Cryptanalyst

Cryptanalysts design, implement, and analyze algorithms for solving problems. They analyze and decipher secret coding systems and decode messages for military, political, or law enforcement agencies or organizations.

 

Summary

Cryptanalysts provide privacy for people and corporations, and keep hackers out of important data systems. They are constantly working on new ways to encrypt information.

 

Cryptanalysts are employed by educational institutions, bank and trust companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, scientific institutions, and research agencies. They also may work for telecommunications companies, computer design firms, consulting firms, science and engineering firms, and all levels of government, including special services and intelligence agencies. The United States government also has a need for Cyrptanalysts, to investigate and protect national assets.

 

Educational Requirements

Most cryptanalysts have at least a bachelor's degree in mathematics or computer science. Many cryptanalysts have graduate degrees in mathematics. A Ph.D. is usually required for cryptanalysts employed in a research environment or those who teach at the university level.

 

Salary Information 2023

According to comparably.com, the average salary for a Cryptanalyst in 2023 was $117,822.

Cryptanalysts have a unique opportunity of being employed by the United States government. According to the Federal Pay Scale, the salary of a Cryptanalyst in 2023 was $134,998. Note that the Federal Pay Scale is determined on strict criteria that candidates meet in order to qualify for levels with associated salaries. For more information, see the GS pay schedule here.

 

Want to know more?

We Use Math-Cryptanalyst

Get Connected

Belonging to professional organizations & LinkedIn groups can provide you with networking, informational interviewing, & job shadowing opportunities, as well as assist you with finding internships and jobs.

• International Association for Cryptologic Research
• List of Professional Organizations

Get Experience

• National Security Agency Internships
• Research & Internship Listings

Find a Job

• Central Intelligence Agency
• National Security Agency
• Job Search Sites Related to Your Major

 

Information retrieved from We Use Math: Cryptanalyst, GS Pay Scale, Comparably.