Want a high-paying cybersecurity job without deep technical skills? You’re in luck. The cybersecurity field is booming, with a 32% job growth expected from 2022–2032 and 750,000 unfilled positions in the U.S. alone. Many roles focus on communication, strategy, and problem-solving rather than coding or technical mastery. Here are three lucrative, less-technical roles:
- Product Marketers: Turn complex cybersecurity solutions into clear value propositions. Salaries range from $36,000 to over $250,000 annually.
- Sales Engineers: Bridge technical solutions and business needs. Average salary: $122,890, with top earners making up to $280,000.
- Customer Success Managers (CSMs): Build relationships and ensure clients maximize their cybersecurity investments. Average salary: $138,984, with top performers earning up to $241,732.
These roles combine technical basics with strong communication and relationship-building skills, offering purpose-driven careers in the growing cybersecurity industry.
Quick Comparison:
| Role | Salary Range | Key Skills | Technical Knowledge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Marketers | $36,000–$250,000+ | Marketing, messaging, communication | Moderate |
| Sales Engineers | $80,000–$280,000 | Technical expertise, sales, problem-solving | High |
| Customer Success Managers | $105,000–$241,732 | Relationship-building, strategic thinking | Moderate |
These roles prove you don’t need to be a technical expert to thrive in cybersecurity. Dive into the article to learn more about the skills and career paths for each position!
CYBERSECURITY Jobs That Pay $100k/Year WITHOUT Coding Skills
1. Product Marketers
In the world of cybersecurity, product marketers play a pivotal role in connecting advanced technical solutions with the needs of customers. Their job is to take complex security features and turn them into clear, compelling value propositions that resonate with businesses. Unlike purely technical roles, product marketing is all about understanding market demands, crafting effective messaging, and driving product adoption through strategic communication.
Cybersecurity product marketers often collaborate with engineering teams to grasp the latest security features and translate them into strategies that appeal to IT decision-makers, CISOs, and business leaders. They create content that highlights how these solutions tackle pressing challenges like data breaches or compliance issues. This role is not only strategic but also comes with competitive financial rewards that reflect its importance.
Salary Potential
The earning potential for cybersecurity product marketers is impressive, with salaries varying based on experience and the size of the organization. Entry-level positions start at around $36,000, while senior roles at top companies can command over $250,000 annually.
This wide salary range underscores the specialized nature of the role. For instance, professionals in the 75th percentile earn approximately $100,500 annually, while those just starting out may see salaries closer to the 25th percentile mark of $36,000. Location also plays a role - product marketers in New York, for example, earn an average of $36 per hour, which is about $3.09 higher than the national average.
Required Skills
To excel as a cybersecurity product marketer, a unique mix of technical knowledge and marketing expertise is essential. A solid understanding of cybersecurity basics - such as network security, threat intelligence, and data privacy - enables marketers to effectively communicate with both technical teams and customers. While they don’t need to be experts in coding or configuring firewalls, they must grasp the value these technologies provide.
On the marketing side, skills like product positioning, content creation, demand generation, and lead nurturing are critical. A strong data-driven mindset is also vital, as marketers need to analyze market trends and leverage KPIs to guide their strategies.
Clear communication is another cornerstone of success. The ability to distill complex technical details into relatable, engaging narratives for diverse audiences - both technical and non-technical - is a true differentiator. Strong storytelling transforms technical jargon into compelling business cases. Empathy also plays a key role, as understanding customer concerns and market needs helps craft effective messaging strategies. Additionally, familiarity with the cybersecurity industry’s challenges allows marketers to design campaigns that are both relevant and timely. With these skills, product marketers are well-positioned to thrive in an industry eager for skilled communicators.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Building expertise in these areas not only drives success but also opens doors for career growth. Whether your goal is higher pay, greater responsibility, or more autonomy, cybersecurity product marketing offers multiple pathways for advancement.
Developing technical skills is another way to stand out. Pursuing certifications, workshops, or online courses in areas like coding, UX design, data analytics, or cybersecurity can deepen your knowledge and set you apart from the competition. Networking is equally important - connecting with experienced professionals through meetups, conferences, or forums can keep you informed on industry trends and expand your professional circle.
Applying what you learn in real-world settings, whether through workplace projects or volunteer opportunities, reinforces your skills and demonstrates your value to employers. By blending technical insight, marketing expertise, and a focus on business outcomes, product marketers can position themselves for leadership roles as the cybersecurity industry continues to grow.
2. Sales Engineers
Sales engineers in cybersecurity play a crucial role in connecting complex technical solutions with business needs. They combine technical know-how with sales expertise to help organizations understand how cybersecurity products can solve their specific challenges. Unlike standard sales professionals, sales engineers dive into the nitty-gritty details - like firewalls, threat detection systems, and security protocols - while also considering the broader business impact of security investments. They collaborate closely with potential clients to evaluate their security posture, pinpoint vulnerabilities, and propose tailored solutions, ensuring smooth communication between technical teams and decision-makers.
"A good sales engineer acts as the trusted advisor and a bridge between the technical aspects of a customer problem, the technical nature of the solutions available through their employer and, importantly, the needs of those around the table on both sides who are more focused on the mechanics of making a deal." - Casey Ellis, Founder and Advisor at Bugcrowd
Salary Potential
Sales engineers can expect annual earnings ranging from $80,000 to $180,000, with an average salary of about $122,890. Top professionals in this field can reach total compensation as high as $280,000. This broad range reflects the potential for growth based on expertise, location, and experience.
Required Skills
Excelling as a sales engineer requires a rare combination of technical expertise and people skills. These professionals must deeply understand security systems, threat detection methods, and modern attack strategies. They also need to stay current with emerging technologies and explain complex concepts in ways that resonate with non-technical decision-makers. Communication is key - sales engineers translate technical details into clear business benefits, helping clients see the value of cybersecurity investments.
Building strong client relationships is another cornerstone of success. This involves actively listening to client needs, proposing customized solutions, and maintaining flexibility in fast-changing situations. Time management, creative problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial for navigating challenges effectively.
Equally important is a solid understanding of business operations. Knowing how cybersecurity investments impact an organization’s financial health, compliance obligations, and efficiency can make solutions more persuasive. Many sales engineers bolster their expertise by gaining hands-on experience with tools like firewalls, SIEM systems, and antivirus software. Certifications such as CISSP or CEH are often pursued to validate their skills.
"The best sales engineers that I have worked with made the customer feel comfortable knowing they were working with an expert. They truly were experts in both the underlying technology as well as knowing the customer's objectives." - Jason Soroko, Senior Fellow at Sectigo
These skills not only ensure success in the role but also open doors to rapid career advancement.
Career Advancement Opportunities
With a strong foundation in technical and interpersonal skills, sales engineers have multiple paths for career growth. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033. Traditional advancement opportunities include moving into senior sales engineer roles, transitioning to sales engineering management, and eventually climbing to positions like Director of Sales Engineering or VP of Tech Sales.
There are also alternative routes, such as roles in customer success management, product management, technical account management, or cybersecurity consulting. These paths allow professionals to leverage both their technical expertise and business insights. By earning additional certifications and expanding their professional networks, sales engineers can take advantage of the booming cybersecurity market, which is projected to grow from $217.9 billion in 2021 to $345.4 billion by 2026. This dynamic role offers a springboard into advanced technical sales or consulting careers.
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3. Customer Success Managers
Customer Success Managers (CSMs) act as the vital link between security companies and their clients, focusing on building lasting relationships and helping clients maximize their security investments. While they may not dive deeply into technical complexities like some roles, they excel in strategic communication. Their responsibilities often include guiding clients through onboarding, providing continuous support, and proactively addressing potential issues before they escalate. This requires a solid understanding of security frameworks, compliance standards, and the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity threats.
"CSMs play a critical role in driving revenue, fostering strategic relationships, and ensuring long-term customer value for the business." – Totango Team, Totango
Salary Potential
Customer Success Managers in cybersecurity enjoy competitive pay that reflects the specialized nature of their work. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a CSM in the United States is $138,984, with most salaries falling between $105,149 and $187,347. Top performers can earn up to $241,732 per year.
In addition to base salaries, many companies offer generous bonus and incentive packages, with some CSMs earning up to $54,465.70 in extra compensation. Unsurprisingly, around 72% of CSMs report being satisfied with their pay.
Required Skills
Excelling as a Customer Success Manager in cybersecurity demands a mix of technical knowledge and people skills. Building trust is essential, whether working with technical teams or engaging with C-suite executives. A solid grasp of cybersecurity concepts, such as security frameworks, compliance regulations, and emerging threats, is critical. Many employers also value certifications like CISSP in candidates.
Strong project management skills are a must for handling onboarding processes, renewing contracts, and ensuring smooth service delivery. Time management and problem-solving abilities are equally important, as CSMs often juggle multiple client accounts while addressing complex challenges. Communication is key, as CSMs need to translate technical jargon into clear, actionable insights for clients.
A good sense of commercial awareness helps CSMs understand how security investments impact a client’s operations and bottom line. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of cybersecurity requires adaptability, while collaboration with internal teams ensures clients receive comprehensive support. Above all, a genuine passion for helping clients succeed sets the best CSMs apart.
"At its core, Customer Success is about helping customers achieve their desired outcomes. The best CSMs are committed to their customer outcomes and creating unparalleled customer advocacy." – Chris Dishman, SVP of Global Customer Success at Totango
Career Advancement Opportunities
The field of Customer Success Management offers numerous opportunities for growth, especially as more companies embrace customer-first strategies. This demand translates into a variety of career paths, whether in management or specialized roles.
Mid-level management roles include titles like Manager of Customer Success, Senior CSM, Renewals Manager, Enterprise CSM, and Customer Success Lead. These positions often involve overseeing larger client accounts, mentoring junior team members, and developing strategies to enhance customer success. Enterprise CSM roles, in particular, focus on high-value accounts and often require a deeper understanding of technical concepts.
At the upper management level, positions like Head of Customer Success, Director of Customer Success, VP of Customer Success, and Chief Customer Officer involve broader responsibilities. These roles emphasize strategic planning, team leadership, and fostering collaboration across departments to drive company-wide success initiatives.
For those who prefer to remain individual contributors, there are specialized roles that blend technical expertise with customer advocacy. For example, Customer Success Engineers combine technical problem-solving with client support, while Customer Success Data Scientists focus on analyzing customer behavior to improve services.
The skills developed in customer success roles also open doors to related fields like product management, sales engineering, or cybersecurity consulting. The combination of relationship-building and technical knowledge makes CSMs highly versatile professionals in the cybersecurity industry.
Role Comparison Chart
Here's a side-by-side comparison of three key cybersecurity roles, breaking down their primary aspects and requirements.
| Aspect | Product Marketers | Sales Engineers | Customer Success Managers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary Range | Varies (data not widely consolidated) | Approximately $81,000 – $128,713 | Approximately $105,000 – $187,000 |
| Core Skills | Technical understanding, market analysis, and effective communication | Deep technical knowledge, sales acumen, problem-solving, and relationship building | Strategic thinking, relationship building, and strong interpersonal skills |
| Technical Requirements | Moderate – basic grasp of cybersecurity concepts | High – expertise in security systems, threat detection, and modern attack vectors | Moderate – understanding of security frameworks to effectively advise clients |
| Communication Focus | Broad marketing communication and messaging | Clear technical explanations and persuasive presentations | Empathetic client engagement paired with strategic advisory |
This chart highlights the key differences in responsibilities and skill sets for each role, emphasizing how they cater to different aspects of cybersecurity operations.
These positions also work hand in hand within cybersecurity organizations. For instance, Customer Success Managers often act as "strategic advisors to customers while identifying, guiding and championing their path to measurable outcomes."
While compensation varies, each role offers distinct advantages and potential for career growth. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 6% increase in sales engineering roles between 2021 and 2031, adding roughly 3,400 new positions over the next decade. On the topic of work-life balance, sales engineer yellow_defender shared, "I don't live to work, I live to spend time with my kids and pursue my interests. Sales Engineering is a great means to that end. Prestigious, no, but I enjoy my work and it doesn't consume my life."
Together, these roles demonstrate how blending technical expertise with strong communication skills can drive success in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
Conclusion
The world of cybersecurity is expanding far beyond the confines of traditional technical roles. It’s no longer just about coding or configuring firewalls; the industry now offers a wealth of opportunities for professionals who excel in areas like communication, strategy, and problem-solving. Roles such as product marketers, sales engineers, and customer success managers are proof that you don’t need to be a technical wizard to build a lucrative and fulfilling career in cybersecurity. What matters is the ability to bridge the gap between complex security solutions and real-world business needs.
These roles tap into skills that many professionals already have. Strong communication, relationship building, strategic thinking, and curiosity are increasingly recognized as essential traits. Rebecca Cox, Global Head of Cybersecurity at HSBC, highlights the importance of this mindset:
"Curiosity – something I'd classify as both a skill and mindset – is something we always look for in employees. Being curious helps someone to learn, change and adapt, which is fundamental to any role."
The appeal of these roles isn’t just in their competitive salaries or the industry’s rapid growth. It’s also in their collaborative nature. Mark Raeburn, Accenture's Head of Cyber Defense in the UK, underscores this balance:
"Cybersecurity is a technical function, by and large, but everyone shouldn't be technical else you'll end up in a mess."
For those considering a career shift, the path is more accessible than ever. Lance Spitzner offers a key piece of advice:
"The key to your success is not a technical background, but your willingness and desire to learn how technology works and to never stop playing."
With foundational knowledge, hands-on practice through labs or volunteer projects, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or (ISC)² SSCP, individuals from any professional background can make the leap into cybersecurity.
The industry thrives on a mix of technical expertise and diverse perspectives. Protecting organizations from cyber threats is a team effort - one that values communication, strategy, and collaboration just as much as it does technical skills. By embracing these roles, you can become part of a dynamic and purpose-driven field that’s shaping the future of digital security.
FAQs
What certifications are helpful for non-technical cybersecurity roles?
If you're looking to step into a non-technical role in cybersecurity, certifications can be a powerful way to showcase your expertise and build trust in your abilities. CompTIA Security+ is an excellent starting point, offering a solid introduction to key security principles and practices. For those aspiring to take on strategic or leadership positions, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is widely respected across the industry.
These certifications are especially beneficial for roles such as product marketers, sales engineers, and customer success managers. They provide a well-rounded understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals without delving too deeply into technical complexities.
How can someone with no cybersecurity experience move into roles like Product Marketing or Customer Success Management in the cybersecurity field?
Transitioning into cybersecurity roles like Product Marketing or Customer Success Management is possible, even without prior experience in the field. The key lies in leveraging your current skills and gaining a foundational understanding of cybersecurity. Skills such as strong communication, project management, and problem-solving are highly valued and easily transferable to these roles.
To begin, explore online courses or certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Cybersecurity Fundamentals to get familiar with the basics of the industry. Hands-on experience is another great way to stand out - consider internships, volunteering, or working on personal projects related to cybersecurity. Highlighting your ability to learn quickly and adapt to the unique demands of the cybersecurity field can make a big difference in your transition.
What career growth opportunities are available for non-technical roles in cybersecurity, and how can you prepare for them?
Non-technical roles in cybersecurity, such as Product Marketer, Sales Engineer, or Customer Success Manager, present plenty of room for career advancement. These roles can lead to leadership positions like Senior Customer Success Manager, Head of Customer Success, or other strategic roles that blend management expertise with analytical capabilities.
To move up the ladder, focus on earning well-recognized certifications, sharpening your communication and strategic thinking skills, and developing a strong understanding of data analysis. Staying up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends is also key. Even without a technical background, these efforts can help you excel and make a noticeable impact within your organization.
