment.
Knowledge Areas
NIST, ISO 27001, CIS Controls, and compliance frameworks.
Securing cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Security Consultant Career Path: Entry to Senior
The security consultant career path offers diverse opportunities for advancement. Most professionals start in entry-level roles before advancing to senior positions or specializing.
- Junior Analyst (Entry Level): Security monitoring and incident response. Salary: $84,252-$102,306.
- Security Consultant (2-4 years): Independent security analysis. Median salary: $120,360.
- Senior Security Consultant (5-7 years): Leading security initiatives. Salary: $144,432-$168,504.
- Security Architect (8+ years): Security strategy and architecture. Salary: $168,504-$192,576.
- CISO (10+ years): Executive security leadership. Salary: $216,648+.
Security Consultant Salary by State: What Security Consultants Earn
Top Employers Hiring Security Consultants by State
California
CAVirginia
VAMaryland
MDTexas
TXNew York
NYSecurity Consultant Job Outlook: Growth & Opportunities
Security Consultant employment is projected to grow 32% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. About 16,800 job openings are expected each year.
Strong demand is driven by increasing cyber threats, data privacy regulations, and the need to protect digital infrastructure. Professionals with advanced certifications and specialized skills will have the strongest job prospects.
Best Cybersecurity Programs
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into cybersecurity careers. For those considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
- Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
- Self-taught developers seeking structured training
- Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Cybersecurity demand is massive—skills shortage works in your favor
- Certifications (Security+, CEH) often included in programs
- Hands-on labs with real security tools and simulations
- Many entry paths: SOC analyst, pentesting, GRC compliance
- High-paying field once you get your foot in the door
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Entry-level security often requires IT/networking experience first
- Certifications matter more than bootcamp credentials in security
- SOC analyst burnout is real—long hours monitoring alerts
- Many roles require security clearances, limiting options
- Bootcamp may not teach offensive security depth for pentesting
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Programs for Cybersecurity careers:
- Cybersecurity Career Track
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More Bootcamp Resources
Security Consultant FAQs: Requirements, Salary & Career
Data Sources
Job outlook, education requirements, and employment data for security consultants
Wage and employment data by state and metro area
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.