1

Opt Student Cybersecurity Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, NERC Compliance

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$174K - $231K/yr

SPP is not able to sponsor employment visas or student-work authorizations (STEM OPT) for this ... You'll work at the center of reliability, operations, cybersecurity, engineering, and executive ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Opt Student Cybersecurity information

See salary details

$40.5K

$122.9K

$180K

How much do opt student cybersecurity jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for opt student cybersecurity in the United States is $122,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make $200 a year in cyber security?

Opt Student Cybersecurity roles typically do not pay $200 annually, as cybersecurity positions generally offer higher wages even at entry levels. Earnings depend on factors such as experience, certifications, and the specific job environment, but most roles pay significantly more than that amount per year.

What are OPT Student Cybersecurity roles?

OPT Student Cybersecurity roles refer to positions in the cybersecurity field that are open to international students in the United States who are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) status. These roles allow students with a background in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields to gain practical work experience in the industry after completing their studies. Typical responsibilities include monitoring networks for security breaches, assisting with incident response, and helping organizations protect their digital assets. OPT students often work as analysts, interns, or junior security specialists in companies looking to bolster their cybersecurity teams.

What jobs can I work on OPT?

Opt Student Cybersecurity can work in roles such as cybersecurity analyst, security engineer, penetration tester, or security consultant. These positions often require knowledge of security tools, protocols, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, and typically involve working in IT environments with standard business hours or on a flexible schedule. Employment must align with the student's field of study and be related to cybersecurity or information technology.

Is 25 too late for cyber security?

Opt Student Cybersecurity roles and other cybersecurity careers do not have an age limit; individuals can start at 25 or later. Success depends on gaining relevant skills, certifications, and experience, which can be achieved at any age through self-study, training programs, or bootcamps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an OPT Student in Cybersecurity, and why are they important?

To thrive as an OPT Student in Cybersecurity, you need a solid understanding of network security, risk assessment, and foundational IT knowledge, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in identifying threats and collaborating with teams. These competencies are crucial for protecting organizational data, mitigating cyber risks, and ensuring compliance in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

What is the difference between Opt Student Cybersecurity vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectOpt Student CybersecurityCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsOften includes cybersecurity certifications, ongoing OPT authorizationTypically requires certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, with relevant degree
Work EnvironmentInternship or entry-level roles, often in tech companies or government agenciesFull-time position in IT or security teams across various industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by students on OPT seeking cybersecurity roles during their visa periodEmployed by organizations to monitor and protect information systems

Opt Student Cybersecurity roles are often internship or entry-level positions suitable for students on OPT, focusing on gaining practical experience. Cybersecurity Analysts are full-time professionals responsible for safeguarding systems, requiring more experience and certifications. Both roles share similar credentials but differ in scope and employment status.

What types of projects or tasks can an OPT student expect to handle in a cybersecurity role?

As an OPT student in a cybersecurity position, you will likely be involved in projects such as monitoring network activity for potential threats, assisting with vulnerability assessments, and responding to security incidents under supervision. You may help implement security protocols, review logs for suspicious activity, or contribute to security awareness initiatives. Collaboration with IT teams, senior analysts, and sometimes even legal or compliance departments is common, giving you exposure to different aspects of organizational security. These experiences offer valuable hands-on learning and can help you build a strong foundation for a future career in cybersecurity.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Opt Student Cybersecurity roles typically do not pay $500,000 annually, as entry-level or student positions generally have lower salaries. High earnings in cybersecurity usually come with senior roles such as security architects or chief information security officers, which require extensive experience, certifications, and specialized skills. Achieving such a high salary often involves years of experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand environments or leadership positions.
More about Opt Student Cybersecurity jobs
What cities are hiring for Opt Student Cybersecurity jobs? Cities with the most Opt Student Cybersecurity job openings:
What states have the most Opt Student Cybersecurity jobs? States with the most job openings for Opt Student Cybersecurity jobs include:
SUPERVISORY ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN with Security Clearance

SUPERVISORY ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN with Security Clearance

Department of Defense

Ventura, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Duties * You will lead personnel, direct IT technical tasks, and administer human resource actions while supporting the professional development of your staff. * You will manage the branch's project portfolio, track program budgets, optimize resource allocation, and ensure project milestones are actively met. * You will oversee the setup, operation, maintenance, upgrade, and certification of enterprise computing systems, software, and interconnected equipment.

* You will maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of system data by supporting cybersecurity and physical security protocols for IT systems and facilities. * You will evaluate technical project proposals, recommend priorities, foster knowledge sharing across teams, and promote innovation within the IT environment. Requirements Conditions of employment * Must be a US Citizen.

* Must be determined suitable for federal employment. * Must participate in the direct deposit pay program. * New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.

To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov * Generally, current federal employees applying for STRL jobs must serve at least one year at the next lower pay band. This requirement is called time-in-band. Time-in-band requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

* Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326. * Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. * You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty.

Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. * This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.

* Supervisors in the executive branch have a heightened personal responsibility for advancing government ethics. You will be required to review the 14 General Principles of Ethical Conduct at 5 CFR 2635.101. Qualifications Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) or pay band (NM-03) in the federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

Specialized experience must demonstrate duties related to the following: 1) Leading personnel, directing IT technical tasks, and administering basic human resource actions while supporting staff professional development and fostering collaborative partnerships within an enterprise IT environment; 2) Managing IT project portfolios, actively monitoring project milestones, tracking program budgets, and optimizing resource allocation to achieve team goals; 3) Overseeing the setup, operation, maintenance, and upgrade of enterprise computing systems, software, and interconnected equipment; and 4) Supporting the authorization of systems and facilities by implementing basic cybersecurity and physical security protocols to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of system data. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

Additional information This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.

During the application process you will have the ability to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions in the local commuting area. Depending on the hiring organization and the position being filled, job requirements (e.g., security clearance, travel, drug testing, financial disclosure filing, bargaining unit status, etc.) may vary. Other hiring managers filling similar positions may offer relocation expense reimbursement and/or may offer recruitment incentives for new employees, depending on funding availability and in accordance with policy.

If you opt-in and are referred on a certificate, your resume will be available to other hiring managers for 180-days from the date the job announcement closes. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants.

Policy information may be found at: PPP applicants will be placed at the FPL, if determined Well Qualified (WQ). To receive priority consideration, the FPL must be the same grade level or equivalent of the retained grade or the grade held immediately prior to separation. ICTAP Applicants: To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority as an ICTAP candidate, displaced Federal employees must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a rating in the highly qualified category (score 85) or higher.

ICTAP candidates must provide copies of all of the following documentation at the time of application: 1) agency notice; 2) most recent performance appraisal; and 3) most recent SF-50 or notification of personnel action that includes position, grade level, and duty location. Applicants who do not provide this documentation will not receive consideration as an ICTAP candidate. For more information about ICTAP eligibility please review the following link: Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ).

A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies comparable to others who meet the competitive referral criteria for the specific position.