AI vs Cybersecurity — Which career will dominate in 2025 ?
Tips and Advice To Help You Decide Your 2025 Career Path
Let Me Tell You About Aliyah
Aliyah is a recent graduate with a degree in Technology.
She’s excited about starting her career but feels overwhelmed by the choices ahead.
She’s heard a lot about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity being the top fields in tech today.
Aliyah knows she wants a career that offers growth, stability, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact — but she’s unsure which path to take.
Her friends tell her that AI is where the money is, but her teachers say Cybersecurity is more stable.
Aliyah wants to understand not just the earning potential but also the skills, challenges, and opportunities each field offers before making her decision.
So, how does Aliyah figure out which career is right for her?
Her problem is not new and one of the most common questions I get asked
Let’s break it down
How To Choose between AI or Cyber?
First of all .. this article is not about bashing either Cybersecurity or AI
Both fields are red-hot right now and will continue to be relevant far beyond 2025.
But .. Which career path is right for you ?
Choosing the right one depends on a number of factors such as the below:
1 — Market Demand — What are the long term / short term prospects ?
2 — Skills needed — What skills do you need to start this career ?
3 — Entry Barrier — How difficult is it to get into this field
4 — Salaries — How well does this career pay ?
Lets take a look at each !
1 — What’s the Market Demand ?
AI
Like it or hate it .. AI is going to be in demand for the next decade or so.
Gartner predicts that more than 80% of companies will be using GenAI in one form or another by 2026.
Simply put AI is the future of most businesses and the demand for AI trained professionals will continue for the foreseeable future.
Just search any trending technology job report or go to LinkedIn trends and you will see AI topping the list.
AI Job shortages are not going to be a problem as the demand for trained professional will be huge across the globe.
CYBERSECURITY
Cyber-security i.e. the job that makes sure you and your company’s data does not end up in the hand of cyber-criminals remains one of the most in-demand professionals in the world.
As long as the Internet exists, cyber-criminals will try to exploit security weaknesses to steal data
Cyber-security is no danger of going obsolete anytime soon with the global security market size anticipated to reach USD 366.10 billion by 2028.
Whether you are a small tech startup or a Fortune 500, cyber-security is going to be a top priority in the present and future.
The Global Risk Report from the World Economic Forum has Cyber Insecurity listed as one of the top risks both for the short AND long term as you can see below
2 —SKILLS NEEDED TO THRIVE
AI
Programming and Data Science skills are essential to have a successful career in AI .
As an AI or Machine learning engineer you will be dealing with analytical models and massive datasets
If interacting with huge amounts of data is not your cup of tea then AI is definitely not the field for you !
You will also need to be proficient in languages like R, Python , Java, Perl etc. and have a good foundational knowledge of probability and statistics.
CYBERSECURITY
Cyber-security is a vast field and what skills you need are dependent on what career path within cyber-security you are going to choose.
I have summarized the different requirements for each career in this video
3 — ENTRY CHALLENGES
AI
Entering AI can feel daunting, especially if you don’t yet possess the specific skills this career requires.
However, the journey becomes much smoother with the right approach and resources.
For Software Developers:
If you’re already a software developer, you have a head start. Your existing technical foundation makes it easier to grasp AI concepts, and you can gradually build up other necessary skills. Numerous free resources, such as programs offered by Google, AWS, and other tech giants, are available online to help you dive into AI development.For Beginners with No Technical Background:
If you’re completely new to the world of AI, it’s worth considering a formal AI degree or certification program. These programs are designed for professionals and are tailored to address real-world challenges, equipping you with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. While the learning curve may be steep, structured programs provide the guidance and support you need to succeed.
Regardless of your starting point, AI offers an incredible opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and solve complex problems. With the abundance of resources available today, your journey into AI is more accessible than ever!
CYBERSECURITY
Compared to AI, breaking into cybersecurity is more accessible due to the diverse paths available within the field.
Cybersecurity is vast and accommodates a wide range of skill sets, making it an attractive option for individuals from various professional backgrounds.
For Beginners and IT Professionals:
Whether you’re a newcomer, a network administrator, or a help-desk officer, there’s a place for you in cybersecurity. The field spans numerous specializations, from threat analysis and incident response to governance and compliance. This breadth ensures that individuals with different technical and non-technical skills can find their niche.Market Reality in 2025:
While cybersecurity jobs are abundant, the market has become significantly saturated over the last decade. To stand out in this competitive landscape, you’ll need to go beyond generic information security activities. Specializing in a particular domain — such as cloud security, ethical hacking, or identity governance — can set you apart and enhance your career prospects. Employers value depth of expertise, and specialization often translates into better roles and higher salaries.
4 — Show Me the Money: Salary Comparisons
AI
AI jobs are typically some of the highest paying jobs year in and year out as can be seen by any salary report.
While the entry barrier is high , the pay is worth it !
There is usually a lot of turnover within AI professionals as they are easily able to secure better paying jobs within their industry.
CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity salaries, on the other hand, can vary widely depending on the specific role and specialization. For example:
A junior information security analyst typically earns a modest income.
Specialists in high-demand fields like cloud security can command significantly higher salaries, even at comparable experience levels.
I usually recommend focusing on building expertise in a specific niche.
Specializing in areas such as penetration testing, cloud security, or identity governance can help you stand out in this competitive market and open doors to lucrative opportunities.
So while AI offers higher starting salaries and rapid upward mobility, cybersecurity provides a broader range of entry points with the potential for high earnings through specialization.
Final Verdict: Which Path Will You Choose in 2025 ?
By now, you should have a clearer understanding of which career path aligns best with your skills, interests, and long-term goals.
Both AI and cybersecurity are outstanding options that promise robust career growth and success in the years to come.
Make a decision and invest in your long term success fully. I wish you all the best in your career !
Great Post, Taimur (as usual).
I see, short-term, a higher momentum in cybersecurity. In the long run it will be AI.
Best opportunity in my view: Start with cybersecurity and build strong fundamentals and then advance in AI security.
70% of AI Security is still cybersecurity in its core.