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17C: Cyber Operations Specialist to $100K+
Where an Army Cyber Operations Specialist fits in the civilian job market, what it pays, and how to get there.
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What the job is, in plain English
Conducts defensive and offensive cyberspace operations: hunting for intruders on networks, analyzing malware and vulnerabilities, and supporting cyber missions.
Skills that transfer
- Network defense and threat hunting
- Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
- Incident response
- Scripting (Python, PowerShell)
- Working in TS/SCI environments
Matching civilian roles and pay
5 of 5 matched roles reach $100K+ for top earners nationally; the highest median here is Computer and Information Systems Managers at $175,140. Matches come from O*NET's crosswalk for 17C (Cyber Operations Specialist).
| Civilian role | Median pay | 90th percentile | $100K+ potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analysts | $129,180 | $199,850 | Median already clears $100K |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $105,850 | $167,710 | Median already clears $100K |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $99,130 | $155,050 | Yes: top 10% earn $155,050+ |
| Financial Risk Specialists | $117,330 | $196,110 | Median already clears $100K |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,140 | $297,510 | Median already clears $100K |
Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 national estimates, national annual wages (BLS OEWS). Your pay will vary with location, experience, clearance, education and employer. Some O*NET roles share a broader BLS pay group, which is noted under the role name.
Certifications worth a look
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA CySA+
- GIAC certifications (GCIH, GCIA)
- Offensive Security OSCP
- CISSP (later career)
Commonly pursued by people in this field; not an official list. Check what your branch will fund, and see the full list for your code, on DoD COOL (Army COOL: 17C).
The clearance angle
17C requires TS/SCI. Cleared cyber operators routinely compete for the highest-paying technical roles in the defense industrial base. See what a security clearance is worth in 2026.
Next steps
Related job codes
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