---
title: "IT Support vs Cybersecurity: Where to Start"
description: "Help desk and cybersecurity analyst jobs compared on entry education, certifications, BLS May 2025 pay and outlook to 2035."
url: https://careerdirecting.com/compare/it-support-vs-cybersecurity/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: CareerDirecting
---

Compare · Tech

# IT support vs cybersecurity The first rung, or the goal.

Tech careers

Cybersecurity gets the headlines and the salaries. IT support is where many security pros actually started. Here is how they compare, and how one leads to the other.

In short

IT support specialists often start with some college and a certification like CompTIA A+, earning a May 2025 median of $61,860. Information security analysts usually need a bachelor's degree plus experience, and earn a median of $129,180. Security is projected to grow 21% through 2035, while help desk jobs are projected at a decline of 3.5%.

**Job numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics** Updated October 9, 2026. Pay figures are national medians and are not a promise of what you will earn.

| Side by side | [IT support specialist](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/it-support-specialist/) | [Information security analyst](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/cybersecurity/) |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $61,860 | $129,180 |
| Hourly equivalent | $29.74 | $62.11 |
| Typical way in | Some college | Bachelor's degree |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | None listed |
| Jobs in the U.S. (2025) | 750,600 | 192,900 |
| Growth, 2025 to 2035 | a decline of 3.5% | 21% |
| Openings each year | 39,700 | 14,100 |

Source: [BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm), national medians. Not a promise of what you will earn.

## A realistic path

Most security analysts did not start in security. Many spent a few years in help desk, networking or systems work, then moved over with certifications and, often, a degree. If you are starting from zero, IT support gets you paid and learning.

## Questions people ask

### Can I get into cybersecurity without a degree?

Some people do with experience and certifications, but BLS lists a bachelor's degree as typical.

### Is IT support a good way into security?

Yes. It builds the troubleshooting and systems knowledge security work needs.

### Which certifications help?

CompTIA A+ for support, then Network+ and Security+ are common steps.

## Sources

- [BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, Table 1.2 (occupational projections and worker characteristics)](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm)
- [BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer user support specialists](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm)
- [BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information security analysts](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm)

## Where to go next

- [IT support specialist](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/it-support-specialist/)
- [Cybersecurity](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/cybersecurity/)
- [AI-proof jobs](https://careerdirecting.com/jobs-without-a-degree/ai-proof-jobs/)
- [Compare](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/)
- [Apprenticeship vs trade school](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/apprenticeship-vs-trade-school/)
- [Barber vs cosmetologist](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/barber-vs-cosmetologist/)
- [Certificate vs associate](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/certificate-vs-associate-degree/)
- [CNA vs LPN](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/cna-vs-lpn/)

---
Canonical page: https://careerdirecting.com/compare/it-support-vs-cybersecurity/