Cyber Security Jobs 2025: Complete UK Career & Salary Guide

Interested in Cyber security jobs ? The cyber security job market is booming in 2025, with UK organisations desperately seeking skilled professionals to defend against evolving threats. This comprehensive guide explores cyber security careers, salaries, and qualifications needed for success in 2025 and beyond.

UK Cyber Security Job Market 2025: Key Statistics

Top Cyber Security Jobs 2025:
Salaries and Requirements

Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs Explained

1. Junior SOC Analyst

• What They Do: Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts are the frontline defenders who monitor networks for suspicious activity. Think of them as security guards who watch digital CCTV systems, investigate alerts, and respond to potential break-ins.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Monitor security alerts from various systems
  • Investigate suspicious activities
  • Document security incidents
  • Follow playbooks for responding to common threats
• Required Skills: Basic understanding of networks, operating systems, and security concepts
• London Salary: £35,000-£42,000
• Regional Salary: £28,000-£35,000
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: Provides hands-on experience with security tools and real-world threats in a structured environment

2. Information Security Analyst

• What They Do: Security analysts assess and protect information systems by identifying vulnerabilities and recommending improvements. They’re like home inspectors who check for security weaknesses.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Conduct security assessments
  • Analyse security policies
  • Test security controls
  • Report findings to management
• Required Skills: Understanding of security principles, basic technical knowledge, analytical mindset
• London Salary: £32,000-£40,000
• Regional Salary: £27,000-£35,000
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: Offers broad exposure to different security concepts without requiring deep technical expertise

3. IT Support with Security Focus

• What They Do: These professionals handle traditional IT support while focusing on security best practices. They help users stay secure while solving technical problems.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Resolve user security issues
  • Enforce security policies
  • Update and patch systems
  • Educate users on security practices
• Required Skills: Customer service skills, technical troubleshooting, basic security awareness
  • London Salary: £28,000-£35,000
  • Regional Salary: £24,000-£30,000
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: Allows you to leverage existing IT skills while developing security expertise

Mid-Level Cyber Security Careers 2025

1. Security Operations Team Lead

• What They Do: Team leads manage a group of SOC analysts, coordinate responses to complex incidents, and improve security processes. They’re the shift supervisors of the security operations center.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Oversee analyst team activities
  • Handle escalated security incidents
  • Develop response procedures
  • Report to senior management
• Required Experience: 3-5 years in security operations
• Required Certifications: CISSP, CISM, or equivalent
• London Salary: £55,000-£70,000
• Regional Salary: £45,000-£60,000
• Career Progression From: Junior SOC Analyst → SOC Analyst → Team Lead

2. Cyber Security Engineer

• What They Do: Security engineers design and implement technical solutions to protect digital assets. They’re the architects and builders of security systems.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Design security architectures
  • Implement security controls
  • Automate security processes
  • Maintain security infrastructure
• Required Experience: 3-5 years in IT with security focus
• Key Skills: Cloud security (AWS/Azure), scripting/programming, security architecture
• London Salary: £60,000-£80,000
• Regional Salary: £50,000-£65,000
• Career Progression From: System Administrator → Security Administrator → Security Engineer

3. Penetration Tester

• What They Do: Pen testers attempt to hack into systems (with permission) to identify vulnerabilities before real attackers do. They’re ethical hackers who help organisations strengthen defenses.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Conduct authorised hacking attempts
  • Document security weaknesses
  • Recommend security improvements
  • Demonstrate exploitation techniques
• Required Experience: 2-4 years in technical IT roles
• Key Skills: Ethical hacking techniques, programming basics, creative problem-solving
• London Salary: £55,000-£75,000
• Regional Salary: £45,000-£65,000
• Career Progression From: Security Analyst → Junior Penetration Tester → Penetration Tester

Senior Cyber Security Positions 2025

1. Head of Information Security

• What They Do: These leaders develop and oversee the entire security strategy for an organisation. They balance security needs with business objectives.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Develop security strategies
  • Manage security budgets
  • Lead security teams
  • Report to executives
• Required Experience: 7-10 years in security roles
• Key Skills: Leadership, risk management, business understanding, communication
• London Salary: £90,000-£130,000
• Regional Salary: £75,000-£110,000
• Career Progression From: Security Manager → Deputy CISO → Head of Information Security

2. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

• What They Do: CISOs are executive-level leaders responsible for an organisation’s overall security vision and strategy. They’re the ultimate security decision-makers.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Set security vision and strategy
  • Advise board members
  • Oversee security investments
  • Ensure regulatory compliance
• Required Experience: 10+ years with 5+ in leadership
• Key Skills: Executive presence, strategic thinking, risk management, business acumen
• London Salary: £120,000-£200,000+
• Regional Salary: £100,000-£150,000+
• Career Progression From: Head of Security → Deputy CISO → CISO

Emerging Cyber Security Jobs 2025

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Security Specialist

• What They Do: These specialists secure artificial intelligence (AI) systems and use AI to enhance security. They protect and leverage machine learning technologies.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Secure AI systems and data
  • Develop AI-based security tools
  • Identify AI-specific vulnerabilities
  • Monitor for AI-based attacks
• Required Skills: Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) knowledge, security principles, programming
• Average Salary: £70,000-£90,000
• Why It’s Growing: As organisations increasingly rely on AI, protecting these systems becomes critical

2. Cloud Security Architect

• What They Do: Cloud security architects design secure environments across cloud platforms. They ensure data and applications in the cloud remain protected.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Design secure cloud architectures
  • Implement cloud security controls
  • Develop cloud security policies
  • Monitor cloud environments
• Required Skills: Deep knowledge of major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Average Salary: £85,000-£110,000
• Why It’s Growing: Cloud adoption continues to accelerate, creating huge demand for cloud security expertise

3. Internet of Things (IoT) Security Expert

• What They Do: These experts secure Internet of Things devices, from smart home products to industrial systems. They protect the rapidly growing network of connected devices.
• Daily Tasks:
  • Assess IoT device security
  • Develop IoT security standards
  • Test connected systems
  • Respond to IoT-specific threats
• Required Skills: Embedded systems knowledge, networking, RF communications
• Average Salary: £65,000-£85,000
• Why It’s Growing: The explosion of connected devices creates new security challenges

Essential Certifications for Cyber Security Jobs 2025

For Beginners

• CompTIA Security+ – Excellent foundation certification
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Great for those interested in offensive security
• SANS GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) – Comprehensive security fundamentals

For Advancing Professionals

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – Gold standard for security professionals
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) – Focused on management aspects
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) – Great for those interested in offensive security

UK-Specific Qualifications

• NCSC-Certified Degrees – UK government recognised education
• CyberFirst Programme – Government-backed education initiative
• UK Cyber Security Council Certifications – UK-specific professional recognition

Conclusion

The cyber security field offers exciting opportunities for newcomers in 2025, with clear career paths, competitive salaries, and strong demand across all industries. Whether you’re technically-minded or business-focused, there’s a role that matches your skills and interests.

By understanding the various roles, required skills, and career progression options, you can chart your course in this rewarding field, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Don’t forget to check out my other post “Top 5 Cyber Security Training Platforms for 2025” to help you find the cyber security of your dreams.

Key takeaways:

• Entry-level positions start at £28,000+ with minimal experience
• Certifications help demonstrate knowledge to employers
• Multiple entry paths exist, including formal education and self-study
• Continuous learning is essential in this rapidly evolving field
• Strong growth is projected to continue through 2026 and beyond