Average Cisco Cybersecurity Associate salary: Comprehensive guide

Security operations professionals are more essential than ever, and the Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification (formerly known as the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate) has become a cornerstone credential for those working in Security Operations Centers (SOCs).

This comprehensive guide explores the Cybersecurity Associate salary potential, certification benefits and career opportunities in cybersecurity operations.

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New name, same valuable certification

Cisco has rebranded its CyberOps certification track to better reflect its evolved focus on AI-driven cybersecurity. From January 2025, the CyberOps Associate certification (exam 200-201 CBROPS) has been renamed to the Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification (exam 200-201 CBROPS v1.2). This change goes beyond a simple renaming to incorporate exciting new AI-related exam topics that provide knowledge in AI-driven cybersecurity trends and job roles.

Those who already possess a CyberOps certification are automatically recognized as holding the equivalent Cybersecurity certification. While the certification names have changed to better reflect modern security operations, the exam numbers and acronyms remain the same, and the certifications are not being retired but simply renamed. Professionals will still need to pass the required exams to earn these updated certifications, which now emphasize AI-driven analysis and enhanced security measures to help protect critical assets in today's threat environment.

Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification benefits

Earning this certification validates your expertise as a cybersecurity analyst at the associate level, specifically within SOC environments. The functional benefits include developing skills to identify, analyze and respond to cyber threats effectively. Organizations increasingly demand this certification for security operations center jobs, making it a valuable asset for career advancement.

The certification also provides a strong foundation for understanding security monitoring salary expectations and incident response pay scales across the industry. For professionals considering their career path, comparing CyberOps vs CCNA salary potential alongside a CCNA salary comparison can help inform certification decisions.

What is the average Cybersecurity Associate salary?

Based on figures from Payscale and ZipRecruiter, professionals holding the Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification can expect an average Cybersecurity Associate compensation of $111,054 annually. This figure represents the national average across all roles, locations and experience levels throughout the United States, translating to approximately $53.39 per hour.

This cybersecurity operations salary demonstrates the strong earning potential for certified professionals. However, several factors influence individual Cisco Cybersecurity pay levels, including geographic location, educational background, job role and years of experience. The security operations pay scale varies significantly based on these variables, making it essential to understand how each factor affects your potential Cisco Cybersecurity salary.

The growing demand for cybersecurity professionals has positively impacted cyber defense salary ranges across the industry. Organizations recognize the value of certified professionals who can effectively monitor security systems, analyze threats and respond to incidents, which enhances the Cybersecurity Associate certification's worth for career advancement.

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Average Cisco Cybersecurity Associate salary by city

Geographic location significantly impacts Cybersecurity Associate salary expectations. Major metropolitan areas typically offer higher compensation to offset cost-of-living differences and reflect local market demand for cybersecurity talent. Here's how Cybersecurity Associate compensation varies by city, according to statistics from ZipRecruiter:

• Washington, D.C.: $138,869
• Atlanta, GA: $118,178
• New York City: $133,591
• Austin, TX: $121,809
• Dallas, TX: $113,426

These salary ranges reflect the strong market demand for SOC analyst compensation in major tech hubs and government centers. When evaluating opportunities in different markets, professionals should consider both salary potential and cost of living.

Average Cisco Cybersecurity Associate salary by job role

Career progression in cybersecurity operations offers diverse opportunities with varying compensation levels. Cisco Cybersecurity Associate-certified professionals can pursue multiple career paths within security operations, each offering different salary ranges. The following salaries, sourced from ZipRecruiter, show the average earnings of common job titles associated with the Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification:

• Senior Network Engineer: $123,786
• Information Security Engineer: $126,833
• Cybersecurity Engineer: $122,890
• Cybersecurity Analyst: $99,400
• Network Security Engineer: $124,948
• Information Security Analyst: $96,652

These roles demonstrate the career advancement potential for Cisco Cybersecurity Associate-certified professionals. The certification provides foundational skills applicable across various security positions, offering flexibility in career development. Understanding the broader networking job outlook can help professionals make informed decisions about their certification journey.

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How to become a Cisco Cybersecurity Associate

The Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification targets associate-level cybersecurity professionals while remaining accessible to entry-level candidates. Unlike some advanced certifications, there are no educational or work experience prerequisites, making it an excellent starting point for cybersecurity careers.

Certification candidates must pass the 200-201 CBROPS exam, which covers five essential domains:

• 1.0 Security Concepts (20%): Fundamental cybersecurity principles and frameworks
• 2.0 Security Monitoring (25%): Continuous monitoring techniques and tools
• 3.0 Host-Based Analysis (20%): Endpoint security analysis and forensics
• 4.0 Network Intrusion Analysis (20%): Network traffic analysis and threat detection
• 5.0 Security Policies and Procedures (15%): Organizational security governance

The exam format reflects real-world SOC operations, ensuring certified professionals possess practical skills employers value. This approach to certification aligns with industry needs and supports strong salary potential upon certification completion.

Career outlook and industry demand

The cybersecurity industry continues expanding, with security operations roles experiencing particularly strong growth. Organizations across all sectors recognize the importance of proactive threat monitoring and incident response capabilities, driving demand for skilled Cisco Cybersecurity Associate professionals.

This growing demand positively impacts both job availability and cybersecurity certification earnings. The certification is worth extending beyond immediate salary benefits, providing long-term career stability in a rapidly growing field. Security operations center jobs offer diverse opportunities across industries, from healthcare and finance to government and technology sectors.

Maximizing your Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification value

To maximize your Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification investment, consider these strategies:

• Continuous learning: Stay current with emerging threats and security technologies through ongoing education and training.
• Hands-on experience: Seek opportunities to apply certification knowledge in real-world environments, such as internships, labs or volunteer work.
• Professional networking: Engage with cybersecurity communities and professional organizations to expand career opportunities.
• Skill diversification: Consider complementary certifications or skills that enhance your Cisco Cybersecurity Associate foundation.

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Is the Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification worth it?

Absolutely. The Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification represents a strategic investment in cybersecurity career development. With strong salary potential averaging $111,054 nationally and excellent growth opportunities across various roles and locations, the certification provides solid returns for dedicated professionals.

The streamlined certification process makes this credential more accessible while maintaining rigorous standards. Whether you're entering cybersecurity or advancing your existing career, the Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification offers a proven path to higher compensation and career advancement in the dynamic field of cybersecurity operations.

The combination of strong industry demand, competitive salaries and diverse career opportunities makes the Cybersecurity Associate certification a valuable investment for cybersecurity professionals at any career stage.

Interested in obtaining this valued cert? Explore Infosec's 2-day Cisco Cybersecurity Associate Boot Camp to learn how this course can advance your career.