OVERVIEW
What Is a Cryptographer?
A cryptographer is someone who writes (or cracks) the encryption code used for data security. Computer-encrypted data uses exceptionally long, advanced encryption algorithms that are incredibly hard and time consuming for people to break. That’s why today online encryption governs the data exchange between web servers and web browsers and is critical to stable online transactions, secure communication, and safe data exchanges.
Cryptography is a critical element within the broader field of cybersecurity. As the need for better online security grows, the need for cryptographers will only continue to increase. Learn more about cryptography jobs, what a cryptographer does, where they work, what degrees are best suited for a career in cryptography, and how to become a cryptographer so you can secure your future in this exciting field.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Cryptographer Do?
A cryptographer develops security systems that use ciphers and algorithms to encrypt sensitive data and keep protected information from hackers, misuse, and cybercrime. This protected information can include financial, personal, business, or military data. Cryptographers use many different private key or secret key ciphers to help with encryption. They can also use asymmetric cryptosystems like RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman), which relies on a public and private key pair, along with digital signatures and other encryption techniques, to help ensure their work is secure.
As a cryptographer, you’ll have many duties to perform on a daily basis, and these will often vary depending on what type of organization you work for. Most of these duties center on protecting data from being intercepted, decrypted, copied, altered, or deleted by unauthorized users. To stay on top of all of your responsibilities, you’ll need a solid understanding of cryptographic security systems and how to decipher their related algorithms. You’ll also develop and apply various statistical and mathematical models to help find and thwart potential systems threats.
The day-to-day responsibilities of a cryptographer can include:
- Identifying and securing weaknesses in existing cryptography systems.
- Testing cryptology theories in practice per your organization’s needs.
- Enhancing data security through the implementation of more secure and encrypted solutions.
- Using secret key, private key, and public key cryptography, including RSA, to aid in encryption goals.
- Developing and managing your organization’s encryption technology, including its code, software, and third-party product adoption.
- Prototyping new security solutions with advanced programming encryption techniques and practices.
- Training other staff that handles encryption data and helping them develop safe and secure systems.
- Testing cryptographic systems for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
Where Do Cryptographers Work?
Cryptographers can find work in any industry where organizations need to safeguard information, including government and defense, financial services, healthcare, technology, and research. Here’s what the role can look like in those settings:
- Government and defense: Working with government agencies and groups like the National Security Agency on systems that keep official and military communications private.
- Financial services: Helping banks and payment companies keep transactions and account information secure.
- Healthcare: Securing patient records and the systems that store them.
- Technology: Building encryption into the software, devices, and online services that companies sell.
- Research: Studying new ways to secure information and testing the methods already in use.
- Cybersecurity and consulting firms: Advising clients on how to strengthen their security.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How to Become a Cryptographer?
Becoming a cryptographer starts by building strong math and computing skills, usually through a relevant degree, and then adding hands-on experience and ongoing learning. Here’s how that path often looks:
Earn a Relevant Degree
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity is a common start, and many employers prefer it. All of these discipline programs teach the technical, quantitative, and logic skills needed for making and breaking complex computerized codes. These programs can help to build the information technology foundation that is expected for many cryptography-related roles.
Build Technical Skills and Experience
Entry-level IT and security work gives you real practice with systems, networks, and code. Many advanced or higher-paying roles require some years of experience, so it’s always a good idea to start building yours early. If you’re considering working for the military or Department of Defense, you may also want to study linguistics or a foreign language since your role may interact with foreign communication signals.
Look into Applicable Certifications
Certifications can show employers that you have job-specific knowledge, and two worth knowing about are the ECES and the CISSP. The ECES (EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist) focuses on encryption, while the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) from ISC2 covers broader security leadership and is a common next step for people moving into senior cybersecurity careers. Be sure to check each certification’s current eligibility and experience requirements before you plan around it.
Consider Advanced Study for Specialized Roles
Advanced degrees can help you stand out for higher-paying, more competitive jobs. A master’s degree in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity is a great option worth pursuing to help you gain relevant knowledge and experience for your career while also giving you a leg up during your hunt for a cryptographer job.
Continue Professional Development
Whatever role you choose, cryptographers must maintain subject matter expertise and relevance through continuous learning. Strategies and technologies are constantly changing. To keep up, you can join professional organizations like the International Association for Cryptologic Research.
Best Degrees For a Cryptographer:
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
- Tuition: $4425 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- ITIL® Foundation Certification
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
- CompTIA Network Security Professional
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Security Analytics Professional
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Secure Systems Analysis & Design
- Data Management
- Web and Cloud Security
- Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe....
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4925 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Cybersecurity Strategy
- Information Assurance
- Incident Response
- Penetration Testing
The curriculum is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. The program was designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, ensuring you'll learn emerging technologies and best practices in security governance.
Technology
Cloud and Network Engineering – B.S.
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks....
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks.
Students choose between four unique specializations within this program. These spcializations prepare students to work with different software systems and processes in their careers.
Specializations in this program include: General, Cisco, AWS, and Azure.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 36 months.
- Tuition: $3925 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 or 37 courses in this program depending on focus area
This program also includes third-party certifications that will help you boost your résumé and be prepared for career success. Certifications available in all specializations include:
- CompTIA A+
- Linux Essentials - LPI
- ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
How Much Does a Cryptographer Make?
$84,991
According to PayScale, the average salary for a cryptographer in the U.S. is $84,991 per year (as of May 2026). Your own pay will depend on your experience, industry, and location. Salary estimates also vary from source to source, so treat this number as a starting point when you research cryptographer salary for the role you want.
What Is the Projected Job Growth for a Cryptographer?
21%
Although there’s no dedicated cryptographer listing, BLS projects employment of information security analysts, a role very similar to a cryptographer, to grow a staggering 21% from 2025 to 2035. Growing cybersecurity threats and the need to protect data are a big part of why demand keeps rising.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Cryptographer Need?
Cryptographers need a mix of technical and soft skills, with strong math and programming at the center. Here are some of the hard, or technical, skills you’ll need for a successful career as a cryptographer:
- A knowledge of IT security hardware, software, and solutions.
- Fluency in source code programming languages such as C#, C++, NET, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby on Rails, and Java, plus the ability to create source code.
- Discrete mathematics, number theory, linear algebra, algorithms, and data structures.
- Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, including message authentication codes, hash functions, symmetric encryption, public key and private key encryption, key exchange, and digital signatures.
- Familiarity with computer systems and operating systems like UNIX, Linux, and Microsoft Windows, along with IT security hardware, software, and solutions.
- The ability to evaluate cryptographic systems for vulnerabilities or weaknesses.
You should also have excellent written and verbal communication skills since you’ll need to help senior IT management, including security staff and project managers, better understand and implement more secure platforms. Other soft skills of good cryptographers include:
- Organization, efficiency, and self-motivation, which support detailed technical work and continuous learning.
- Teamwork and communication so you can work with security staff, engineers, project managers, and nontechnical stakeholders.
- An analytical mindset and a love of solving problems and puzzles, which helps when you evaluate complex cryptographic challenges.
- Trustworthiness and good judgment, especially when the work involves sensitive, financial, government, or military information.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
Explore WGU degree programs that can help you build foundational skills in cybersecurity, computer science, and IT for cryptography-related careers. No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It’s back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you’ll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor’s or master’s degree, sooner than you might think!
Wondering how to pay for it? Explore tuition assistance for military students, how to talk to your employer about tuition matching, financial aid, and scholarships.
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