- What do cryptographers do?
- Salary and outlook
- Skills and qualifications
- Post-quantum cryptography
- FAQs
- References
Cryptographers study and develop methods that protect information. Their work supports secure messages, payments, digital signatures, and software systems.
Some focus on mathematical research; others apply and test existing cryptographic methods in products. This difference matters when choosing education and looking for jobs.
What does a cryptographer do?
Cryptographers may design algorithms, test security assumptions, evaluate cryptographic software, or help teams use encryption and keys safely. They often work with mathematicians, software developers, and security engineers.
Cryptography is not the same as decrypting a suspect’s files. Cryptanalysis studies weaknesses in cryptographic methods. Forensic investigators may instead use legally obtained keys, device evidence, or other techniques to investigate a case.
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| Type of work | Main responsibility |
|---|---|
| Cryptography research | Design or analyze algorithms and publish testable results |
| Applied cryptography | Implement and check secure software, protocols, and key management |
| Cryptanalysis | Study attacks and limitations of cryptographic methods |
| Validation and testing | Check implementations against documented requirements and standards |
Salary and job outlook
There is no official BLS salary or employment forecast exclusively for cryptographers. Available pay figures are not interchangeable:
| Source | Annual U.S. pay figure | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PayScale | $84,991 | Average base pay for the exact title, with limited public sample detail |
| Salary.com | $125,305 | Modeled average for the exact title |
| BLS Mathematicians | $126,710 | Median for the broader mathematician occupation, not cryptographers |
A Booz Allen post-quantum cryptography engineer opening reviewed in October 2026 advertised $77,500–$176,000 annually. That broad range belongs to one related employer position, not to entry-level cryptographers nationwide.
BLS projects about 1% growth for mathematicians from 2025 to 2035, while the combined mathematician/statistician group is projected to grow 10%. Neither projection measures the exact cryptographer job market.
Skills and qualifications
Research positions emphasize mathematical reasoning, including algebra, number theory, probability, and algorithms. Applied cryptography roles also require programming and careful testing, often using Python, C++, or Rust.
A relevant bachelor’s degree can qualify candidates for some engineering roles; advanced research positions often require graduate-level specialization.
An October 2026 Booz Allen post-quantum cryptography engineer posting listed a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, physics, or computer science, along with programming and relevant experience. Its clearance condition is specific to that position.
To demonstrate practical work, build a small project with an established library, such as OpenSSL or libsodium. Test whether a digital signature fails when the signed message changes, then explain the result and how keys were handled. Cryptopals also provides guided cryptography challenges. Never test systems or information you are not authorized to use.
General cybersecurity certifications can provide background knowledge, but research ability, tested code, and mathematical or engineering skills often matter more for these specialist positions.
An important area: post-quantum cryptography
NIST finalized three post-quantum standards in 2024. FIPS 203 covers shared-key establishment, while FIPS 204 and 205 cover digital signatures. These standards support preparations for future quantum-computer threats to certain public-key methods.
Frequently asked questions
Both activities occur in the wider field, but individual jobs differ. Researchers may design or evaluate algorithms, while cryptanalysts concentrate on weaknesses.
Not for every job. Some applied engineering positions accept a relevant bachelor’s degree and experience. Research-intensive openings may ask for a master’s degree or PhD.
Python for experimentation; C++ and Rust for systems-level work. Choose based on the kind of role.
No single cybersecurity certification is a standard requirement across cryptography jobs. Compare credentials with actual employer qualifications.
Use permitted practice challenges, test messages, sample keys, and established libraries. Document both successful tests and failure cases.
That is the BLS 2025–2035 projection for mathematicians and statisticians combined, not a cryptographer-specific forecast.
References
- NIST | NIST cryptography standards | Accessed October 2026
- NIST | Testing program | Accessed October 2026
- BLS | Mathematicians and Statisticians | Accessed October 2026
- PayScale | Cryptographer salary | Accessed October 2026
- Salary.com | Cryptographer salary | Accessed October 2026