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$31

How much do cryptography jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cryptography in California is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Can I make $200 a year in cyber security?

Cryptography is a specialized field within cybersecurity that often requires advanced skills and certifications. Entry-level positions typically pay more than $200 annually, with salaries increasing with experience, certifications, and job complexity. Earning $200 a year is generally not realistic for a professional in this field, as most roles offer significantly higher compensation.

What is cryptography and what do cryptographers do?

Cryptography is the science of securing information by transforming it into a format that only authorized parties can understand. Cryptographers are professionals who develop and analyze algorithms, protocols, and systems to protect data from unauthorized access, tampering, and misuse. Their work includes designing encryption methods, securing communication channels, and ensuring data integrity and authentication for various digital systems. They play a vital role in cybersecurity, financial systems, and any area that requires confidential information to be kept safe.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year?

In the field of cryptography, senior roles such as Chief Security Officer, Chief Cryptographer, or senior cybersecurity executives can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in large corporations or tech firms. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in encryption, security protocols, and risk management.

What is the average salary of a cryptologist?

The average salary of a cryptologist in the United States typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and security clearance levels. Professionals with advanced skills in cryptography, often working in government or cybersecurity firms, tend to earn higher salaries. Certifications such as CISSP or CISA can also influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cryptographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cryptographer, you need a strong background in mathematics, computer science, and information security, often supported by a relevant degree or advanced coursework. Familiarity with cryptographic algorithms, programming languages (such as Python, C++, or Java), and tools like OpenSSL or PGP, along with certifications like CISSP or CEH, is highly beneficial. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and meticulous attention to detail are crucial soft skills for designing secure systems and identifying vulnerabilities. These skills ensure the creation and maintenance of robust cryptographic solutions that protect sensitive data in a constantly evolving threat landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in cryptography roles?

Professionals in cryptography often encounter challenges such as staying current with rapidly evolving security threats and cryptographic algorithms, ensuring the secure implementation of complex protocols, and balancing security with system performance. Collaboration with software engineers, security analysts, and other stakeholders is crucial to integrate cryptographic solutions effectively. Additionally, cryptographers must remain vigilant about regulatory compliance and the potential impact of quantum computing on current encryption methods.

How much does a CIA cryptographer make?

CIA cryptographers are federal employees who typically earn salaries based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $150,000 annually depending on experience, education, and security clearance level. Advanced skills in cryptography, security clearances, and specialized training can lead to higher compensation within government agencies.

What is the difference between Cryptography vs Network Security Specialist?

AspectCryptographyNetwork Security Specialist
Required CredentialsCryptography certifications (e.g., CISSP, GIAC), degrees in computer science or cybersecurityCertifications like CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+; degrees in cybersecurity or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, security teams, software development environmentsCorporate networks, security operations centers, IT departments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, government agencies, cybersecurity firmsFinancial institutions, government agencies, large corporations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding cryptographic techniques and algorithmsProtecting 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.

More about Cryptography jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cryptography jobs in California? The most popular types of Cryptography jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Cryptography jobs in California? For Cryptography jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cryptography jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cryptography jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cryptography jobs? Cities in California with the most Cryptography job openings:
Cryptography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cryptography job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,064 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Cryptography Research Scientist, FHE & PQC

Cryptography Research Scientist, FHE & PQC

LG Electronics

Santa Clara, CA • Hybrid

Other

Posted 26 days ago

LG Electronics rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

About the Team - LG's Emerging Technology Lab

LG's Emerging Technology Lab (ETL) is the catalyst for technological innovation within LG's CTO organization. Located in the Silicon Valley and New Jersey, we drive excellence across CTO organizations and business units by pioneering in select emerging technology areas. As the Center of Excellence (CoE), we define and shape key technology domains, setting strategic directions that foster impactful internal and external partnerships to deliver measurable business value.

 

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Cryptography Research Engineer / Scientist to join our Advanced Security team located in Santa Clara, CA. This can be a hybrid position.

The Cryptography Research Scientist will be working on next-generation cryptographic technologies, with a primary focus on Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) and additional involvement in Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). This position is intended for early-career researchers, typically candidates with a PhD and 0-2 years of relevant research or industry experience.

This role is centered on the research, optimization, implementation, and deployment of privacy-enhancing technologies for real-world applications. The ideal candidate will have strong mathematical foundations in modern cryptography, hands-on software development skills, and a passion for translating advanced cryptographic concepts into practical systems and Proof-of-Concept (PoC) demonstrations.

The candidate will work on cutting-edge problems involving encrypted computation, privacy-preserving AI/analytics, and quantum-safe cryptographic systems.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct advanced research and development in Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) and related privacy-enhancing technologies.
  • Design, optimize, and implement FHE algorithms and pipelines for practical applications and deployment scenarios.
  • Develop high-performance implementations for specialized use cases, including:
    • privacy-preserving AI/ML inference,
    • secure analytics and recommendation systems,
    • confidential cloud computation.
  • Develop and demonstrate Proof-of-Concept (PoC) systems showcasing practical FHE applications.
  • Evaluate and integrate modern FHE frameworks and libraries such as:
    • OpenFHE,
    • HEAAN/CKKS-based frameworks,
    • TFHE,
    • Microsoft SEAL,
    • PALISADE,
    • Concrete,
    • or related technologies.
  • Contribute to research and development efforts in Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), including lattice-based cryptography and quantum-safe migration technologies.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and product teams to transition research into deployable technologies.
  • Track emerging developments in cryptography, privacy-enhancing technologies, and quantum-safe security.

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Cryptography, or a related field, with 0-2 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Strong theoretical background in modern cryptography, particularly lattice-based cryptography and/or Fully Homomorphic Encryption.
  • Hands-on experience implementing cryptographic algorithms and optimizing performance-critical systems.
  • Strong programming skills in languages such as:
    • C++,
    • Python,
    • CUDA,
    • Rust,
    • or similar.
  • Familiarity with one or more FHE libraries/frameworks.
  • Strong understanding of algorithm optimization, computational complexity, and memory-performance tradeoffs.
  • Ability to independently drive research ideas into working prototypes and PoCs.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with GPU acceleration and high-performance computing for cryptographic workloads.
  • Familiarity with CKKS, TFHE, BFV, or BGV schemes.
  • Experience with encrypted machine learning or privacy-preserving AI systems.
  • Knowledge of Post-Quantum Cryptography standards and NIST PQC algorithms (e.g., ML-KEM/Kyber, ML-DSA/Dilithium).
  • Publications or open-source contributions in cryptography, security, or privacy-enhancing technologies.
  • Experience working in research labs or advanced technology development environments.

Please Note: the salary range listed is dependent on the experience of the candidate. There are additional incentives to this compensation package.

#LI-JH1 #LI-Hybrid

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