Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations - delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize ...
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$93K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$93K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
Montgomery, AL · On-site
$92K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
Montgomery, AL · On-site
$92K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
$88K - $111K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
$88K - $111K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
Birmingham, AL · On-site
$88K - $111K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
Birmingham, AL · On-site
$88K - $111K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
$93K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
$93K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
$92K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
$92K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
Mobile, AL · On-site
$93K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
Mobile, AL · On-site
$93K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site
$84K - $106K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site
$84K - $106K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
$84K - $106K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
$84K - $106K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
$93K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST
$93K - $117K/yr
ABOUT As a Cryptologic Technician, you are one of the world's greatest problem-solvers. We're looking for people with sharp minds, whose brains are built for picking out patterns most will miss.
FPGA Engineer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$128K - $164K/yr
Apply Now RTL, C/C++, Python, VHDL, Verilog, Tcl, cryptography, hardware, embedded software, System Integration, Hardware Security, Xilinx, Simulation, IP core, Versal, Stratix, concept to deployment ...
FPGA Engineer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$128K - $164K/yr
Apply Now RTL, C/C++, Python, VHDL, Verilog, Tcl, cryptography, hardware, embedded software, System Integration, Hardware Security, Xilinx, Simulation, IP core, Versal, Stratix, concept to deployment ...
FPGA Engineer
Mobile, AL · On-site
$110K - $142K/yr
Apply Now RTL, C/C++, Python, VHDL, Verilog, Tcl, cryptography, hardware, embedded software, System Integration, Hardware Security, Xilinx, Simulation, IP core, Versal, Stratix, concept to deployment ...
FPGA Engineer
Mobile, AL · On-site
$110K - $142K/yr
Apply Now RTL, C/C++, Python, VHDL, Verilog, Tcl, cryptography, hardware, embedded software, System Integration, Hardware Security, Xilinx, Simulation, IP core, Versal, Stratix, concept to deployment ...
Cryptography information
See Alabama salary details
$13.07 - $14.50
3% of jobs
$14.50 - $15.93
4% of jobs
$15.93 - $17.35
9% of jobs
$18.04 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$17.35 - $18.78
17% of jobs
$18.78 - $20.20
16% of jobs
The median wage is $20.44 / hr.
$20.20 - $21.63
3% of jobs
$21.63 - $23.06
8% of jobs
$23.06 - $24.48
13% of jobs
$25.37 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$24.48 - $25.91
2% of jobs
$25.91 - $27.33
14% of jobs
$27.33 - $28.76
11% of jobs
$13
$21
$28
How much do cryptography jobs pay per hour?
What Are Cryptography Jobs?
Jobs in cryptography include cryptographer, cipher, and other positions that work to ensure data security. As a cryptographer, your responsibilities are to develop new algorithms, convert information, study cryptographic technologies, search for weaknesses that would leave information unprotected, and build a better design for encrypted data. You can also work as a cipher and use cryptanalytic techniques to decrypt information as well as test for weaknesses in networks, phones, and emails. In cryptography, you are both the code maker and the code breaker so you can ensure information is protected. You can find cryptography jobs that handle personal information, finances, national security, and other valuable information.
What is cryptography and what do cryptographers do?
What jobs pay $500,000 a year?
Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?
What is the average salary of a cryptologist?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cryptographer, and why are they important?
What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in cryptography roles?
What is the difference between Cryptography vs Network Security Specialist?
| Aspect | Cryptography | Network Security Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Cryptography certifications (e.g., CISSP, GIAC), degrees in computer science or cybersecurity | Certifications like CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+; degrees in cybersecurity or related fields |
| Work Environment | Research labs, security teams, software development environments | Corporate networks, security operations centers, IT departments |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Tech companies, government agencies, cybersecurity firms | Financial institutions, government agencies, large corporations |
| Common Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding cryptographic techniques and algorithms | Protecting network infrastructure and preventing cyber threats |
Cryptography focuses on designing and analyzing secure communication methods through encryption algorithms, while Network Security Specialists implement and manage security measures to protect network infrastructure from threats. Both roles require cybersecurity certifications and often work together within cybersecurity teams to ensure data confidentiality and integrity.
What careers could you have in cryptology?

United States Navy rating
6.3
Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
38th of 46 rated military and defense
Job description
Few will have the deep understanding of codebreaking like a Cryptologic Warfare Officer. As a CWO, you are an expert in all facets of Information Operations (IO), making sure our fleet is capitalizing on the information vulnerabilities of our adversaries. Create warfighting options for Fleet Commanders, advise decision-makers at all levels and achieve military objectives in cyberspace. In this job, your knowledge of the cyber battlespace is unmatched.
Cryptologic Warfare Officers (CWOs) are directly involved in every aspect of Naval operations – delivering information to decision-makers by attacking, defending and exploiting networks to capitalize on vulnerabilities in the information domain. As a CWO, you will employ a thorough understanding of sensors and weapons, strategy and tactics, as well as national systems’ capabilities and limitations. This role may include:
- Collecting, processing, analyzing and reporting real-time signal intelligence
- Conducting computer network operations
- Developing and acquiring cutting-edge exploitation and defense systems
- Planning and delivering information warfare effects during exercises and operations
- Leading Information Warfare personnel across a variety of military operations
- Overseeing the work of Cryptologic Technicians – Enlisted Sailors (no degree required) who serve as specialists in cryptology
Cryptologic Warfare Officers assume critically important duties both afloat and ashore. This may include:
- Rotating between sea, shore and educational tours
- Serving at one of the National Security Agency Cryptologic Centers
- Serving aboard ships, submarines and aircraft
- Supporting Naval Special Warfare
- Serving anywhere from the National Security Agency to the Pentagon
Those pursuing a Cryptologic Warfare Officer position are required to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI.
After completion, they attend an eight-week Information Warfare Basic Course of instruction in Pensacola, FL, to learn the fundamentals of everything from Electromagnetic Theory to Tactical Cryptology to Signals Intelligence Reporting. CWOs must complete specific qualifications as part of their training during Fleet tours and are expected to pursue advanced education opportunities.
Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.
Post-Service Opportunities
Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian sector.
Wherever you are in your professional career, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs. Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Cryptologic Warfare Officers can advance their education by:
- Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
- Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges
Postgraduate education is important to the success of the Cryptologic Warfare Officer. Most CWOs will complete a master’s degree in one of the following: electrical engineering, cyber systems and operations, computer science or space systems.
There are part-time opportunities available as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer.
Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Cryptologic Warfare Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
For annual training, Cryptologic Warfare Officers may serve anywhere in the world, whether on a ship at sea or at bases and installations on shore.
Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.
Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent of that.
Cryptologic Warfare Officers in the Navy Reserve serve in an Officer role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with this job, initial training requirements must first be met.
For current or former Navy Officers (NAVET): Prior experience satisfies the initial leadership training requirement – so you will not need to go through Officer Training again.
Officers who previously held a commission in another United States Military Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Public Health Service, or United States Coast Guard are exempt from attending ODS or LDO/CWO Academy.
A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer. The degree must be in a technical field, preferably in one of the following: information systems, electrical engineering, computer engineering, information operations, computer science, systems engineering, general engineering.
All candidates must also be: U.S. citizens, willing to serve worldwide, eligible for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance and qualified for sea duty.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
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About US Navy
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Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US