Cyber Security Analyst position at State of Texas

tedjames

This is in my office at my agency. The functional title is Operations Specialist.

Before anybody gives me a hard time about pay, remember that most state gubment jobs don't pay as well as the corporate world.

More info here: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/hresources/CyberSecAnalyst-0503-18.htm

NetworkNewb

Seems like decent pay for an analyst position

cyberguypr

I agree, nothing seems insulting. I particularly like that the experience expectation is realistic.

Mike R

I wish I was qualified for that type of position. For that kind of required experience and government work the pay is actually really good. Just one more reason to accelerate through my degree program.

What is CoL like in Austin? I'm in Houston and it's pretty reasonable outside of our insane property taxes.

thedudeabides

Do you know if they offer any relocation assistance?

tedjames

Sorry, no relocation assistance. I've never heard of the state paying for that.

In Austin, some things appear to be higher, though according to this site, it's a little cheaper to live in Austin:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator/compare/houston-vs-austin

Re: housing market, It's a buyer's market in Austin, from what I'm told. We would love to buy a new house, but property values have skyrocketed. We couldn't get a new house with the same mortgage payment as what we have now.

Other benefits of working for the state: There's practically no overtime. Also, many state agencies, at least in Texas, collaborate on ideas, policies, etc. We're all in this together.

Mike R, keep at it. The public sector has a massive shortage in qualified security personnel. I always advise people wanting to do a specific kind of job to look at job postings and then tailor your training/education toward that.

the_Grinch

If there are steps after that salary then it is amazing. In New Jersey, that'd be what you maxed out at for a similar position at the State OIT.

tedjames

the_Grinch wrote: »

If there are steps after that salary then it is amazing. In New Jersey, that'd be what you maxed out at for a similar position at the State OIT.

There are definitely steps above. Up until 2007, we were known as Systems Analysts. Then we were changed to IT Security Analysts. In 2015, they introduced the Cyber Security Analyst position. I was one of the first to have that title. Many still have the IT Security Analyst title. They made the change to Cyber to try to break security away from IT and also to raise the salaries. It's tough to compete with private sector salaries.

Here's the State of Texas job descriptions: Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions

Scroll down to find info on IT Security Analyst and Cyber Security Analyst positions. Click on the Salary Group link (i.e., B25, etc.) to see pay ranges. Cyber Security Analyst III is a B29, which tops out at $156k.

If anybody out of state applies for this position and gets called for an interview, I may (will have to check with HR, though) be able to arrange for a Skype video interview. You'd still have to pay your own moving expenses, though.

the_Grinch

Wow yeah that pay scale is awesome! Plus you guys have no state income tax which is a big selling point.

tedjames

the_Grinch wrote: »

Wow yeah that pay scale is awesome! Plus you guys have no state income tax which is a big selling point.

Very much true. Other benefits include a ton of holidays and a decent retirement plan. We actually have vision insurance.

Also, once you're vested, you get benefits for life.

psheehan5

No state income tax is a bonus for sure. But Texas (from my experience) has higher property taxes than others. If you're considering relocating make sure you look at the entire financial picture.

Moldygr33nb3an

Pay isn't bad at all. Once I finish a year where I'm at (September) I'd love to work for the state of Texas (I'm Federal currently)

tedjames

Moldygr33nb3an wrote: »

Pay isn't bad at all. Once I finish a year where I'm at (September) I'd love to work for the state of Texas (I'm Federal currently)

Word is that a couple more agencies have or are about to post security positions. I'd say apply now rather than waiting until September. Don't want to miss an opportunity.

You can look for state work here: Job Search | Texas Workforce Commission

adam220891

tedjames wrote: »

Sorry, no relocation assistance. I've never heard of the state paying for that.

In Austin, some things appear to be higher, though according to this site, it's a little cheaper to live in Austin:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator/compare/houston-vs-austin

Re: housing market, It's a buyer's market in Austin, from what I'm told. We would love to buy a new house, but property values have skyrocketed. We couldn't get a new house with the same mortgage payment as what we have now.

Other benefits of working for the state: There's practically no overtime. Also, many state agencies, at least in Texas, collaborate on ideas, policies, etc. We're all in this together.

Mike R, keep at it. The public sector has a massive shortage in qualified security personnel. I always advise people wanting to do a specific kind of job to look at job postings and then tailor your training/education toward that.

That’s a sellers market, not a buyers market...

tedjames

adam220891 wrote: »

That’s a sellers market, not a buyers market...

So it is. I always get those two mixed up. All I know is that our property value keeps going up. That sounds like a good thing, but essentially it means that our property taxes are also going up.