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Cyber Network Defender information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$120.5K

$194.9K

How much do cyber network defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber network defender in California is $120,509.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,200.00 and $147,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the cyber network defender position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cyber Network Defender, you need a strong understanding of network security principles, threat analysis, and incident response, often backed by a degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience with intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), firewalls, SIEM tools, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, or CISSP are highly valued. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with IT teams and conveying security risks clearly. These abilities are critical to proactively safeguard organizational networks, rapidly respond to threats, and maintain robust cybersecurity defenses.

What is a cyber network defender?

A Cyber Network Defender is responsible for protecting military and government networks from cyber threats. They monitor network activity, analyze security risks, and respond to cyber incidents to prevent breaches. Their duties include threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and implementing defensive measures to strengthen network security. This role requires knowledge of cybersecurity tools, protocols, and incident response procedures. Typically, Cyber Network Defenders work in military or government settings to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of critical systems.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a cyber network defender?

As a Cyber Network Defender, your daily responsibilities often involve monitoring network activity, analyzing security logs, and investigating potential threats or vulnerabilities. You may perform regular system audits, update security protocols, and respond to real-time incidents to prevent or mitigate cyberattacks. Collaboration is common, as you will frequently work alongside systems administrators, IT staff, and other security professionals to ensure the organization's digital assets are protected. Staying current with emerging threats and updating defense strategies is also an important part of the role.

What are popular job titles related to Cyber Network Defender jobs in California? For Cyber Network Defender jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cyber Network Defender jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cyber Network Defender jobs in California are:
Cyber Network Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Network Defender job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,509 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer (MCWO)

U.S. Navy

Redding, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

About As a Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer (MCWO), you’re the sharp edge of the Navy’s cyber sword. Your mission? Lead and execute cyber operations to safeguard critical infrastructure, disrupt adversaries and protect national interests on a global scale. Whether defending our networks or launching cyber offensives, you’ll be at the forefront of Navy cyber warfare. You’ll utilize cutting-edge tech, collaborate with elite teams and equip Navy and Joint Force Commanders with innovative solutions in the cyber domain.

Responsibilities MCWOs operate at the forefront of cyber operations, fulfilling mission-critical tasks, including:

  • Leadership in Action: Oversee elite teams, such as National Mission Teams (NMTs) and Cyber Mission Teams (CMTs), to ensure mission success.
  • Critical Network Assessments: Identify, analyze and neutralize vulnerabilities within networks while spearheading incident responses.
  • Cyber Network Operations: Execute offensive and defensive cyber operations to protect Navy and Department of War Information Networks (DoWIN).
  • Strategic Mission Support: Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies to provide Navy and Joint Force Commanders with actionable options.

Work Environment MCWOs operational and leadership assignments take place within the Cyber Operation Force (COF) and Cyber Mission Force (CMF). These assignments include serving on specialized teams like National Mission Teams (NMTs), Cyber Mission Teams (CMTs), Cyber Protection Teams (CPTs) and Cyber Support Teams (CSTs). You’ll operate in a variety of locations with potential for worldwide deployments, providing a unique opportunity to contribute from the forefront of Navy cyber warfare.

Qualifications 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, with preferred fields of study related to computer science, cybersecurity and related fields. All candidates must also be: U.S. citizens, willing to serve worldwide and eligible for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance, which is secured by the Department of War if selected.

  • General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

Part-Time Opportunities There are part-time opportunities available as a Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer.

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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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