Cybersecurity vs IT Degree: Which Tech Degree Pays More

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Long read

Cybersecurity and IT degrees overlap on foundations like networking and operating systems, but diverge sharply on career trajectory, pay, and certification expectations. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to defend systems or operate them.

Cybersecurity vs IT: curriculum, certs, and pay

At-a-Glance Comparison

DimensionCybersecurity DegreeIT DegreeTypical length4 years (BS) or 2 years (AS)4 years (BS) or 2 years (AS)Typical cost$40,000–$90,000$30,000–$80,000Key certificationsSecurity+, CySA+, CISSP, OSCPNetwork+, CCNA, Azure/AWSMedian pay$120,360 (info security analyst)$95,380 (network/systems admin)Projected growth33% through 20342–5% through 2034

Cybersecurity Degree: Curriculum, Time, and Cost

Cybersecurity degrees combine foundational IT with focused coursework in network security, cryptography, incident response, and offensive/defensive techniques. BLS reports information security analysts at $120,360 median with 33% projected growth — one of the fastest among all occupations.

Entry-level roles usually still start in IT or SOC Tier-1 positions. Upward movement accelerates with Security+, CySA+, and eventually CISSP or OSCP.

IT Degree: Curriculum, Time, and Cost

IT degrees cover systems administration, networking, cloud fundamentals, and support. BLS reports network and computer systems administrators at $95,380 with slower projected growth than security roles.

The IT degree serves as a broad base for systems/network admin, cloud engineering, and DevOps careers — each of which can earn well beyond the median with the right certifications and experience.

Career Outcomes and Pay

Role / OutcomeMedian pay (BLS May 2024)Better fitSOC analyst (entry)$65,000–$90,000CybersecurityInfo security analyst$120,360CybersecuritySystems/network admin$95,380ITCloud engineer$110,000–$150,000IT (with certs)

When to Choose Cybersecurity Degree

You want the fastest-growing tech subfield
You're drawn to attack/defense and incident response
You want the higher median pay
You'll pursue Security+, CySA+, eventually CISSP

When to Choose IT Degree

You prefer operating and building over defending
You want breadth across networking, systems, and cloud
You're on a DevOps or cloud engineering path
You want more general tech employment options

Common Misconceptions

'Cybersecurity grads start in cybersecurity' — many start in IT helpdesk or SOC Tier-1
'IT has no upside' — cloud engineering and DevOps pay match or exceed security
'Certifications replace the degree' — they complement, not replace, for most employers

Key Takeaways

Cybersecurity pay median is substantially higher
IT breadth supports DevOps and cloud pivots
Most security grads still start in IT-adjacent roles

Sources

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2024

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Conclusion

Cybersecurity offers higher median pay and faster growth, but entry often still routes through IT-adjacent roles. IT remains a broad, flexible base that pays well in cloud and DevOps specialties.