Riyadh has emerged as the leading destination for cybersecurity job seekers in the Middle East, with 2,256 job openings contributing to a total of 9,813 positions across the region. This demand translates to an impressive 288.45 vacancies per 100,000 residents in a city with a population of 7.82 million.
The cybersecurity market in Saudi Arabia is set for significant growth, projected to achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.95% from 2024 to 2029. This trend highlights the increasing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Insights from Edoxi, based on data from top hiring platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Bayt, underscore the robust opportunities available. Our research also identifies the most sought-after cybersecurity roles in Riyadh, making it an exceptional location for aspiring professionals in this dynamic field.
Explore the trending cybersecurity jobs in Riyadh today!
Top Cybersecurity Job Roles and Salaries in Riyadh
If you're considering a Cybersecurity career in Riyadh, then here are the top cybersecurity job roles, their job level, the number of job opportunities available and salaries in Riyadh!
| Cybersecurity Job Roles |
Job-level |
Number of jobs |
Salary |
| Security Engineer |
Entry-level |
271 |
SAR 14,900 Per Month |
| Network Security Engineer |
Entry-level |
266 |
SAR 16500 Per Month |
| Security Consultant |
Professional-level |
227 |
SAR 16500 Per Month |
| Cybersecurity Specialist |
Intermediate-level job role |
163 |
SAR 9,000 Per Month |
| Security Operations Specialist |
Intermediate-level job role |
159 |
SAR 21,500 Per Month |
| Network Administrator |
Entry-level |
153 |
SAR 10,212 Per Month |
| Cybersecurity Analyst |
Intermediate-level |
140 |
SAR 8,000 to SAR 12,000 Per Month |
| SOC Engineer |
Entry-level |
110 |
SAR 7000 Per Month |
| Security Analyst |
Intermediate-level |
110 |
SAR 13,000 Per Month |
| SOC Manager |
Professional-level |
94 |
SAR 16500 Per Month |
Tabular representation of the top 10 cybersecurity job vacancies, level and average salaries in Riyadh
1. Security Engineer
According to Edoxi’s research findings, as of November 2024, Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, boasts 271 job openings for Security Engineers, making it the leading city in the Middle East for this profession. This figure contributes to 1,220 Security Engineer positions available across the Middle East region.
If you are interested in starting a career as a Security Engineer, here are the job responsibilities, required skills, average salary, eligibility criteria, and necessary certifications.
Skills needed to become a Security Engineer
- Firewall Configuration (Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Checkpoint)
- IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems)
- Internet Protocol (IP)
- Data Encryption Techniques:
- Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP)
- SSL/TLS Protocols
- Network Protocols
- Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
- Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
- Troubleshooting
- VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- Endpoint Security Solutions
- Incident Response Procedures
- Zero Trust Architecture
Security Engineer Job Responsibilities
- Develop and deploy security measures to protect systems and networks.
- Continuously monitor security systems for anomalies and breaches.
- Respond to and investigate security incidents, ensuring timely resolution.
- Regular assessments and penetration tests are performed to identify weaknesses.
- Create and maintain security policies, standards, and procedures.
- Train employees on security best practices and awareness programs.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
- Maintain documentation of security incidents, audits, and assessments
Educational Qualifation
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field is typically required.
Work Experience
- 0-2 years of experience in IT, with a focus on networking and security
Average Salary of a Security Engineer
Certifications needed to become a Security Engineer
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
2. Network Security Engineer
Edoxi's research findings reveals, as of November 2024, there are 831 Network Security Engineer job openings across the Middle East. Riyadh leads the region with the highest number of job opportunities, accounting for 266 roles. This highlights Riyadh's growing prominence as a hub for cybersecurity talent and network security roles.
A Network Security Engineer is an entry-level cybersecurity job. They are responsible for protecting an organisation's computer networks from various cyber threats, including attacks, breaches, and vulnerabilities.
Skills needed to become a Network Security Engineer
- Firewall Configuration (Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Checkpoint)
- IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems)
- Internet Protocol (IP)
- Data Encryption Techniques:
- Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP)
- SSL/TLS Protocols
- Network Protocols
- Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
- Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
- Troubleshooting
- VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- Endpoint Security Solutions
- Incident Response Procedures
- Zero Trust Architecture
Job Responsibilities of a Network Security Engineer
- Designing and Implementing Security Solutions
- Monitoring Network Traffic and Anomalies
- Managing Network Security Tools
- Implementing Security Policies and Procedures
- Auditing and Compliance
- Ensuring Secure Remote Access
- Develop and maintain incident response and disaster recovery plans.
- Investigate and mitigate security breaches and incidents
- Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to ensure end-to-end security implementation.
- Conduct security awareness training for staff to reduce risks from human error.
- Implement and manage Zero Trust security frameworks (new).
Educational Qualifications needed to become a Network Security Engineer
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Network Administration, or a related field is often required.
- Master's Degree in Cybersecurity.
Work Experience
- 0-2 years of relevant experience in networking or security.
Average Salary of a Network Security Engineer
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
3. Security Consultant
According to Edoxi's research, as of Nov 2024, there are 227 job openings for Security Consultants in Riyadh, out of a total of 824 available jobs in the Middle East.
Riyadh has the second-highest number of vacancies for Security Consultant jobs in the Middle East. The city also has 339 professional-level job openings
Security Consultants is a professional-level cybersecurity job. They play a crucial role in safeguarding an organisation’s systems and data from threats.
Job Responsibilities of Security Consultants
- Conduct comprehensive security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and risks.
- Create and recommend security policies, procedures, and best practices to clients.
- Assist clients in developing incident response plans and provide support during security incidents.
- Ensure clients are compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
- Prepare detailed reports and documentation outlining findings, recommendations, and security measures.
Skills Required for Security Consultants
- Risk Assessment and Management
- Network Security
- Security Architecture
- Incident Response
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Compliance Knowledge
- Security Tools
- Threat Intelligence
- Data Analysis
- Problem-Solving
Educational Qualification for Security Consultant Job Position
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field
Work Experience
- 5-7 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on client management and advanced security knowledge.
Average Salary of a Security Consultant
Certifications to Become a Security Consultant
4. Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity Specialist is an intermediate-level job role. Edoxi’s research report indicates, as of Nov 2024, there are 163 cybersecurity specialist jobs available in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which is also the 2nd highest in the Middle East in terms of job availability.
A Cybersecurity Specialist design and implement security policies to safeguard digital systems. They identify vulnerabilities and suggest measures to mitigate risks.
Job Responsibilities of Cybersecurity Specialist
- Monitoring Security Systems: Continuously monitor networks for potential breaches or vulnerabilities.
- Conducting Penetration Tests: Regularly test systems and applications to identify weaknesses.
- Incident Management: Investigate and resolve security breaches or cyberattacks.
- Managing Security Tools: Configure and maintain security systems, such as firewalls, anti-virus, and SIEM tools.
- Conducting Security Audits: Perform internal audits to ensure compliance with security standards.
Skills Required for Cybersecurity Specialists
- Network Security
- Incident Response
- Risk Management
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Encryption
- Cyber Threat Intelligence
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Compliance
- Cloud Security
Educational Qualification for Cybersecurity Specialist Job Position
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
Work Experience
- 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, or related roles.
Average Salary of a Cybersecurity Specialist
Certifications to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
5. Security Operations Specialist
Riyadh has the highest number of vacancies for Security Operations Specialist jobs in the Middle East. According to Edoxi’s research findings, As of Nov 2024, there are 2,256 cybersecurity jobs available in Riyadh, including 159 Security Operations Specialist positions.
A Security Operations Specialist is an intermediate-level job role. They investigate security incidents and analyse their impact. They monitor security events and alerts generated by security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
Job Responsibilities of Security Operations Specialists
- Assist in implementing and maintaining security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and antivirus software.
- Work with incident response teams to manage and mitigate security incidents effectively.
- Create reports on security incidents, trends, and metrics to inform management and improve security posture.
- Keep abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and industry best practices.
- Contribute to the development and enforcement of security policies, standards, and procedures.
Skills Required for Security Operations Specialists
- Network Security
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Endpoint Protection
- Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering
- Vulnerability Management
- Incident Response
- Threat Intelligence Analysis
- Forensics and Investigation
- Compliance Frameworks
Educational Qualification for Security Operations Specialist Job Position
- A bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
Work Experience
- 2-5 years of experience in security operations or cybersecurity roles focused on monitoring and incident response.
Average Salary of a Security Operation Specialist
Certifications to Become a Security Operations Specialist
6. Network Administrator
According to Edoxi’s research findings, As of November 2024, there are 2,256 cybersecurity jobs available in Riyadh, including 153 Network Administrator positions.
Network Administrator is an entry-level cybersecurity job role. They plan, design, and deploy new network systems to meet organisational needs. They continuously monitor network performance and optimise it to reduce bottlenecks.
Job Responsibilities of Network Administrator
- Implement and manage network security measures, including firewalls, encryption, and VPNs.
- Diagnosing and resolving network issues, including connectivity problems, outages, and performance degradation.
- Installing, configuring, and maintaining network hardware and software systems.
- Maintaining detailed documentation on network configurations, diagrams, issues, and resolutions.
- Ensure network compliance with organisational policies and external regulations.
- Create and maintain network documentation (configurations, diagrams, issues).
- Manage network backups and disaster recovery protocols.
- Collaborate with IT teams to integrate new technologies and applications.
- Update and apply network patches, firmware, and software upgrades regularly.
- Support remote access solutions (VPN, secure connections).
- Train and support users on network access and troubleshooting.
- Oversee network scalability and capacity planning for future growth.
- Manage and monitor network traffic for bandwidth optimisation.
Skills Required for Network Administrators
- Networking Fundamentals (IP addressing, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)
- Advanced Routing Protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP)
- Network Security (Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS)
- Cloud Networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Network Automation and Scripting (Python, Ansible)
- Network Troubleshooting (Wireshark, SNMP, network logs)
- Virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V)
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN) (Cisco ACI, VMware NSX)
- Communication and Collaboration (Teamwork, technical documentation)
- Wireless Networking (WLAN, 802.11 standards)
- Network Monitoring (Nagios, SolarWinds)
- Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning
- IPv6 Networking
- Network Hardware Configuration (Routers, Switches, Access Points)
- Network Performance Optimization
Educational Qualification for Network Administrator Job Position
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Computer Science, IT, Networking) or a similar field.
Work Experience
- 0-2 years of experience in IT support or related roles.
Average Salary of a Network Administrator
Certifications to Become a Network Administrator
7. Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst is an intermediate-level cybersecurity job role. They perform regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in the organisation’s security posture.
According to Edoxi’s research findings, as of November 2024, there are 2,256 cybersecurity jobs available in Riyadh, including 140 Cybersecurity Analyst positions.
Job Responsibilities of Cybersecurity Analysts
- Investigate security incidents, analyse their impact, and coordinate responses to mitigate risks and restore normal operations.
- Assist in developing and enforcing security policies and procedures to protect the organisation’s assets.
- Conduct training sessions for employees on security awareness and best practices to reduce the risk of human error.
- Document security incidents, responses, and remediation efforts for compliance and reporting purposes.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and best practices to enhance the organisation’s security measures.
Skills Required for Cybersecurity Analysts
- Network Security
- Operating Systems
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
- Firewall and Security Device Management
- Malware Analysis
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Encryption Technologies
- SIEM Tools
- Threat Analysis
- Risk Assessment
- Incident Response
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Programming and Scripting Skills
Educational Qualification for Cybersecurity Analyst Job Position
- A bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
Work Experience
- 2-5 years of experience in threat analysis, incident response and security monitoring.
Average Salary of a Cybersecurity Analyst
- SAR 8,000 to SAR 12,000 Per Month
Certifications to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst
8. SOC Engineer
As per Edoxi’s research findings, As of November 2024, there are 2,256 cybersecurity jobs available in Riyadh, including 110 SOC Engineer positions.
A SOC (Security Operations Center) Engineer is an entry-level cybersecurity professional. They are responsible for monitoring, detecting, analysing, and responding to security incidents and threats within an organisation's IT infrastructure.
Job Responsibilities of SOC Engineer
- Monitor Security Events: Continuously monitor security events through SIEM tools and other security monitoring systems to detect potential threats.
- Incident Detection and Response: Respond to security alerts, analyze security events, and perform initial triage to contain threats.
- Threat Hunting: Actively search for suspicious activity and vulnerabilities within the organisation’s infrastructure.
- System and Network Logs Analysis: Review system and network logs to identify unusual activity and possible security breaches.
- Develop Playbooks and Procedures: Create incident response playbooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling security incidents.
- Security Tools Management: Manage and configure security monitoring tools, firewalls, and IDS/IPS.
- Forensics and Root Cause Analysis: Perform forensic analysis during and after incidents to identify the root cause and propose long-term solutions.
- Collaboration with Other Teams: Work closely with IT, network engineers, and security teams to ensure the security posture of the organisation.
- Reporting and Documentation: Prepare detailed reports on security incidents, metrics, and threat analysis for management and compliance purposes
Skills required to become SOC Engineer
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Incident Response
- Threat Detection and Analysis
- Network Security Monitoring
- Malware Analysis
- Forensics and Investigation
- Vulnerability Management
- Knowledge of Security Frameworks
- Scripting and Automation
- Risk Assessment and Management
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically required.
Average Salary of a SOC Engineer
Work Experience
- 1-3 years of experience in IT security, SOC analyst roles, or related fields.
Certifications to Become a SOC Engineer
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
- Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
9. Security Analyst
According to Edoxi’s research findings, As of November 2024, there are 2,256 cybersecurity jobs available in Riyadh, including 110 Security Analyst positions.
Security Analyst is an intermediate-level cybersecurity job. They monitor the organisation's network, systems, and applications for suspicious activity and potential security threats. They do vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in the organisation’s IT Security infrastructure.
Job Responsibilities of Security Analysts
- Investigate and respond to security breaches, data leaks, and other incidents, ensuring that systems are restored quickly and effectively.
- Install, configure, and manage security tools such as firewalls, antivirus software, IDS/IPS, and encryption tools.
- Evaluate the organisation's infrastructure for potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
- Implement Security Policies and Procedures
- Ensure that the organisation adheres to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Work with IT and security teams to design, test, and implement new security measures.
Skills Required for Security Analysts
- Network Security
- Incident Detection and Response
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
- Threat Intelligence
- Security Auditing and Compliance
- Malware Analysis
- Cloud Security
- Risk Management:
- Vulnerability Assessment:
- Compliance Knowledge
Educational Qualification for Security Analyst Job Position
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity
- Or equivalent work experience or certifications in place of a degree.
Work Experience
- 2–5 years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, or a related role
Average Salary of a Security Analyst
Certifications to Become a Security Analyst
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- GIAC Cybersecurity Analyst (GCA)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
10. SOC Manager
According to Edoxi’s research findings, As of November 2024, there are 2,256 cybersecurity jobs available in Riyadh, including 94 SOC Manager positions.
Notably, Riyadh has the highest number of vacancies for SOC Manager jobs in the Middle East. A SOC Manager is a professional-level cybersecurity job role. They oversee the SOC's operations and ensure effective incident management.
Job Responsibilities of SOC Manager
- Manage and lead a team of security analysts, ensuring effective operations within the SOC.
- Oversee the incident response process, including detection, analysis, containment, and recovery from security incidents.
- Develop and manage security monitoring strategies and provide regular reports on security incidents and trends to upper management.
- Implement threat intelligence feeds and enhance security posture based on identified threats.
- Establish and enforce security policies, procedures, and best practices within the SOC.
- Provide training and mentorship to SOC staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Work with other IT and security teams to ensure a cohesive approach to cybersecurity.
Skills Required for SOC Manager
- Incident Response
- Threat Intelligence
- Network Security
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Malware Analysis
- Vulnerability Management
- Forensics
- Cloud Security
- Problem-Solving
- Analytical Thinking
Educational Qualification for SOC Manager Job Position
- A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field
Work Experience
- 7-10 years of relevant experience, including management responsibilities and extensive knowledge of security operations.
Average Salary of a SOC Manager
Certifications to Become a SOC Manager
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH),
- GIAC Security Management (GSLC)
Discover the Cybersecurity Job Trends for 2025 in the Middle East.
Key Takeaways
According to Edoxi’s research findings;
- The total number of Cybersecurity job roles in the Middle East is 9813
- The total number of job roles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is 2256 (1st in the Middle East in terms of job opportunities).
- Entry-level job opportunities in Riyadh are 850, 1st in the Middle East (total opportunities in the Middle East: 3549)
- Intermediate-level job opportunities available in Riyadh is 1067, 1st in the Middle East (total opportunities in the Middle East: 4849)
- Professional level job opportunities available in Riyadh are 339, 1st in the Middle East (total opportunities in the Middle East: 1415).
According to data collected during Edoxi’s research, Riyadh offers the best cybersecurity job opportunities for entry-level, intermediate, and professional-level roles. So, if you are planning to start your career in Riyadh, it’s the right call. It is essential to pursue an industry-recognised cybersecurity certification to gain practical exposure. Edoxi offers top cybersecurity courses to kickstart your career in this field.
Nov 28, 2024
