Ethical hacking career outlook: Job growth & opportunities for CEH professionals

With the increasing number of sophisticated cyber threats and data breaches, organizations are actively seeking qualified Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) to strengthen their security posture. These skilled professionals use the same techniques as malicious hackers to identify vulnerabilities in client systems, helping organizations address security gaps before they can be exploited. The ethical hacking career outlook remains strong in 2025, with growing demand across various industries.

"To beat a hacker, you need to think like one" is the tagline used by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) for their vendor-neutral Certified Ethical Hacker certification. This certification has become a respected credential in the cybersecurity industry, opening doors to diverse employment opportunities with competitive compensation — the average CEH professional earns approximately $126,547 annually, according to our recent article on CEH salary information.

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Is this the right time to pursue the ethical hacker career path?

While the profession differs significantly from glamorized portrayals in entertainment media, for those with the appropriate skills, mindset and abilities, now is an excellent time to pursue an ethical hacking career path. Industry research consistently shows a significant shortage of qualified ethical hacking talent. This gap has created numerous job openings, prompting many IT security professionals to transition into this specialized field.

Earning a relevant certification is one of the most effective ways to enter the ethical hacking profession. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification by EC-Council is widely regarded as foundational in the industry and has established important benchmarks for professional practice. This program teaches essential skills in vulnerability assessment and hacking methodology, preparing you to detect, validate, contain and eradicate security incidents.

Recent updates have introduced CEH Exam Blueprint v5.0 and CEH v13, which empower certification holders with cutting-edge skills to meet contemporary challenges. CEH v13 specifically integrates artificial intelligence into all five phases of ethical hacking, enabling professionals to master advanced attack techniques, current trends and effective countermeasures. Beyond AI applications, CEH professionals develop expertise in critical areas including footprinting, enumeration, network scanning, system hacking, sniffing, social engineering and SQL injection.

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Industry surveys consistently show that obtaining the CEH certification contributes to improved job status and professional satisfaction while giving candidates a competitive advantage when pursuing high-paying positions. Understanding the CEH certification requirements is the first step toward launching your career in this field.

What kind of jobs can you get with the CEH certification?

The future of ethical hacking jobs extends well beyond the ethical hacker title itself. CEH certification holders work as security officers, auditors, security professionals and site administrators across various organizations.

Below are some top job titles for CEH professionals and their respective salary ranges according to updated PayScale data:

• Information security manager — Range: $90k - $175k; Average: $128,000
• Cybersecurity engineer — Range: $73K- $155k; Average: $106,000
• Penetration tester — Range: $65k - $158k; Average: $101,000
• Security analyst — Range: $54k - $126k; Average: $83,000
• Security consultant — Range: $67k - $171k; Average: $97,000

The penetration testing career path has become increasingly attractive as organizations recognize the value of proactive security testing. Visit our comprehensive guide for detailed CEH salary data, including factors that influence compensation.

The best geographic locations for CEH employment prospects

The ethical hacking job market varies by location, with certain metropolitan areas offering higher compensation. Below are some of the best cities in the United States for ethical hacker jobs and their average respective wages, according to Salary.com as of May 1, 2025:

• Washington, D.C.: $117,000
• Boston, MA: $118,000
• New York, NY: $122,000
• Chicago, IL: $109,000
• Dallas, TX: $104,000
• San Francisco, CA: $132,000
• Miami, FL: $100,31,000

With the national average ethical hacker salary in the United States reaching $126,547 (including bonuses and other compensation), CEH professionals can expect competitive compensation regardless of which major metropolitan area they choose to work in.

What are the best companies for CEH career growth?

The cybersecurity skills demand continues to increase as more organizations recognize the importance of employing skilled ethical hackers who test systems (computers, networks and devices) to develop preventive, corrective and protective countermeasures against potential threats before actual compromises occur.

Established in 2003 by EC-Council, the Certified Ethical Hacker program has earned respect and acceptance from numerous government organizations—including the National Security Agency, the Department of Defense and the U.S. military. These entities remain strong employers for CEH certification holders. However, many private organizations and government contractors also offer excellent opportunities for ethical hacking field advancement.

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Below are some top companies for CEH professionals and their respective average wages, according to updated industry data on Payscale:

• Leidos: $125,000
• Lockheed Martin Corp: $122,000
• Deloitte: $130,000
• General Dynamics Information Technology Inc.: $118,500
• Booz Allen Hamilton: $115,000
• US Air Force: $98,000
• US Navy: $90,000
• US Army: $100,000

Experience levels in the security testing profession

While CEH certification provides significant advantages, years of experience also strongly influence job opportunities and compensation within the cybersecurity career trajectory. According to recent industry data on Payscale, entry-level ethical hackers with less than one year of experience can expect average total compensation around $82,000. Mid-career professionals with 5-9 years of experience earn average total compensation of $95,000, while experienced ethical hackers with 10-19 years in the field command average total compensation approaching $110,000.

The gender distribution in ethical hacking remains predominantly male, with recent surveys reporting approximately 82% male and 18% female professionals in the field. This represents a small but positive shift toward greater gender diversity compared to previous years.

What are some interview tips for CEH certification holders?

After earning your certification, you'll want to strategize your next career move and maximize opportunities in the security professional development landscape.

Having the CEH certification helps you stand out from other applicants, but you should be prepared to demonstrate how your certified skills add value to the specific role and organization. Beyond thoroughly researching the company, its mission and key leadership, prepare to showcase your technical capabilities and potential contributions.

Some key questions to ask during an interview include:

• Question #1: What do the day-to-day responsibilities of the ethical hacker's role involve?
• Question #2: What types of security testing projects will I be working on to improve system security?
• Question #3: What analysis tools and resources will be available for conducting these activities?
• Question #4: Who are some initial clients or departments I'll be engaging with?
• Question #5: What professional development opportunities exist for continuing education and earning CPE credits?
• Question #6: How does this position fit into potential long-term career progression within the organization?

To help you prepare effectively, review our guide to the top 10 ethical hacking interview questions, which covers common questions you might face during interviews for ethical hacking positions.

As information security job trends continue to evolve, staying current with industry developments and continuously expanding your skill set will be crucial for long-term success in this dynamic field.

Earn your CEH, guaranteed!

Get hands-on hacking experience and live expert, instruction. Enroll now to claim your Exam Pass Guarantee!

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Is the EC-Council CEH worth it?

EC-Council's CEH is among the most sought-after security certifications for IT workers. Professionals keen on making their mark in this line of work will find this certification valuable in validating their skills and abilities in assessing the security posture of target systems and performing impact risk assessments. The CEH offers opportunities for career development and serves as a worthwhile addition to the resume of any IT security professional, making it well worth your time and money. 

For additional salary data, download our free Cybersecurity Salary Guide. To start learning the new CEH concepts, enroll in our interactive, 1-hour workshop, Learn how to hack with AI.