Information Security Engineers
O*NET 15-1299.05 · SOC 15-1299
Information Security Engineer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $117k a year with +5.1% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 27,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design and implement security controls to protect enterprise systems.
- →Evaluate new security technologies and recommend solutions for deployment.
- →Develop security architecture standards and guidelines for the organization.
- →Investigate security incidents and contain threats to minimize damage.
- →Conduct security risk assessments for new systems before deployment.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Information Security Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Information Security Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Information Security Engineer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Information Security Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Information Security Engineers is projected to grow 5.1% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·44% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Information Security Engineer make?
The median Information Security Engineer earns $117k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Information Security Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Information Security Engineer at 46 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 44% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target.
Is Information Security Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 27,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Information Security Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Information Security Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Information Security Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Information Security Engineer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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