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Entry Level Cryptography Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Cryptography information

See Virginia salary details

$19.9K

$55.4K

$159K

How much do entry level cryptography jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level cryptography in Virginia is $55,390.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,038.00 and $51,544.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cryptography vs Entry Level Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectEntry Level CryptographyEntry Level Cybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP (entry-level)Bachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA (entry-level)
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, security teams, cryptography-focused projectsSecurity operations centers, IT departments, threat monitoring
Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, tech companiesAll industries with digital assets, including finance, healthcare, and retail

Entry Level Cryptography focuses on developing and analyzing encryption methods, while Entry Level Cybersecurity Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. Both roles require similar foundational certifications and often work within the same industry environments, but their core responsibilities differ: cryptography emphasizes encryption techniques, whereas cybersecurity analysts focus on threat detection and response.

What are entry level cryptography jobs?

Entry level cryptography jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field of cryptography, often requiring a background in computer science, mathematics, or related disciplines. These roles typically involve assisting with the development, implementation, and testing of cryptographic algorithms and protocols to secure data. Responsibilities may include analyzing security systems, writing code, and researching new cryptographic techniques under the guidance of senior cryptographers. Such positions are commonly found in tech companies, government agencies, and cybersecurity firms.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level cryptographers, and how can new hires overcome them?

Entry-level cryptographers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving encryption technologies, understanding complex mathematical concepts, and integrating cryptographic solutions into existing systems. New hires can overcome these obstacles by actively seeking mentorship from experienced team members, participating in ongoing training, and regularly reviewing current research in the field. Collaboration with software engineers and security analysts is also crucial, as it helps bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level cryptography professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cryptography professional, you need a solid understanding of mathematics (especially discrete math and number theory), computer science fundamentals, and a relevant degree such as computer science, mathematics, or electrical engineering. Familiarity with cryptographic tools, protocols, and programming languages like Python, C++, or Java, as well as knowledge of security standards and possibly certifications like Security+ or CEH, is beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong analytical thinking are valuable soft skills in this field. These skills are essential for designing, analyzing, and implementing secure systems that protect sensitive information in various digital environments.
More about Entry Level Cryptography jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cryptography jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Cryptography jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cryptography jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Cryptography jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cryptography jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cryptography jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Cryptography jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Cryptography job openings:
Entry Level Cryptography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cryptography job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Locum Tenens, 21% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,390 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Army Cryptologic Linguist (35P)

U.S. Army

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Overview:
A cryptologic linguist (MOS 35P) in the U.S. Army identifies foreign language communications using signals equipment. The importance of this job is crucial, especially important in combat situations in foreign countries, where the ability to understand communications in other languages. But it involves a lot more than just translating and communicating foreign languages.
Cryptologic linguistis an entry-level, enlisted job. Duties performed by Soldiers in this MOS (military occupational specialty) include: 
  • Identifying foreign communications from an assigned geographic area and categorizing signals by activity type;
  • Analyzing foreign communication for information to support mission reporting requirements;
  • Recognizing changes in transmission modes and tipping the appropriate analytical or intercept authority;
  • Providing translation expertise to analysts;
  • Operating systems as needed to support signals Intelligence tasking, reporting, and coordination;
  • Providing gist, transcription, or translation of foreign communications.

Training:
Cryptologic linguist job training consists of 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and three to 52 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and in the field.
Training for an Army cryptologic analyst job takes place at the Defense Language Instiute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC), Presidio of Monterey in Monterey, California, and lasts between six and 18 months. The DLIFLC is a joint service school run by the Army, making it the primary foreign language training facility for the entire U.S. Department of Defense. Recruits who fluently speak a needed foreign language may be allowed to skip DLIFLC training. 

DLIFLC training is followed by advanced individual training.
Requirements:
  • To qualify for a job as a cryptologic linguist, recruits must score a 91 on  (ASVAB) in the Skilled Techincal (ST) area. The Army also evaluates recruits on the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB), to determine how well a native English speaker will be able to learn a new language. The DLAB score indicates the level of difficulty for language training. A DLAB qualifying score of 100 or above is required for this job.
  • Security Clearance: Top Secret
  • Cryptologic linguist in the Army must be free of color blindness, be U.S. citizens and have a qualifying score on the English Comprehension Level Test. Anyone who has served in the U.S. Peace Corps is not qualified. Recruits must have good voice quality and be able to speak English and an additional language fluently and idiomatically, without accent or impediment. It's not enough just to be able to speak the language, in other words.
  • A record of conviction by court-martial or civil court for any offense other than minor traffic violations removes a recruit from eligibility for the position of cryptologic linguist.
  • must be between the ages of 17-34
  • Similar civilian occupations to cryptologic linguist are interpreters and translators, radio operators, database administrators, computer operators, business operations specialists, and training and development specialists

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