As technology continues to advance and play an increasingly important role in our daily lives, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. The UK is at the forefront of the global cybersecurity industry, with a thriving ecosystem of startups, scale-ups, and established players.
In this blog, we'll explore the top jobs in cybersecurity in the UK in 2025, highlighting the most in-demand roles, the skills and qualifications required, and the average salaries.
The Top Six Jobs in Cybersecurity
1. Cybersecurity Consultant
Cybersecurity consultants work with organisations to assess their cybersecurity risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. This role requires a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, as well as excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Average salary: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum
• Required skills: CISSP, CISM, or equivalent certification; experience with risk assessments and mitigation strategies
• Job outlook: High demand, with a growth rate of 20% per annum
2. Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers, also known as pen testers, simulate cyber-attacks on an organisation's computer systems to test their defences. This role requires a strong understanding of networking protocols, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles.
• Average salary: £60,000 - £100,000 per annum
• Required skills: OSCP, CEH, or equivalent certification; experience with penetration testing tools and techniques
• Job outlook: High demand, with a growth rate of 25% per annum
3. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
The CISO is responsible for overseeing an organisation's overall cybersecurity strategy and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its data. This executive-level role requires a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, as well as excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Average salary: £120,000 - £180,000 per annum
• Required skills: CISSP, CISM, or equivalent certification; experience in a senior cybersecurity leadership role
• Job outlook: High demand, with a growth rate of 15% per annum
4. Cloud Security Architect
Cloud Security Architects design and implement secure cloud computing architectures for organisations. This role requires a deep understanding of cloud computing platforms, such as AWS or Azure, as well as excellent knowledge of cybersecurity principles.
• Average salary: £100,000 - £150,000 per annum
• Required skills: AWS Certified Security - Specialty, Azure Security Engineer Associate, or equivalent certification; experience with cloud security architecture and design
• Job outlook: High demand, with a growth rate of 25% per annum
5. Incident Responder
Incident Responders are responsible for responding to and managing cybersecurity incidents, such as data breaches or ransomware attacks. This role requires a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, as well as excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Average salary: £50,000 - £80,000 per annum
• Required skills: CISSP, CISM, or equivalent certification; experience with incident response tools and techniques
• Job outlook: High demand, with a growth rate of 20% per annum
6. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Security Specialist
AI/ML Security Specialists work to ensure the security and integrity of artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. This role requires a strong understanding of AI and ML principles, as well as excellent knowledge of cybersecurity principles.
• Average salary: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum
• Required skills: Experience with AI and ML frameworks, such as TensorFlow or PyTorch; knowledge of cybersecurity principles and threat modelling
• Job outlook: High demand, with a growth rate of 30% per annum
The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in the UK is higher than ever, with a range of exciting and challenging roles available. From cybersecurity consultants to AI/ML security specialists, these professionals play a critical role in protecting organisations from cyber threats and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, it's essential for organisations to stay ahead of the curve and attract the best talent in the industry. Whether you're an organisation looking to hire cybersecurity professionals and want to know what candidates want or an individual looking to start or advance your career in cybersecurity, we hope we have provided valuable insights into the top jobs in cybersecurity in the UK in 2025.
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