SANS Institute Analysis Identifies High-Demand AI Cybersecurity Roles, with US Salaries Exceeding $260,000 (£194,000)

Global workforce research finds AI is creating new specialist cybersecurity roles as organisations struggle to close widening skills gaps

Artificial intelligence is changing the cybersecurity workforce, with organisations creating new specialist roles to secure AI systems and govern AI use. Drawing on findings from the 2026 SANS Cybersecurity Workforce Research Report and the AI Cybersecurity Careers 2026 Guide, SANS has identified ten AI-focused cybersecurity careers experiencing strong demand today, along with current hiring activity, salary ranges and the market forces driving growth.

AI cybersecurity roles grow, skills gaps widen

AI is already reshaping cybersecurity teams, with 74% of organisations changing team structures and roles because of AI.

Organisations are creating entirely new cybersecurity positions, with AI/ML security specialists, AI security engineers and AI governance analysts emerging as the most commonly created AI security roles.

Notably, the industry’s biggest workforce challenge is no longer headcount but capability, with 60% of organisations saying skills shortages now outweigh staffing shortages.

New roles already commanding six-figure salaries

The guide’s US salary analysis shows that the highest-paying AI cybersecurity roles can exceed $260,000 (£194,000), with AI Governance Leads, AI/ML Security Engineers and Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration Specialists among the most in-demand opportunities.

While salary levels vary by market, the findings illustrate the increasing value organisations are placing on specialised skills needed to secure AI, manage emerging risks and support regulatory compliance.

Thousands of AI security positions are already being advertised across major job platforms, signalling that AI cybersecurity hiring has moved from prediction to present-day reality.

A review of current UK vacancies on LinkedIn, conducted in July 2026, also identified active hiring for AI security engineering, AI governance and AI-focused security roles, suggesting the trend is already visible in the UK market as organisations adapt their cybersecurity teams to address emerging AI risks.

Among the emerging roles identified by SANS is the AI Identity Deepfake Defense Specialist, a position expected to command US salaries of $130,000–$175,000 (£97,000–£131,000) and designed to help organisations defend against deepfake-enabled fraud and AI-generated identities. The role has emerged as deepfake voice fraud has surged by 680% year on year, according to data cited in the guide.

Rather than eliminating cybersecurity jobs, the research suggests AI is changing the skills organisations need most. Routine analytical work is increasingly automated, while demand is accelerating for professionals who can secure AI systems, govern AI risk, conduct AI red teaming and orchestrate AI-powered security operations.

Why it matters for the future of cybersecurity careers

As organisations rapidly adopt generative AI, security teams face growing pressure to secure AI applications and defend against AI-enabled threats, while complying with emerging regulations. The result is a wave of new specialist careers commanding premium salaries and intensifying competition for experienced cybersecurity talent.

The findings provide one of the clearest snapshots yet of where AI cybersecurity hiring is happening today, which roles employers are prioritising, and the skills professionals need to remain competitive.

About the research

The findings combine data from the 2026 SANS Cybersecurity Workforce Research Report – a global study of 947 cybersecurity professionals – and the SANS AI Cybersecurity Careers 2026 Guide, which analyses hiring demand, salary data and active job listings across ten emerging AI cybersecurity roles.

Table: Ten emerging AI cybersecurity roles identified in the SANS AI Cybersecurity Careers 2026 Guide, with US salary ranges