Where Are Cybersecurity Professionals Moving? State and City Breakdown
Cybersecurity Professionals look very Different From 10 Years Ago
The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow across the U.S., influenced by evolving threats, technological advancements, and shifts in work preferences. However, the relocation patterns of cybersecurity experts are changing as well, driven by factors like remote work, cost of living, and local job markets. This article will explore where cybersecurity professionals are moving, breaking it down by national, state, and local trends.
To understand these trends, the data team at PivIT Strategy analyzed Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on cybersecurity professionals from 2013 to 2023.
Main Findings
- Nationally, the number of cybersecurity professionals has increased by 125%, according to the BLS.
- South Dakota, Oregon, and Florida saw the biggest jumps in cybersecurity professionals, though each for different reasons.
- Arkansas and Louisiana were the only states to see a decline in cybersecurity professionals over the last decade, with Lafayette (-63%) experiencing the largest drop.
- Several Florida cities showed significant growth, with Palm Bay leading the way, boasting a 450% increase in cybersecurity professionals over the past 10 years.
Growth of Cybersecurity Professionals in the U.S.
The cybersecurity workforce in the U.S. has seen remarkable growth over the past decade. The number of Information Security Analysts, one of the most common roles in the cybersecurity field, has steadily increased from 78,020 in 2013 to 175,350 in 2023, more than doubling in just ten years. This surge reflects the increasing importance of cybersecurity across all sectors as digital threats continue to evolve and expand.
Key Factors Driving Growth:
- Increased Cyber Threats: As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, companies are hiring more professionals to safeguard their data and operations.
- Regulatory Demands: Rising compliance requirements, such as GDPR and CCPA, have driven the demand for cybersecurity talent, pushing organizations to bolster their security teams.
- Digital Transformation: The rapid adoption of cloud computing, remote work, and digital infrastructure across industries has amplified the need for cybersecurity experts.
This sustained growth highlights the critical role cybersecurity professionals play in protecting modern enterprises and the broader digital economy.
State-Level Growth in Cybersecurity Professionals (2013-2023)
The rise in cybersecurity roles has varied significantly across states over the past decade, with some states seeing an impressive boom in the number of professionals while others have experienced minimal growth or even a decline. Below is an analysis of how states have fared in terms of increasing their cybersecurity workforce from 2013 to 2023.
Top States with the Highest Growth:
- South Dakota: 525%:
South Dakota has experienced the most remarkable growth in cybersecurity employment, with a fivefold increase over the last decade. This surge highlights the state’s growing tech presence and its focus on expanding its cybersecurity sector.
2. Oregon: 356%:
Oregon’s tech sector has flourished, leading to a more than threefold increase in cybersecurity professionals. The state has become a hotspot for tech jobs, partly driven by its vibrant startup ecosystem and proximity to larger tech hubs.
3. Florida: 279%:
Florida’s rapid population growth and emerging tech sectors have contributed to a significant increase in cybersecurity roles. Its lower tax rates and cost of living compared to coastal hubs have made it a desirable destination for cybersecurity professionals.
States with Decline:
- Arkansas: -12%:
Arkansas has seen a 12% decline in cybersecurity professionals over the last decade. This is largely due to the state’s limited tech infrastructure and slower adoption of digital technologies, leading to fewer job opportunities. Additionally, many cybersecurity professionals have left Arkansas for states with more robust tech sectors, such as Texas and Florida.
- Louisiana: -23%:
Louisiana has experienced a 23% decrease in cybersecurity jobs, driven by a lack of focus on the tech sector and frequent disruption from hurricanes. Many cybersecurity professionals are relocating to nearby states like Texas, where tech jobs and salaries are more competitive. The state’s economy, focused heavily on energy, has not prioritized growth in cybersecurity roles.
State Conclusion:
The growth of cybersecurity professionals varies greatly by state, with emerging markets like South Dakota, Oregon, and Florida showing the highest increases in the past decade. Meanwhile, traditional tech giants like California and Massachusetts maintain steady but less dramatic growth, and a few states have even seen declines. This dynamic shift highlights the increasingly decentralized nature of the cybersecurity profession as professionals seek opportunities in new regions offering better lifestyles and affordable living conditions.
Growth and Decline of Cybersecurity Professionals in U.S. Cities
The movement of cybersecurity professionals across the U.S. is not limited to states alone—certain cities have experienced explosive growth in cybersecurity roles, while others have seen declines. As more industries adopt digital infrastructure and prioritize security, the demand for skilled professionals has shifted towards emerging tech hubs. This section breaks down the cities with the most significant changes in cybersecurity employment, highlighting key growth areas and those struggling to keep pace.
Cities with the Highest Growth in Cybersecurity Professionals
- Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL – 450%
This region has seen a massive 450% growth in cybersecurity jobs, thanks to the expansion of the aerospace and defense industries.
2. Boulder, CO – 444%
Boulder’s growing tech sector, bolstered by startups and innovation hubs, has led to a 444% increase in cybersecurity professionals.
3. Huntsville, AL – 436%
Huntsville, home to a thriving aerospace and defense industry, has seen a 436% growth in cybersecurity talent as companies invest heavily in digital security.
4. Provo-Orem, UT – 422%
With tech companies rapidly expanding, Provo-Orem has experienced a 422% increase in cybersecurity jobs, making it a key hub in the region.
5. Lexington-Fayette, KY – 417%
Lexington’s growth in technology and cybersecurity sectors has contributed to a 417% increase in jobs, as the area diversifies its economy.
Cities Experiencing Decline in Cybersecurity Jobs
- Birmingham-Hoover, AL – -58%
Birmingham has seen a 58% decline in cybersecurity professionals, possibly due to a lack of investment in tech infrastructure and talent moving to neighboring states.
2. Lafayette, LA – -63%
Lafayette experienced the steepest drop, with a 63% decline. This could be attributed to economic challenges and fewer opportunities in tech.
3. Fresno, CA – -25%
Fresno’s tech industry has stagnated, leading to a 25% drop in cybersecurity roles as professionals migrate to larger tech hubs.
4. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT – -28%
Despite being a hub for finance, this region saw a 28% decline in cybersecurity roles, likely due to a shift in tech talent to larger metropolitan areas.
City Conclusion
As cybersecurity continues to be a critical industry, cities like Palm Bay, Boulder, and Huntsville are becoming prime destinations for cybersecurity professionals due to their booming tech sectors and growth in defense-related industries. Meanwhile, some cities such as Birmingham and Lafayette are struggling to keep pace with the digital transformation, resulting in sharp declines in their cybersecurity workforce.
Overall, the growth trends highlight the decentralization of cybersecurity talent, as professionals seek out new tech hubs with better opportunities, affordable living, and strong industry demand. Understanding these shifting patterns is crucial for companies and professionals alike as they navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity careers.
Methodology
To calculate where cybersecurity professionals are moving, we calculated the percent change from 2013 to 2023 for each area. A positive value indicates that the number of cybersecurity professionals in the area has increased over the 10 years. A negative value indicates that the number of professionals has decreased.
These calculations were based on national, state, and city-level data from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Data.
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