Cybersecurity Careers You Can Get Without a Degree

Today’s cybersecurity landscape is influenced by several factors. The increasing rate of cyberattacks, the steep required skillset for cyber professionals, and the estimated 750,000 unfilled U.S. cyber careers are all creating a concerning trend across the industry: organizations are increasingly left without the cybersecurity talent they need to protect their devices, data, and employees.

This gap means that in many cases, IT certifications hold more weight than traditional degrees. Many companies prioritize skills and certifications over formal education, making it easy for professionals to break into the field.

With a variety of entry-level roles available, you can start a high-paying career with just a cybersecurity certification. Let’s explore cybersecurity career options that are available to IT professionals without a degree — and how you can find yourself fulfilling one of these positions.

Ready to build your cybersecurity career? Join QuickStart’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp and get certified today.

Benefits of Starting Cybersecurity Without a Degree

Starting a cybersecurity career without a degree offers a faster, more affordable path to high-paying jobs while focusing on practical, in-demand skills.

Let’s explore a few of the largest benefits to a cybersecurity career trajectory that doesn’t include a degree:

• Affordable Pathway: Bootcamps and certifications cost significantly less than a traditional degree.
• Growing Job Demand: Cybersecurity roles are in high demand, with employers actively seeking skilled professionals to fill workforce gaps.
• High Earning Potential: Entry-level roles start at competitive rates, with opportunities to grow to six figures with experience.
• Quick Career Start: Most certification programs can be completed in under a year, allowing you to start earning faster.
• Skill-Focused Learning: Certifications prioritize hands-on skills, real-world problem-solving, and industry-relevant knowledge rather than theoretical coursework.

A degree isn’t the only way to break into cybersecurity. By earning certifications, gaining hands-on experience, and leveraging job opportunities, you can build a successful and lucrative career in this rapidly growing field.

Invest in your future without breaking the bank — learn more about QuickStart’s Bootcamp.

Why Cybersecurity Certifications Are Enough

Cybersecurity certifications provide the practical skills and industry recognition needed to secure high-demand jobs. Many employers actively hire cybersecurity professionals with industry-recognized certifications, offering high-paying roles without requiring a degree.

Industry-Recognized Credentials

These certifications serve as industry-recognized benchmarks that demonstrate your ability to handle real-world cybersecurity challenges. Many hiring managers prioritize candidates with these credentials because they prove hands-on skills and up-to-date knowledge of security threats. 

Since cybersecurity evolves rapidly, certifications ensure professionals stay current with the latest tools and techniques, making them just as valuable as — or even more practical than — a traditional degree.

Practical, Job-Ready Skills

Unlike traditional degrees, cybersecurity certifications emphasize practical training, ensuring you can apply knowledge immediately in a job setting. Many certification programs include labs, simulations, and case studies that mirror real-world security threats. This hands-on approach helps employers trust that certified professionals can handle incidents, implement security measures, and protect systems effectively from day one.

Shorter Path to Employment

This shorter timeline allows candidates to enter the workforce quickly and start gaining hands-on experience sooner. Many certification programs also offer career support, networking opportunities, and direct connections to employers looking for skilled professionals. By bypassing the time and cost of a degree, aspiring cybersecurity professionals can secure high-paying roles much faster.

Fast-track your cybersecurity career with certifications — enroll in QuickStart’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp.

Jobs Hiring with Cybersecurity Certificates

Let’s explore a few of the most popular cybersecurity careers available to cybersecurity certification-holders.

Cybersecurity Analyst

A cybersecurity analyst detects, analyzes, and mitigates security threats to protect an organization’s digital assets. They monitor network activity, investigate incidents, and implement security measures to prevent cyberattacks. These professionals benefit from the CompTIA Security+ certification. Salaries for qualified cyber analysts typically average $111,000 per year. (Talent.com)

IT Support Specialist

An IT support specialist helps users troubleshoot technical issues, maintain system security, and ensure smooth IT operations. They diagnose hardware and software problems, implement security protocols, and provide support for network and cybersecurity-related concerns. IT support specialists often need to earn both the CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA IT Fundamentals ITF+ certifications, after which they earn an average salary of nearly $55,000 each year. (Talent.com)

Penetration Tester (Junior)

A junior penetration tester conducts simulated cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in networks, applications, and systems. They use ethical hacking techniques to assess security defenses and provide recommendations for strengthening protections. This role relies on skills originally developed in the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program. Junior penetration testers can eventually earn an average salary of $120,000 each year. (ZipRecruiter)

Network Administrator

A network administrator manages and maintains an organization’s IT infrastructure, ensuring secure and efficient network performance. They configure routers, firewalls, and servers while monitoring for security threats and troubleshooting connectivity issues. Network administrators who participate in, and pass, both the CompTIA Security+ and the CompTIA Network+ certifications are eventually eligible for this position’s $82,500 average annual salary. (Talent.com)

Incident Response Specialist

An incident response specialist investigates and mitigates cybersecurity breaches to minimize damage and prevent future attacks. They analyze threats, contain security incidents, and develop response plans to protect an organization’s digital assets. Incident response specialists often need to complete the Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) certification. They typically earn an average salary of $131,000 each year. (Talent.com)

These roles are within reach — join QuickStart’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp and start preparing for your first IT job.

How to Start Your Cybersecurity Career Without a Degree 

Breaking into cybersecurity without a degree is possible by earning industry-recognized certifications, gaining hands-on experience, and consulting the right job boards.

1. Earn a Certification

Earning certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH validates your cybersecurity knowledge and proves your ability to handle real-world threats. These credentials cover essential topics such as threat detection, incident response, and risk management, making you job-ready without needing a degree.

2. Gain Hands-On Experience

Obtain hands-on experience through bootcamps or Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions to develop your practical cybersecurity skills. Programs like QuickStart’s bootcamp provide interactive labs that simulate real-world cyber threats, preparing you for job-ready roles.

3. Build a Strong Resume

A well-crafted resume showcasing your certifications, hands-on projects, and cybersecurity skills can make you stand out to employers. Tailor your resume to each job by including relevant keywords like "threat analysis," "incident response," and "network security" to improve visibility in applicant tracking systems.

4. Leverage Job Boards

Leveraging job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and CyberSecJobs helps you find employers that value certifications over degrees. Regularly updating your profile and applying to cybersecurity roles that match your skills increases your chances of landing a job.

Get job-ready with QuickStart’s Cybersecurity certification-focused Bootcamp — enroll today.

Why Choose QuickStart’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

QuickStart’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp offers a comprehensive, flexible, and supportive approach to entering the cybersecurity field.

Here are a few notable benefits to the program:

• Career Assistance: Benefit from resume support, mock interviews, and job placement services to jumpstart your career.
• Certification Support: Access resources and guidance to earn in-demand certifications like Security+ and CEH.
• Hands-On Training: Gain practical experience with real-world labs and simulations to prepare you for the job.
• Flexible Options: Choose from part-time or full-time schedules to fit your lifestyle and learning pace.

With its practical training, certification prep, flexible learning options, and dedicated career support, QuickStart’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp is an excellent choice for those looking to break into this fast-growing industry.

Take the first step toward your cybersecurity career — join QuickStart’s Bootcamp today.

FAQs: Cybersecurity Careers Without a Degree

Consult common questions, and answers, about obtaining a career in cybersecurity without a degree.

Have more questions? Contact us to learn how QuickStart’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp can set you on the right path