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Firewall Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NSIS Firewall Analyst team 13 team members. What is the break-down of the team s skill sets (ex: 1 PM 4 Developers etc.)? High level security architects. What are the top 5-10 responsibilities for ...

NSIS Firewall Analyst team 13 team members. What is the break-down of the team s skill sets (ex: 1 PM 4 Developers etc.)? High level security architects. What are the top 5-10 responsibilities for ...

Monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot firewall traffic to identify and mitigate security threats. * Implement and maintain firewall rules, policies, and configurations based on security best practices ...

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Firewall Analyst information

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How much do firewall analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for firewall analyst in the United States is $60.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55.77 and $65.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Firewall Analysts face when managing network security, and how can they overcome them?

Firewall Analysts often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving cyber threats, managing complex rule sets, and minimizing false positives in intrusion detection systems. Staying updated with the latest security trends and regularly reviewing firewall policies can help address these issues. Collaborating closely with network engineers and security teams allows analysts to fine-tune configurations and ensure both security and network performance are balanced. Continuous learning through certifications and hands-on experience is also essential for overcoming day-to-day obstacles in this dynamic field.

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

To thrive as a Firewall Analyst, you need a thorough understanding of network security principles, firewall technologies, and protocols, typically supported by a degree in information technology or cybersecurity. Familiarity with security platforms like Palo Alto, Cisco ASA, and tools such as SIEM systems, as well as certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA Security, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications are essential for protecting organizational networks, ensuring compliance, and quickly mitigating security threats.

What is the difference between Firewall Analyst vs Network Security Analyst?

AspectFirewall AnalystNetwork Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA Security, Palo Alto certificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, Cisco CCNP Security
Work EnvironmentFocuses on configuring, monitoring, and managing firewallsBroader security infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and vulnerability assessments
Employer & Industry UsageIT security teams in various industries, primarily focusing on firewall managementOrganizations with comprehensive security needs, including firewalls, VPNs, and threat analysis

While both roles involve cybersecurity and require similar certifications, Firewall Analysts primarily focus on managing and configuring firewalls to protect networks. Network Security Analysts have a broader scope, overseeing multiple security measures beyond firewalls, such as intrusion detection systems and vulnerability assessments. The Firewall Analyst role is more specialized, whereas the Network Security Analyst provides a comprehensive security overview.

What are Firewall Analysts?

Firewall Analysts are cybersecurity professionals responsible for configuring, monitoring, and maintaining an organization's firewall systems. They ensure that network traffic complies with security policies, prevent unauthorized access, and respond to potential security threats. Firewall Analysts also analyze security logs, update firewall rules, and collaborate with IT teams to strengthen the organization's network defenses.
More about Firewall Analyst jobs
Infographic showing various Firewall Analyst job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,752 per year, or $60.5 per hour.
Cybersecurity Firewall Analyst II

Cybersecurity Firewall Analyst II

Strategic Staffing Solutions

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Strategic Staffing Solutions is currently looking for a Cybersecurity Firewall Analyst II ,W-2 contract opportunity.

Cybersecurity Firewall Analyst II

Locations: Charlotte, NC

Type: W-2 Contract (NO C2C)

Schedule: Hybrid

Contract: 12 months

Top Skills:


  • 3 5 years of experience in firewall administration, network security, or a related cybersecurity role.
  • Solid hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls and Panorama management.
  • Experience analyzing and optimizing large-scale firewall rule bases in an enterprise environment.
  • Working knowledge of SASE/SSE concepts and Palo Alto Prisma Access is a plus.
  • Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP, NAT, routing, and common network protocols.

This is a W-2 contract opportunity, and candidates must be able to work on our W-2 only. NO C2C or 1099.

Position Summary

This position plays a key role in the SASE initiative by performing in-depth analysis, optimization, and cleanup of Palo Alto Networks security policies in preparation for migration to a Prisma Access / SASE architecture. The Analyst II will independently review complex rule bases, develop policy recommendations, and coordinate with business stakeholders to validate security requirements. This role serves as a technical bridge between the Analyst I and Analyst III, driving day-to-day execution of the policy review effort.

Responsibilities & Duties:


  • Performs detailed analysis of Palo Alto Networks firewall security policies to identify optimization opportunities, including consolidation, tightening, and removal of unused or redundant rules.
  • Evaluates existing egress internet policies and recommends cleanup actions aligned with best practices and the target SASE/Prisma Access architecture.
  • Maps current firewall policy constructs (zones, address groups, application filters, security profiles) to their Prisma Access equivalents.
  • Develops and documents policy migration recommendations, including rule-by-rule disposition (migrate, consolidate, retire, rewrite).
  • Coordinates with business partners and IT teams to validate traffic flows, application dependencies, and rule ownership.
  • Provides technical guidance and mentorship to Analyst I team members.
  • Maintains comprehensive documentation of analysis findings, decisions, and migration readiness status.
  • Contributes to the development of standardized processes, templates, and criteria for the policy review effort.
  • Adheres to change management requirements and processes.
  • Participates in project planning, status reporting, and stakeholder communications.
  • Identifies and escalates complex policy conflicts or architectural questions to the Analyst III / project lead.

Desired Qualifications:


  • 3 5 years of experience in firewall administration, network security, or a related cybersecurity role.
  • Solid hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls and Panorama management.
  • Experience analyzing and optimizing large-scale firewall rule bases in an enterprise environment.
  • Working knowledge of SASE/SSE concepts and Palo Alto Prisma Access is a plus.
  • Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP, NAT, routing, and common network protocols.
  • Ability to develop and refine firewall policy while balancing business requirements and security controls.
  • Experience analyzing firewall security and traffic logs for policy validation.
  • Palo Alto Networks PCNSA required; PCNSE preferred.
  • CompTIA Security+ or equivalent preferred.
  • Experience in a large enterprise or critical infrastructure environment preferred.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to document findings clearly and present to stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated commitment to personal and team success.


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