Study: The Most Expensive Cities to Hire Cybersecurity Experts (2023)
When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, many businesses are presented with two options. You can hire an IT Managed Service Provider like PivIT Strategy to monitor and protect your business, or you can hire an in-house IT Manager. Both have their own benefits and picking between these two is very dependent on your business and its stage. One thing that many don’t realize is that having a cybersecurity expert is a requirement and not an option.
The research team at PivIT Strategy ranked more than 65 of the United States biggest cities for the most expensive area to hire an in-house IT Manager. Our rankings are based on average salaries, job market, cost to hire, and average benefit cost metrics. Check out the Methodology section below to learn more about how we scored these cities.
Key findings
- The usual suspects are the most expensive (San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland)
- Texas and Kentucky make up 4 of the cheapest cities to hire Cybersecurity Experts
- California makes up 7 of the top 10 most expensive cities
The Most Expensive Cities to Hire Cybersecurity Professionals List
Where is the most expensive city to hire a cybersecurity professional? The list below shows the top 65 cities based on salaries, job market, cost to hire, and cost of living.
The Most Expensive Cities to Hire Cybersecurity Professionals
To find the most expensive U.S. cities to hire cybersecurity professional we combined the average score from the 65 most popular cities in the US to find the “City Rank.” The following big cities had the highest-score for expenses.
San Jose, CA
San Jose, CA is one of the most expensive places to hire cybersecurity professionals due to its proximity to Silicon Vally, which is a hub for technology and innovation. The high demand for cybersecurity expertise in the tech industry, along with the cost of living in the area, drives up salaries for professionals in this field.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco shares many of the same factors as San Jose, such as its association with Silicon Valley and the presence of numerous tech companies. The city’s high living costs, competitive job market, and the constant need for robust cybersecurity measures make it an expensive place to hire cybersecurity professionals.
Oakland, CA
While slightly less expensive than its neighbor, San Francisco, Oakland is still an expensive place to hire cybersecurity professionals. The demand for cybersecurity experts in the Bay Area extends to Oakland, making it a competitive job market.
New York, NY
New York City is one of the most expensive places to hire cybersecurity professionals due to its status as a global financial and business hub. Financial institutions, multinational corporations, and government agencies in the city require top-notch cybersecurity to protect against cyber threats.
Seattle, WA
Seattle is home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, and it’s a growing tech hub. The demand for cybersecurity professionals in the Pacific Northwest is substantial, as companies in the region recognize the importance of safeguarding their digital assets.
The Least Expensive Cities to Hire Cybersecurity Professionals
To find the least expensive U.S. cities to hire cybersecurity professional we combined the average score from the 65 most popular cities in the US to find the “City Rank.” The following big cities had the lowest-score for expenses.
Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City is one of the least expensive cities to hire cybersecurity professionals due to its lower cost of living compared to many larger metropolitan areas. The demand for cybersecurity expertise in the region is still significant, but the lower cost of housing and other living expenses allows companies to offer competitive salaries without breaking the bank.
Omaha, NE
Omaha offers a relatively affordable environment for hiring cybersecurity professionals. The cost of living in Omaha is lower than in major tech and business hubs, which translates into more competitive compensation packages for cybersecurity experts.
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is another cost-effective city for hiring cybersecurity professionals. The city’s lower cost of living, driven in part by its reputation as a tourist destination, allows companies to offer attractive salaries while benefiting from a competitive job market.
Lexington, KY
Lexington offers a lower cost of living compared to major urban centers, making it an economical choice for hiring cybersecurity professionals. While the demand for such expertise exists in various industries, the city’s affordability enables companies to maintain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining cybersecurity talent.
El Paso, TX
The city’s cost of living is notably lower than in larger tech and business hubs, making it a cost-effective option for companies seeking to bolster their cybersecurity teams. Although the demand for cybersecurity professionals is present in the area, the economic advantages make El Paso an attractive choice for both employers and employees in the field.
Top Considerations for Protecting your Business from Cyberattacks
In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding your business against cyberattacks is non-negotiable. While the specific needs and challenges may vary from one organization to another, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is universal.
While our calculations may help estimate the costs associated with hiring employees to manage cybersecurity, it’s crucial to acknowledge the hidden expenses that lurk beneath the surface. Employees, no matter how skilled, require vacation days, and they can’t be expected to monitor systems 24/7 or during weekends, leaving critical vulnerabilities exposed.
This is where IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) step in as a game-changer. MSPs offer a cost-effective alternative to hiring in-house cybersecurity staff. They don’t take vacations, they operate around the clock, and they require no additional benefits. In a world where cyber threats never rest, MSPs ensure your business remains consistently protected.
Don’t wait for a cyber incident to strike – start a conversation with PivIT Strategy today and fortify your business against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Your peace of mind and your business’s security depend on it.
Full Table
Rank | City | Total Cost |
1 | San Jose, CA | $ 305,660.00 |
2 | San Francisco, CA | $ 256,990.00 |
3 | Oakland, CA | $ 256,990.00 |
4 | New York, NY | $ 243,330.00 |
5 | Seattle, WA | $ 226,150.00 |
6 | Washington, DC | $ 212,590.00 |
7 | San Diego, CA | $ 210,650.00 |
8 | Los Angeles, CA | $ 209,680.00 |
9 | Long Beach, CA | $ 209,680.00 |
10 | Anaheim, CA | $ 209,680.00 |
11 | Santa Ana, CA | $ 209,680.00 |
12 | Boston, MA | $ 205,580.00 |
13 | Denver, CO | $ 204,650.00 |
14 | Aurora, CO | $ 204,650.00 |
15 | Philadelphia, PA | $ 202,220.00 |
16 | Colorado Springs, CO | $ 200,230.00 |
17 | Atlanta, GA | $ 199,430.00 |
18 | Sacramento, CA | $ 192,760.00 |
19 | Charlotte, NC | $ 192,000.00 |
20 | Baltimore, MD | $ 191,020.00 |
21 | Chicago, IL | $ 190,960.00 |
22 | Riverside, CA | $ 190,900.00 |
23 | Austin, TX | $ 190,470.00 |
24 | Stockton, CA | $ 190,410.00 |
25 | Miami, FL | $ 189,020.00 |
26 | Bakersfield, CA | $ 188,880.00 |
27 | Minneapolis, MN | $ 187,150.00 |
28 | Dallas, TX | $ 187,050.00 |
29 | Fort Worth, TX | $ 187,050.00 |
30 | Arlington, TX | $ 187,050.00 |
31 | Phoenix, AZ | $ 186,330.00 |
32 | Mesa, AZ | $ 186,330.00 |
33 | Raleigh, NC | $ 186,220.00 |
34 | Houston, TX | $ 185,950.00 |
35 | Cleveland, OH | $ 184,520.00 |
36 | Tampa, FL | $ 184,480.00 |
37 | Portland, OR | $ 183,820.00 |
38 | Cincinnati, OH | $ 183,380.00 |
39 | Detroit, MI | $ 180,430.00 |
40 | Fresno, CA | $ 180,140.00 |
41 | Milwaukee, WI | $ 179,730.00 |
42 | Virginia Beach, VA | $ 177,110.00 |
43 | Pittsburgh, PA | $ 177,050.00 |
44 | Jacksonville, FL | $ 175,750.00 |
45 | St. Louis, MO | $ 174,590.00 |
46 | Columbus, OH | $ 174,190.00 |
47 | San Antonio, TX | $ 172,250.00 |
48 | Nashville, TN | $ 171,850.00 |
49 | Kansas City, MO | $ 166,350.00 |
50 | Tucson, AZ | $ 165,340.00 |
51 | Wichita, KS | $ 164,090.00 |
52 | Tulsa, OK | $ 163,670.00 |
53 | Albuquerque, NM | $ 163,350.00 |
54 | New Orleans, LA | $ 163,340.00 |
55 | Memphis, TN | $ 160,640.00 |
56 | Honolulu, HI | $ 159,820.00 |
57 | Corpus Christi, TX | $ 159,690.00 |
58 | Anchorage, AK | $ 159,340.00 |
59 | Louisville, KY | $ 158,430.00 |
60 | Indianapolis, IN | $ 157,280.00 |
61 | Oklahoma City, OK | $ 154,490.00 |
62 | Omaha, NE | $ 154,100.00 |
63 | Las Vegas, NV | $ 152,760.00 |
64 | Lexington-Fayette, KY | $ 152,710.00 |
65 | El Paso, TX | $ 148,630.00 |
Methodology
The research team at PivIT Strategy compared 65 of the largest U.S. cities across 4 metrics to determine where it was most expensive to hire a cybersecurity professional. There metrics are displayed below:
