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TL;DR: Is Cybersecurity Worth the Switch?
- Who it’s for: Mid-career professionals in Singapore, especially those seeing stagnant growth in their current fields.
- High pay potential: Cybersecurity salaries rank among the top 20 in Singapore.
- Career longevity: Demand is growing faster than supply, promising job security.
- Fast-track options: Courses like CFCI’s offer practical paths to pivot into cybersecurity, even with no IT background.
Feeling the Salary Squeeze? You’re Not Alone.
If your paycheck hasn’t changed much over the past few years or worse, has dipped, you’re not alone. According to the latest Ministry of Manpower data, over 200 professions in Singapore have seen stagnant or declining median salaries in 2024.
Roles in admin, operations, and even some finance sectors are feeling the heat, not just from inflation, but also from automation and offshoring. Meanwhile, cybersecurity professionals are enjoying a different trajectory altogether: upward mobility, strong demand, and attractive pay.
The MOM salary report reveals a striking truth: Cybersecurity engineers now earn a median monthly salary of $8,000. That’s on par with roles like risk managers, legal counsel, and doctors in private practice.
In fact, cybersecurity made the Top 20 highest-paying professions list in Singapore, far surpassing jobs in logistics, education, and customer service.
But here’s what’s even more encouraging: many of these cybersecurity roles don’t require you to be a tech wizard. Entry-level jobs like SOC (Security Operations Centre) Analysts or Threat Intelligence Assistants can start at $4,000–$5,000 per month, with room to grow fast.
“I managed to get a job even without relevant certificates or IT background.”
Kyle Lim, CFCI Graduate, Former Hawker Turned SOC Analyst
We often hear about tech jobs that burn bright and fade fast. But cybersecurity isn’t one of them. In Singapore alone:
- 3,400 cybersecurity roles remain unfilled each year (CSA 2023)
- SMEs and MNCs alike are under constant pressure to beef up digital defences
- AI and cloud adoption are increasing the complexity and importance of cybersecurity
Globally, the numbers are just as compelling:
- The global cybersecurity market is projected to grow from USD 190 billion in 2023 to USD 298 billion by 2028 (Mordor Intelligence).
- Cybercrime is expected to cost the world USD 10.5 trillion annually by 2025, further pushing up the demand for cyber talent.
Closer to home, Singapore will face a shortage of over 3,400 cybersecurity professionals annually until at least 2025, based on projections by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. This persistent gap is driven by rapid digitalisation across industries, increased regulatory pressure, and the rise of advanced cyber threats targeting both public and private sectors.
Why does this matter for your career?
Unlike some tech fields that can be offshored or automated, cybersecurity requires local context, trust clearance, and constant vigilance. Whether it’s government agencies, banks, or healthcare providers, all need Singapore-based talent to safeguard their systems.
Cybersecurity isn’t just a job. It’s becoming a permanent layer of business infrastructure like accounting or legal compliance.
Add to that the rise of regulatory mandates like the Cybersecurity Act and PDPA, and you’ll see why cybersecurity roles are becoming not just desirable, but non-negotiable.
The MOM data shows median salaries for roles like office clerks, admin assistants, and dispatch riders have either stagnated or declined. Why?
- Digital transformation is eliminating repetitive tasks
- Global hiring is putting downward pressure on local wages
- Limited upskilling opportunities in legacy roles
Even fields once seen as “safe,” like customer support and retail management, are now under scrutiny. As job scopes narrow, career paths shrink.
So if you’re mid-career and feeling stuck, the data backs up what you’re sensing: now is the time to explore pivot options.
Yes and many already have. At CFCI, 74% of students started with no IT background, and yet 89% landed cybersecurity roles within six months of graduating.
The key? Practical, hands-on training tailored for adults making a mid-career switch.
If you’re exploring a cybersecurity course in Singapore that fits your schedule, CFCI’s Cybersecurity Career Kickstart+ programme includes:
- 28 real-world simulations on an industry-grade cyber lab
- Mock job interviews and resume coaching
- Globally recognised GCIH certification voucher (worth $1,350)
- Flexible part-time schedule (2 weekday evenings + 1 weekend session)
Also read: Making A Mid-Career Switch into Cybersecurity in Singapore in2025
Entry-level cybersecurity roles start from around $4,000–$5,000 per month, with mid-level positions such as SOC Analysts earning $6,500–$8,000. With certifications and experience, senior roles can reach $12,000 or more, based on MOM and industry data.
This makes cybersecurity not just a secure choice but a lucrative one too.
For those who are curious about what cybersecurity entails, CFCI offers a free 7-hour Cybersecurity Experiential Workshop (CEW). It’s a try-before-you-commit session where you’ll:
- Learn real cybersecurity tools
- Attempt a scenario-based assessment
- Get a personal report on your potential
Curious about job stability in cybersecurity?
This article breaks down why cyber careers are built to last.
If you’re seeing fewer doors open in your current career, cybersecurity might just be the pivot that pays off. With high salary potential, long-term demand, and training designed for non-techies, it’s never too late to reinvent your path.
Ready to explore?
📄 Find Out More
📅 Register for a free cybersecurity information session
💬 Book a personal consultation
Can I switch to cybersecurity without an IT background?
Yes. Many CFCI students come from non-IT backgrounds such as hospitality, logistics, F&B, and admin roles.
How long does it take to become job-ready?
Most learners complete the Cybersecurity Career Kickstart+ in 8 months part-time.
Are cybersecurity jobs stable in Singapore?
Yes. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore reports thousands of unfilled roles annually.
What’s the minimum I need to learn to break in?
You’ll need to master basics in networking, incident response, and common cyber tools—usually covered in a structured beginner course.
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