Cybersecurity is not just a career these days, but one of the fastest growing professions in the world. Due to growing cyber threats and shortage of skilled professionals entry-level cyber security jobs 2025 have now become the most attractive career starter. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures and ISC², there is a shortage of several million cybersecurity professionals worldwide. Entry-level salaries in this sector in the UK typically start at £30,000–£40,000, while in the US they reach an average of $60,000–$70,000.

By reading this blog, you will learn what types of entry-level cybersecurity jobs are available in the UK, what cyber security skills for beginners can be learned to start a career, what the average cyber security salary in the UK might be in different countries in 2025, and how to increase job opportunities through the right courses, certifications, and experience.

What are Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs?

Entry-level cybersecurity jobs are jobs where you can start with basic security knowledge and basic skills. Such positions are typically responsible for network monitoring, risk identification, incident response, and compliance.

Some common entry-level IT security roles are:

• Cybersecurity Analyst – Identify threats by monitoring and analyzing security data.
• SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst – 24/7 network security monitoring and rapid incident response.
• Risk Analyst – Assessing potential security risks and recommending preventive measures.
• Compliance Analyst – Ensuring that the organization’s systems are compliant with regulations.
• IT Auditor – Ensuring security and compliance by reviewing systems and controls.

In reality, many students first begin this journey through internships, graduate trainee programs, or entry-level cyber jobs with no experience. Even if you don’t have hands-on experience, HND in Cybersecurity or BSc Hons Computing course like this, lab projects and certifications (like CompTIA Security+) will keep you ahead of the competition.

Simply put, entry-level cybersecurity jobs are an opportunity where you can learn, gain practical experience and progress step by step in your career.

Key Skills Needed for Entry-Level Cybersecurity Roles

Breaking into cybersecurity requires a mix of technical know-how, problem-solving ability, and industry-recognized credentials. If you’re exploring cyber security skills for beginners, here are the core areas you should focus on.

Technical Skills

Employers expect entry-level professionals to have a solid foundation in IT fundamentals and network defense. Key skills include:

• Networking Skills in Cybersecurity – Understanding TCP/IP, firewalls, VPNs, and routing helps identify threats across networks.
  
• System Administration – Knowledge of Windows, Linux, and cloud platforms is critical for managing secure systems.
  
• Security Operations Center (SOC) Tools – Familiarity with SIEM (e.g., Splunk), intrusion detection, and endpoint monitoring strengthens incident response.
  
• Risk Analysis & Vulnerability Testing – Learning to spot weaknesses and suggest fixes adds direct value to organizations.
  

These technical skills directly support roles like security analyst, SOC technician, or junior penetration tester.

Soft Skills

Cybersecurity isn’t just about tech, it’s about communication and adaptability. Employers also look for:

• Problem-Solving Mindset – Thinking critically when facing new attack vectors.
  
• Attention to Detail – Spotting anomalies others might miss.
  
• Collaboration – Working with IT, compliance, and management teams to keep systems secure.
  
• Continuous Learning – The threat landscape evolves daily, so curiosity and adaptability matter.
  

Certifications that Boost Your Career

Industry certifications signal readiness to employers. Some of the best cybersecurity certifications for entry-level include:

• CompTIA Security+ – Covers networking, cryptography, and risk management.
  
• CompTIA Network+ – Builds strong networking fundamentals.
  
• Certified Cybersecurity Entry-Level Technician (CCET) – Vendor-neutral certification for new professionals.
  
• Microsoft SC-900 or Google Cybersecurity Certificate – Employer-recognized, beginner-friendly credentials.

At JustEducated, our cybersecurity courses are designed in accordance with these industry standards. You’ll learn networking, SOC operations, and exam prep for certifications, ensuring you gain the skills employers actually want.

Top 7 Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs to Start With

If you want to start a career, this is it entry-level cyber security jobs list will give you directions. Each role will create an opportunity to utilize your learned skills and ensure step-by-step career growth.

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst monitors networks and systems, identifies potential threats, and takes preventative measures.

• Required Skills: Networking, SIEM tools, and incident response.
• average salary: £32,000–£40,000 in the UK (Glassdoor), $65,000–$75,000 in the US (ZipRecruiter).

This role is usually available as a first step after graduation or completion of certification.

SOC Analyst

SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst are 24/7 frontliners who monitor the network in real time.

• Required Skills: SIEM tools (Splunk, QRadar), malware analysis, log monitoring।
• Average salary: SOC Analyst salary UK around £30,000–£38,000 (Reed UK), US $55,000–$70,000 (Indeed). 

The ability to respond quickly is most important here.

Risk Analyst

A Risk Analyst identifies potential cyber risks to an organization and creates solutions.

• Required Skills: Risk frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST), data analysis।
• Average salary: £33,000–£42,000 in the UK, $60,000–$72,000 in the US. 

This role is more popular in the banking, finance and healthcare sectors.

Compliance Analyst

A Compliance Analyst ensures that the company is complying with laws and policies.

• Required Skills: GDPR, HIPAA, auditing knowledge।
• Average salary: £30,000–£37,000 in the UK, $58,000–$70,000 in the US.

If you have legal and regulatory interests, this role is perfect for you.

IT Auditor

IT Auditor Tests systems, networks, and software to find security gaps.

• Required Skills: Audit frameworks, reporting, risk assessment।
• Average salary: £35,000–£42,000 in the UK, $65,000–$75,000 in the US.

It can also usually be started from an accounting and finance background.

Security Consultant (Junior)

Junior Security Consultant provides security advice to clients and helps implement best practices.

• Required Skills: Networking, compliance, penetration testing basics।
• Average salary: £36,000–£45,000 in the UK, $70,000–$80,000 in the US.

This role is popular with consultancy firms and managed security service providers.

Penetration Tester (Trainee)

Trainee Penetration Tester Ethical hacking finds vulnerabilities in organisation’s systems.

• Required Skills: Python/Bash scripting, Kali Linux, ethical hacking fundamentals।
• Average salary: £30,000–£38,000 in the UK, $65,000–$72,000 in the US.

It is for those who are interested in learning practical lab projects and hacking tools.

Entry-Level Cybersecurity Salaries: What to Expect in 2025

Starting salaries for entry-level cybersecurity positions typically vary widely by geographic location, industry, and company size. Many entry-level roles in the UK start in the £30k–£40k range (there are different roles and London/non-London variations) according to Client and Job Listings. The average salary for SOC-type roles in the UK is typically ~£36k (range £29k–£46k). Bristow Holland Glassdoor

Salary in the UK

Starting salaries for entry-level cybersecurity roles in the UK vary depending on job type and location — for example, SOC Analyst or Cybersecurity Analyst positions average around £30k–£40k or in some cases higher in London (some reports mention starting positions ~£40k). Local job-portals and recruitment reports confirm this variation.

Salary in the US

Salaries for entry-level roles in the US are more variable, with starting packages typically higher in economic centers and tech hub cities. Most sources say $50k–$75k is a realistic range at entry-level, though some lists show higher averages based on specific survey materials (these factors are due to sampling and job-title variation). Candidates with certifications can usually see a quick salary increase.

Factors Influencing Salary (Location, Industry, Role, Company Size)

• Location: High-paying areas like London, New York, San Francisco etc.
• Industry: Fintech, finance and healthcare sectors typically pay more.
• Roll Specifications: SOC Analyst vs Pen Tester vs GRC (Governance/Risk/Compliance) — Technical roles sometimes have higher starting pay.
• Organizational Size and Budget: Remuneration packages and benefits are higher in larger enterprises.
• Certifications and Skills: Security+ or relevant technical certificate leads to faster salary growth.
  These factors are mentioned repeatedly in general industry reports and career guidelines.
  

How much does an entry-level cybersecurity professional earn?

• UK (Primary): ≈ £30k–£40k (Depending on role and location).
• US (Primary): ≈ $50k–$75k As realistic as the range; Larger tech-hubs may have more.

How to Land an Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job Without Experience

Below is the step-by-step roadmap — if you follow each step, the application strategy will become clear: 

Build Projects & Internships

 Project-based presentations (lab-repositories, small-scale pen-tests, configured simulated systems) and internships add real evidence to your resume and work to show in an interview. Upload simple security tools/scripts to GitHub to get started, participate in CTFs/TryHackMe/ Hack The Box, and find internships at local SMBs/NGOs. There are also apprenticeship options in the UK – check out the UK Cyber ​​Security Council’s resources to get started.

Online Courses & Bootcamps

 Bootcamps and structured courses close skill-gaps quickly and provide project-based portfolios. If you are a young professional, our HND in Cybersecurity or BSc Hons Computing Labs and assignments in courses are useful they provide relevant evidence to employers. 

Networking & LinkedIn Presence

Create a clear LinkedIn profile, project-links, concise summary and contact recruiters/alumni regularly. Attending local meetups/conferences increases opportunities. Our Employability Strategies for Recent Graduates guide contains practical tips.

Certifications Path

In the beginning, CompTIA Security+ or Network+, acquiring vendor-neutral certifications demonstrates network and basic security competencies. Then choose a specific track (Microsoft, Cisco, or cloud security) and promote. Certifications don’t directly guarantee a job if you don’t have one, but they add solidity to your resume and can usually lead to salary advancement.

Quick Roadmap (Summary — 6 steps)

1. Create mini-project+GitHub portfolio.
2. Participate regularly in TryHackMe/CTF.
3. Take the CompTIA Network+ → Security+ series.
4. Do a short internship or apprenticeship (see UK Cyber ​​Security Council resources). 
5. Optimize profile and build network on LinkedIn.
6. Follow JustEducated’s HND/BSc course or employability guide (classical CV, interview practice).

Career Growth: From Entry-Level to Senior Cybersecurity Roles

A career in cybersecurity doesn’t stop at entry-level — it’s a structured path with clear progression and rising salaries. Most professionals begin as Analysts, then move into specialised technical roles, such as security engineers, before stepping up into Managerial positions and ultimately reaching the CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) level.

• Analyst (0–2 years): Starting roles such as SOC or Cybersecurity Analyst, with UK salaries around £30K–£40K and US salaries around $60K–$70K.
  
• Engineer / Specialist (3–5 years): Roles like Security Engineer or Incident Responder, where salaries in the UK often exceed £50K, and in the US, they reach $90K+.
  
• Manager / Lead (5–10 years): Managing teams, policies, and budgets. UK averages are £65K–£80K, while US counterparts earn $120K–$140K.
  
• CISO / Senior Leadership (10+ years): Executive-level roles with strategic responsibility. In the UK, CISO salaries often exceed £100K, while in the US, they can surpass $200K depending on industry and company size.

This growth trajectory proves that education, certifications, and hands-on experience are the key drivers of promotion. With the right training, such as JustEducated’s advanced programs, you can fast-track from beginner to senior cybersecurity leadership

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with a constant demand for skilled professionals. In 2025, entry-level roles offer competitive pay, global mobility, and endless opportunities for growth. Whether you’re in the UK or planning to work abroad, starting your cybersecurity career now means stepping into a future-proof profession.

If you’re ready to study cybersecurity in the UK and build a career that combines high pay, global opportunities, and impact — this is your moment. Don’t wait for the competition to catch up.

Enroll in Just Educated’s Cybersecurity Programs today and gain the practical skills, certifications, and confidence to start your cybersecurity career in 2025.