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How much do phd cryptography jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd cryptography in the United States is $21.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD in Cryptography?

A PhD in Cryptography is a doctoral-level program focused on the study and advancement of cryptographic methods, protocols, and mathematical theories used to secure data and communications. Students in this program typically conduct original research on topics such as encryption algorithms, cryptographic protocols, and security systems. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, cybersecurity, or technology companies, where they help develop and analyze secure systems to protect sensitive information.

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

To thrive as a PhD Cryptographer, you need advanced knowledge of mathematics, computer science, and cryptographic algorithms, typically supported by a PhD in a relevant field. Familiarity with cryptographic libraries (such as OpenSSL), programming languages (like Python, C++, or Java), and research publication tools is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication skills help you develop secure solutions and convey complex ideas. These competencies are critical to creating robust cryptographic protocols and advancing the field's security standards.

What types of projects or problems do PhD-level cryptographers typically work on within research or industry settings?

PhD cryptographers often tackle a wide range of advanced security challenges, such as designing new encryption algorithms, analyzing the security of cryptographic protocols, and implementing secure communication systems. In industry, they may collaborate closely with software engineers and product teams to ensure practical, robust security solutions are integrated into products. In academic or research positions, they frequently publish their findings, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the development of cryptographic standards. The role usually requires balancing theoretical research with practical application, often working on multidisciplinary teams to address real-world security needs.

What is the difference between Phd Cryptography vs Cryptography Analyst?

AspectPhd CryptographyCryptography Analyst
Required CredentialsPhD in Cryptography or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsCorporate, government agencies, cybersecurity firms
Industry UsageAdvanced research, academic publications, innovationSecurity assessments, encryption implementation, threat analysis

While a Phd in Cryptography focuses on research, development, and academic contributions, a Cryptography Analyst applies encryption techniques in practical security settings. Both roles require a strong understanding of cryptographic principles, but they differ in scope and work environment.

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Phd Cryptography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Cryptography job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 96% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,300 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Cryptography Research Engineer

Cryptography Research Engineer

Riverside Research

Dayton, OH

$140K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking a Cryptography Research Engineer to work alongside our US Air Force (USAF) and Department of Defense (DoD) partners to develop tamper protected microelectronic devices and intellectual property (IP). This position will possess a strong understanding of cryptographic algorithm development and implementation, including post-quantum cryptography, and advanced attacks against cryptographic implementations. You will work with hardware security experts employing a range of microelectronics test equipment, custom software, and computing resources to provide the best support to our customers. This position is located at WPAFB, Ohio.

Responsibilities

  • Provides assessments of state-of-the-art implementation attacks against cryptographic algorithms
  • Attends technology interchange meetings at DoD and contractor sites
  • Designs and performs research and experiments to assess attack effectiveness against microelectronic devices
  • Interacts with internal team and trusted third-parties to collect appropriate source information
  • Analyzes secure architectures to identify vulnerabilities
  • Documents findings in technical reports and presentations
  • Develops, maintains, adjusts, and reports on project schedules and timelines
  • Attends technical conferences to understand new attacks and protections
  • Collaborates with Government research leads to conducted research and present papers across a variety of DoD conferences and technical interchanges
  • Supports Principal Investigator and Program Manager in the development and documentation of technical requirements for approved research areas
  • Contributes to proposals for new research in similar and/or related technology areas

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Secret required clearance to start, but must be able obtain Top Secret security clearance and all required program access approvals.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics with 5 years direct experience in cryptography or a closely related discipline; or a master’s degree in related academic field and 3 years direct experience in cryptography or embedded hardware security, or a PhD within a related discipline.
  • Strong mathematical foundation in cryptography, excellent English reading skills, eagerness to learn, and desire to perform fundamental research.
  • Familiarity with the finalized NIST Post-Quantum Encryption Standards (CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, Sphincs+ and FALCON) and other public-key cryptographic algorithms (AES, RSA, ECC).
  • Good communication and teamwork skills.
  • Proficient in creating technical reports and presentations supporting research areas.
  • Willing to travel a few times per year.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics with 8 years direct experience in cryptography or a closely related discipline; or a master’s degree in related academic field and 6 years direct experience in cryptography or embedded hardware security, or a PhD within a related discipline with 3 years practical experience.
  • Publication history in cryptography or mathematics.
  • Proficiency in Python, Rust, or C++.
  • Experience building cryptographic algorithms in hardware and RTL implementations.
  • Experience with Machine Learning and Data Analysis.
  • Proficiency in common ZK proofs (Groth, SNARKs, STARKs, etc.).
  • Familiarity with common ZK primitives (BLS, ECDSA, Oracle, Hash, Merkel Tree, etc.).
  • Knowledge of standard ZK protocols (Pedersen, Schnorr, KZG, Polynomial Commitment, etc.).
  • Experience with VOLE-based ZK proofs, symmetric key ciphers, or fully homomorphic encryption.
  • Understanding of multi-party computation and obfuscation circuits.
  • Knowledge of blockchain technology design principles and experience with a common blockchain open-source project.

Global Comp

$140,000-$195,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

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