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Cryptography Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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How much do cryptography jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cryptography in Chicago, IL is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $30.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

Does cryptography have a future?

Cryptography is a vital field for securing digital communications and data, and demand for skilled cryptographers is expected to grow with increasing cybersecurity needs. Professionals in this area work with encryption algorithms, security protocols, and tools like cryptographic libraries, and often require certifications such as CISSP or CISA. As technology advances, cryptography will continue to evolve to address emerging security challenges.

Is cryptography a good career path?

Cryptography is a specialized field within cybersecurity that involves developing and analyzing secure communication methods. It offers high demand for skills such as mathematics, programming, and understanding security protocols, with roles often requiring certifications like CISSP or CISCE. The career can be rewarding with opportunities in government, finance, and technology sectors, and typically involves continuous learning due to evolving security challenges.
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Cryptography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cryptography job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 56% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,214 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Cryptologic Technician Interpretive

Orland Hills, IL

U.S. Navy
National Security • 10K+ employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Full-time

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Job description

Linguist or Linguistics (Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive)

Category: Enlisted
Component: Active
Community: Information Warfare

Overview

Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive (CTI) are highly skilled linguists and intelligence professionals. They collect, translate, transcribe and analyze foreign language communications, providing critical intelligence to inform national security, tactical operations and strategic decision-making. CTIs possess deep cultural understanding alongside their language expertise, directly supporting Fleet and Joint Force commanders worldwide in diverse operational environments.

What You’ll Do

• Operate advanced radio receivers, recording devices, computer terminals and communications systems.
• Translate, interpret and transcribe foreign language communications data.
• Analyze and report highly technical intelligence for fleet commanders and national intelligence agencies.
• Work with classified material and advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.
• Perform temporary duty aboard Navy surface ships and submarines, based on assignment requirements.

What to Expect

CTIs have an intellectually demanding career focused on language, analysis and classified information. Most assignments are at shore-based Centers of Excellence, with opportunities for temporary duty aboard surface and subsurface platforms.

Work Environment

CTIs normally work in office or fast-paced operational environments. Depending on the assignment, they may work independently, in small teams or as part of a larger workcenter. Some assignments may support ships, submarines or Naval Special Warfare.

Training and Advancement

After Recruit Training, CTIs complete two phases of Navy "A" School:

1. Phase I, Foreign Language Training Defense Language Institute, Monterey, California Approximately 48 - 64 weeks
Sailors receive comprehensive instruction in a primary foreign language.

2. Phase II, Cryptologic Linguistic Training Information Warfare Training Center Monterey Detachment Goodfellow, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas Approximately 13 to 19 weeks
Sailors develop technical and analytical cryptologic language skills.

CTIs also attend annual language-maintenance courses and may have opportunities for intermediate or advanced language instruction throughout their careers.

Languages

CTIs learn one of six primary languages and can earn up to $1,000 per month in foreign language proficiency pay:

• Arabic
• Chinese Mandarin
• Korean
• Persian-Farsi
• Russian
• Spanish

Education Opportunities

Phase I language training earns Sailors significant undergraduate academic credit. After completing general education requirements, Sailors may apply for an associate degree in their language of study. Advanced training may support bachelor degree opportunities.

Qualifications

Successful CTI candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong character and attention to detail
• Interest in learning foreign languages
• Above-average writing and speaking ability
• Good memory, curiosity and resourcefulness
• Interest in technology, information and analytical work
• Adaptability across different work environments
• Willingness to acquire additional skills

Applicants and their immediate family members must be U.S. citizens. Candidates must qualify for continuous access to Sensitive Compartmented Information, maintain eligibility for a Top Secret clearance and have normal hearing. CTIs must also be willing to serve aboard submarines if assigned.

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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

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