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How much do computer network defense jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer network defense in the United States is $48.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.78 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Computer Network Defense roles?

Professionals in Computer Network Defense often face the challenge of keeping up with rapidly evolving cyber threats and attack techniques. The role requires continuous learning and real-time problem-solving as new vulnerabilities and exploits emerge frequently. Team members must also balance proactive threat hunting with responding to immediate incidents, often collaborating closely with IT, security operations, and management to ensure a resilient defense posture. Adaptability, strong communication, and an analytical mindset are key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Computer Network Defense, and why are they important?

To excel in Computer Network Defense, professionals need a strong understanding of network protocols, cybersecurity principles, and threat analysis, often supported by a degree in information security or computer science. Familiarity with intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, SIEM platforms, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are commonly required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for proactively identifying vulnerabilities, responding to incidents, and safeguarding organizational networks from evolving cyber threats.

What is the difference between Computer Network Defense vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectComputer Network DefenseCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentFocus on protecting network infrastructure, monitoring network traffic, and responding to network threatsBroader security analysis, including system vulnerabilities, incident response, and security policies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in government, military, and large enterprise networksAcross various industries including finance, healthcare, and technology

Computer Network Defense and Cybersecurity Analyst roles share similar certifications and work environments, but Network Defense specializes in protecting network infrastructure specifically, while Cybersecurity Analysts handle a broader range of security tasks across systems and applications.

What is Computer Network Defense?

Computer Network Defense (CND) refers to the strategies, technologies, and processes used to protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and other security threats. CND professionals monitor network traffic, detect and respond to security incidents, and implement measures to prevent future attacks. Their work is critical for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems, especially in organizations that handle sensitive data. CND also involves regular vulnerability assessments, security policy enforcement, and incident response planning.
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Computer Network Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Network Defense job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,366 per year, or $48.7 per hour.
Computer Network Defense Analyst

Computer Network Defense Analyst

Belay Technologies

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Belay Technologies has been voted Baltimore Business Journal's (BBJ) Best Places to Work 2019, runner up in 2020 and a finalist in 2021! 
Belay Technologies is seeking multiple Computer Network Defense Analysts (CNDAs) to support a critical mission within the Intelligence Community (IC). In this role, the CNDAs leverage data collected from various sources to identify and analyze vulnerabilities, detect potential or active threats, and report events. They play a key role in safeguarding computer network systems by identifying, mapping and defending against intrustions and cyber threats.
Responsibilities:

  • Use information collected from a variety of sources (e.g., intrusion detection systems, firewalls, network traffic logs, and host system logs) to identify potential vulnerabilities, respond to cyber events that occur, and defend against events that might occur.  
  • Help develop mitigations to strengthen network defenses and protect against attacks on network infrastructure devices or systems.
  • Support a wide range of data transport possibilities, such as traditional wired networks, wireless transport (including Wi-Fi and cellular), collaborative platforms such as video teleconferencing, and the hardware and software that enable it all.
  • Advance your career as you develop increasing expertise in networking protocols and architectures, cloud security, Internet of Things protocols, and advanced network security.
  • Be part of a team, working together with government, military, and contractor personnel to develop shared understandings of intelligence needs, mission relevance, and areas of expertise.
  • Apply your innate curiosity and analytical talent to form hypotheses, critically assess and choose analysis techniques, then query, merge, enrich, evaluate, and pivot within data to attain and share insights.

There are multiple levels available for the Computer Network Defense Analyst: 

  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 1
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 2
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 3
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 4

Years’ Experience by Degree Type:                       

  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 1
    • Technical Bachelor Degree with 2 years of experience.
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 2
    • Technical Bachelor Degree with 5 years of experience.
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 3
    • Technical Bachelor Degree with 8 years of experience.
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 4
    • Technical Bachelor Degree with 11 years of experience.

*Other degrees may be considered relevant if programs contain a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms, computer architecture (not network architecture), programming methodologies and languages, data structures, logic and computation, and advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics).

Certifications:

  • 18 semester hours of military training/ coursework in networking, computer science, or cyber topics is equivalent to an Associate's degree (applicable to Level 1 - Level 4).

Experience Requirements:

Relevant experience must be in computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, and/or systems engineering.  Additionally, must have experience in network or system administration.  If not credited toward education requirements, completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis Course), Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT), Network Warfare Bridge Course (NWBC)/Intermediate Network Warfare Training (INWT), Cyber Defense Operations will be considered towards relevant experience requirement (i.e., 20-24 week courses will count as 6 months of experience, 10-14 weeks will count as 3 months of experience). Positions require a TS/SCI with polygraph. 

Perks and Benefits:

  • 8 weeks paid leave - 4 weeks of personal leave, 3 Yay! days, take off on your birthday, 11 paid holidays, and optional leave up to 6 days through Belay's volunteer program
  • 10% matching in 401(k) contributions vested on day one
  • $5,000 annual training/tuition
  • Student Loan Repayment Program
  • 100% company funded HSA
  • Rich medical coverage (100% coinsurance)
  • Dental coverage including orthodontia
  • Up to $420,000 in life insurance, premiums 100% company funded
  • Amazon Prime, gym reimbursement, monthly lunches, games and prizes
  • Pet adoption program, generous referral bonus program, fun events, and more!


At Belay, we are committed to creating an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.  We believe in transparency and fairness in compensation. Several factors influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, education, specific skills and competencies and certifications. Belay offers a competitive total compensation package that includes benefits and perks, a flexible work-life balance, and career development. Salary Range: $115,000.00 to $240,000.00
Belay Technologies is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business located in Columbia, Maryland (Baltimore/Washington area). Belay Technologies specializes in systems automation and full stack development. Belay Technologies provides leading technology and engineering solutions to the DoD, as well as state-of-the-art commercial products. We hire software engineers, web designers, test engineers, systems engineers, systems administrators, database engineers and other tech services. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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