Career progression to $140k cybersecurity offer in 3 years through RMF and security assessments

A former Air Force Security Forces member describes their career progression in cybersecurity over approximately three years, starting after completing a Computer Science degree and Security+ certification in 2023. They advanced from a federal ISSO position at $92k to contractor ISSO at $110k, then to Security Control Assessor at $115k plus sign-on bonus, and recently negotiated a $140k offer with $8k sign-on bonus. Their career path focused on Risk Management Framework (RMF), security control assessments, and ISSO work rather than the more commonly discussed SOC or pentesting roles, with progression aided by veteran status, security clearance, and completing a master's in Cybersecurity.