Demand is booming for cybersecurity professionals, but you may be wondering – which are the best cities for cybersecurity jobs?
Recent years have seen digital transformations in the form of new platforms (i.e., the cloud), technologies, and software. Paired with recent waves of new regulations on the digital space due to growing privacy concerns and recent high-profile breaches, the cybersecurity industry is struggling to keep up and is faced with a growing skill-shortage.
For those looking to secure a position in Cybersecurity, there are myriad opportunities. According to Cyber Seek, there are over 714k jobs available in the US alone. (1)
So, if you’re looking to take advantage of the current demand for Cybersecurity professionals – where should you go looking? Here are the top 7 cities for cybersecurity jobs in the United States where you’ll find the most opportunities in the field.
Washington, D.C.
That Washington, D.C. tops this list should come as no surprise. D.C. is the home of several government agencies that employ thousands of cybersecurity professionals and various private contracting agencies that provide similar services to companies that operate in the Defense sphere.
Current job openings: 24,000+*
Cybersecurity Analyst Average Salary: $112,192*
Arlington, Virginia
Sitting directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington, V.A. is the home of the Pentagon and another powerhouse of the Cybersecurity industry.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is one of the single largest employers of Cybersecurity professionals in the world and relies heavily on a surrounding supply of independent government contractors. The opportunities in Arlington range from entry-level to senior level, as well as specialist openings such as encryption expert, incident responder, and penetration testers.
Current job openings: 24,000+*
Cybersecurity Analyst Average Salary: $98,427*
New York City, New York
Financial capital of the world and home of the New York Stock Exchange, finance firms headquartered in NYC employ a veritable army of cybersecurity professionals to support their assets.
In addition, this city home to 8.3 million residents features many large hospitals, leading educational institutes, and non-financial company headquarters that are also in need of Cybersecurity. In The Big Apple, the opportunity to land your dream job is almost endless.
Current job openings: 10,000+*
Cybersecurity Analyst Average Salary: $116,569*
Dallas Fort Worth, Texas
The Dallas Fort Worth area is a massive hub of Fortune 500 companies. There are several global organizations headquartered there in energy, transportation, healthcare, finance, and communications. Some of these organizations include Exxon Mobil, AT&T, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Tenet Healthcare, and Charles Schwab.
In recent years Texas has also seen an influx of companies moving to the lone star state from California. The opportunities in the DFW area are only expected to grow in the coming years.
Current job openings: 7,500+*
Cybersecurity Analyst Average Salary: $88,242*
Silicon Valley, California
While not a strictly defined area, Silicon Valley refers to the area in Northern California where many technology companies got their start, and remains a global hub of innovation. The cities typically included in the “Silicon Valley” area include San Jose, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Redwood City, and Sunnyvale.
These large tech companies employ teams of Cybersecurity professionals to keep their technologies secure and their designs secret.
Current job openings: 6,800+*
Cybersecurity Analyst Average Salary: $116,269*
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is one of the largest business centers in the United States, serving as a global hub for many healthcare, educational, utilities, transportation, and hospitality companies. Several fortune 500 companies call the city home including Exelon, Boeing, Motorola, United, and Mcdonald’s.
Current job openings: 6,500+*
Cybersecurity Analyst Average Salary: $118,357*
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, frequently ranking 10th but steadily climbing the list. The city is home to some of the most well-known Fortune 500 list including The Home Depot, UPS, Delta Air Lines, and The Coca-Cola Company.
Current job openings: 6,200+*
Cybersecurity Analyst Average Salary: $112,154*
Breaking Into The Field
While there are many great cities for cybersecurity jobs to choose from, there is still some fierce competition for positions. To be a competitive applicant for these cybersecurity career paths, gaining an educational certificate from an established training organization like Flatiron School can supercharge your career and make you stand out among a sea of hopefuls.
Ready to take the next step? Apply Today to get started towards your career in Cybersecurity.
Not ready to apply just yet? Start with our Free Cybersecurity Prep Work, or check out the Cybersecurity Course Syllabus that will set you up for success with the skills to launch you into a fulfilling and lucrative career.
*Job openings and salaries sited as of August 2022
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