Individuals exploring this career path often want to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities, the long-term job outlook, and how to become a cybersecurity consultant—including the required education (which may include a master’s degree), experience and certifications. Knowing these important benchmarks can help professionals decide whether becoming a cybersecurity consultant aligns with their goals and level of commitment.  

What Is a Cybersecurity Consultant? 

A cybersecurity consultant is a trusted advisor who helps organizations protect their digital assets, networks and systems from cyber threats. Unlike internal information technology (IT) staff who focus on day-to-day operations, consultants are often brought in to assess vulnerabilities, design security strategies and ensure compliance with industry standards. They may work for consulting firms or government agencies—or independently as contractors, serving industries such as finance, healthcare, retail and technology. 

A consultant’s typical job duties and responsibilities include: 

• Designing and implementing security policies and procedures 

• Conducting penetration testing and vulnerability assessments 

• Monitoring systems for breaches and responding to incidents 

• Advising on compliance with regulations and industry standards 

• Training employees on cybersecurity best practices 

• Supporting incident investigations 

• Preparing reports and presenting findings to executives 

Cybersecurity consultants combine technical mastery with communication skills, making them essential in environments where both risk management and executive decision-making are critical.  

Steps to Becoming a Cybersecurity Consultant 

The path to becoming a consultant requires a mix of relevant education, experience, certifications and skill development. Below is a step-by-step breakdown.  

Build Your Educational Foundation 

Most consultants begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, IT or a related field. Look for programs with coursework in computer network security, computer forensics, ethical hacking and security protocols.  

Gain Relevant Work Experience 

Cybersecurity consultants must possess several years of experience to serve in an advisory capacity. Consider entry-level roles such as security operations center (SOC) analyst, penetration tester or security engineer to gain hands-on experience monitoring threats, responding to incidents and designing secure systems. Internships in risk assessment or cloud security can also help build practical skills.  

Consider Graduate Education 

A bachelor’s degree, along with the right certifications and experience, can qualify candidates for cybersecurity consultant roles. However, many candidates find earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity greatly beneficial for expanding their knowledge and skills. Some companies prefer to hire consultants with graduate-level education.  

Obtain Professional Certifications 

Although certifications aren’t usually a requirement, they help demonstrate a certain level of specialized expertise to employers. Common options include:  

• CompTIA Security+ 

• Certified information systems security professional (CISSP) 

• Certified information security manager (CISM) 

• Certified ethical hacker (CEH) 

When evaluating certifications, a good rule of thumb is for professionals to invest in credentials that are relevant to the type of consulting work they plan to pursue.  

Develop Essential Skills 

Successful cybersecurity consultants possess both technical and soft skills. Technical skills include networking, programming (Python, Java, PowerShell), and proficiency with security information and event management platforms, endpoint detection and response tools, and vulnerability management systems. 

Cybersecurity consulting is also a client-facing role that involves working with professionals in technical and nontechnical roles. Focus on developing soft skills such as communication, problem-solving and stakeholder presentations.  

Build a Professional Network 

Networking through industry conferences, online forums and professional associations helps consultants find opportunities and stay current on emerging threats. A strong portfolio showcasing projects, case studies and measurable outcomes also strengthens credibility.  

Transition Into Consulting Roles 

Apply to consulting firms or start working as an independent freelancer. Cybersecurity consultants often progress from mid-level roles to senior positions, eventually advising executives or leading entire security practices.  

Cybersecurity Consultant Salary and Job Outlook 

The demand for cybersecurity consultants continues to rise as organizations face increasing cyber threats. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analyst roles—an umbrella term that includes cybersecurity consultants—are projected to grow by 29% from 2024 to 2034. This compares to a national average growth rate of just 3% for all other occupations.  

Salary data from the BLS is also encouraging. According to its 2024 data, the median annual wage for information security analysts was $124,910. Top-earning consultants made upwards of $186,000 per year. The combination of competitive compensation and strong growth makes consulting an attractive career path in technology.  

Evaluate Education Options That Support Your Career Trajectory 

Cybersecurity consulting is a career that combines technical expertise with strategic influence, helping organizations remain resilient against evolving threats, avoid compliance issues and prevent data breaches that threaten business continuity.  

Now that you’re familiar with how to become a cybersecurity consultant and what the role entails, it’s time to take some concrete steps toward building your qualifications. You can start by evaluating degree programs that can help you develop your skills and technical knowledge, such as SEMO Online’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program.  

Designed for students with or without a bachelor’s degree in a technology field, the program features coursework that prepares graduates for a range of professional roles in the growing cybersecurity industry. Coursework covers topics including system information security, critical infrastructure security and computational cryptography. 

Southeast Missouri State University offers a range of technology degrees online and on campus. Learn more about SEMO Online’s cybersecurity program and its curriculum, so you can see how it supports your professional goals.  

Recommended Readings 

Sources: 

CompTIA, CompTIA Security+ 
Destination Certification, “How to Become a Cyber Security Consultant: Career Guide” 
Indeed, “What Does a Cybersecurity Specialist Do? (A Definitive Guide)” 
Indeed, “What Is a Cyber Security Consultant? (Including Skills)” 
Indeed, “Working in Cybersecurity: Definition, Careers and Skills” 
National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 
National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 
National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies, ISACA-Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts