Charleston Cybersecurity Job Market: Trends and Growth Areas for 2025
Last Updated: January 3rd 2025
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Charleston's cybersecurity job market is booming with over 2,700 positions available, growing 267% faster than other sectors. Average salaries reach $114,593, with potential earnings up to $150K. Companies like Boeing and Volvo drive demand, focusing on AI, cloud security, and threat intelligence skills. Educational initiatives at The Citadel and College of Charleston enhance opportunities in the field, making Charleston a prime location for tech careers.
Charleston's cybersecurity scene is seriously taking off, with an average salary of $114,593 in 2024.
The demand is crazy high - there are over 2,700 cybersecurity positions available right now, and the field is growing 267% faster than other jobs. Major players like Boeing and Volvo are constantly searching for talent, making Charleston a prime spot for tech careers.
What's really cool is that entry-level positions start around $80K, and if you work your way up to Cyber Security Manager, you could be looking at $147,640.
The skills you need are changing too - AI and cloud security knowledge are becoming super important, and companies are willing to pay more for these skills.
Companies are offering sweet perks like flexible schedules, health insurance, and tons of training opportunities. If you're thinking about getting into cybersecurity, now's the perfect time - there's a huge gap between available jobs and qualified professionals, especially with AI and cloud security becoming bigger deals.
The field is evolving fast, and Charleston's tech community is growing right along with it.
Table of Contents
- Rising Wages and Remote Work Trends in Charleston
- Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
- Growth Projections and Educational Initiatives
- Notable Companies and Opportunities in Charleston
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Rising Wages and Remote Work Trends in Charleston
(Up)Charleston's tech sector is reaching new heights, with tech workers earning an average of $120,142, which is more than double the state average of $54,250.
The numbers are seriously impressive - half of the tech companies added jobs in 2024, and 71% are planning to hire even more people in 2025. Remote work isn't just a trend anymore; it's the new normal.
Over half of tech employees work remotely, and 93% of companies expect this number to stay the same or grow. Take Ignite Digital Services for example - they added 70 new employees last year and aren't slowing down.
The tech industry makes up 12.1% of Charleston's economy and is growing faster than the national average, with a 3.2% annual growth rate. This growth is creating opportunities across various tech roles, including cybersecurity.
With companies raising significant funds and investing in new talent, now's a perfect time to break into the field. Plus, salary prospects look promising, especially for those with the right skills and certifications.
The blend of competitive wages, remote work flexibility, and steady job growth makes Charleston's tech scene super attractive for anyone looking to start or advance their career in cybersecurity.
Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
(Up)The cybersecurity scene in Charleston is absolutely taking off right now! According to recent salary data, professionals are seeing competitive earnings around $114,593, with entry-level positions starting at $80K. The growth is seriously impressive - the state's tech sector is expected to see a whopping 24% increase by 2032.
South Carolina's job market is booming with over 63,000 people working in computer and math-related fields.
Companies like Boeing and Volvo are driving major demand, and there are currently more than 2,700 cybersecurity openings across the city. For anyone looking to break into the field, the hiring outlook is super promising - there's only enough tech professionals to fill 83% of available positions right now.
The skills that matter most are changing fast too:
- AI knowledge: Job postings that mention AI increased from 6.3% to 7.3%, emphasizing the need for artificial intelligence skills.
- Cloud security & Threat intelligence: Mastery in these areas is crucial as employers seek individuals who understand cloud infrastructure and can anticipate security threats.
- Incident response: Being adept in incident management is increasingly important as companies strive to mitigate security breaches swiftly.
- Essential certifications: Obtaining Security+, CISSP, and CEH can significantly boost earning potential and help in rapid career progression.
While some routine tasks are becoming automated, there's an even bigger need for people who can handle complex security challenges and work with AI systems.
The best part? With the right skills and certifications, you can climb from entry-level to senior positions pretty quickly, where salaries can hit $150K or more.
Company | Job Openings | Primary Skill |
---|---|---|
Boeing | Over 1,200 | AI & Cloud Security |
Volvo | 1,500+ | Threat Intelligence |
“With the right skills, you can climb from entry-level to senior positions quickly.” - Linda Lopez
Growth Projections and Educational Initiatives
(Up)Charleston's cybersecurity landscape is absolutely crushing it with projected growth of 18% by 2024, making it a prime spot for tech professionals.
The industry is seriously heating up, with data showing that U.S. companies need about 265,000 additional cybersecurity professionals.
The demand is real - we're talking about positions starting at $121,500 for Cybersecurity Analysts and reaching $138,500 for Engineers.
Local powerhouses like Boeing and ServiceNow, plus innovative startups like CCP Technologies, are actively recruiting talent to protect their digital assets.
Charleston's educational scene is stepping up.
The Citadel and College of Charleston are rolling out cutting-edge programs focused on network security and ethical hacking. These programs aren't just theoretical - they're built around real-world skills that employers actually want, like cloud security and IoT expertise.
Plus, with the job market performing better than the overall tech sector, there's never been a better time to jump in.
The skills you need? Think AI integration, incident analysis, and cybersecurity engineering.
Major employers are looking for people who can handle everything from cloud services to network technologies. The cybersecurity market is actually outperforming the broader tech sector, with only a 22% decline in job postings compared to 28% overall.
With global cybercrime damage projected to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, organizations are seriously investing in protecting their digital assets.
Notable Companies and Opportunities in Charleston
(Up)Charleston's tech scene is seriously heating up in 2025, with Ignite Digital Services leading the charge by investing nearly $1 million and creating 135 new jobs at their King Street headquarters.
What's super exciting is their focus on automation and digital transformation - they're not just another tech company. As a certified UiPath Premier Public Sector Partner, they're bringing cutting-edge solutions to both commercial and national security clients.
The coolest part? They're partnering with Snowflake to level up their data management game, which means even more opportunities for tech professionals.
I've been watching the job market here, and it's honestly amazing to see how companies are growing.
Ignite's recent partnership with Chugach Government Solutions is opening up even more positions in cybersecurity and data integration.
They're not just hiring - they're creating whole new career paths in areas like program integration, data management, and robotic process automation. Beyond Ignite, major players like Boeing, Blackbaud, and Benefitfocus are constantly looking for cyber talent, making Charleston a legit tech hub.
If you're into cybersecurity or data science, Charleston's where it's at right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the current state of the cybersecurity job market in Charleston?
The cybersecurity job market in Charleston is booming, with over 2,700 positions available and a growth rate 267% faster than other jobs. Major companies such as Boeing and Volvo are actively seeking cybersecurity professionals.
What are the salary prospects for cybersecurity professionals in Charleston?
Cybersecurity professionals in Charleston can expect competitive earnings, with average salaries around $114,593. Entry-level positions start at approximately $80,000, and experienced professionals can earn $147,640 or more.
What skills and certifications are in demand for cybersecurity roles in Charleston?
Key skills in demand include AI knowledge, cloud security, threat intelligence, and incident response. Essential certifications that boost career prospects are Security+, CISSP, and CEH.
How is Charleston's tech industry supporting the growth of cybersecurity opportunities?
Charleston's tech companies are investing in new talent and focusing on digital transformation, with major players like Boeing, Blackbaud, and Benefitfocus actively recruiting. The tech sector makes up 12.1% of the city's economy and is growing faster than the national average.
What educational initiatives are available in Charleston for aspiring cybersecurity professionals?
Institutions like The Citadel and College of Charleston are offering cutting-edge programs focusing on network security and ethical hacking, aligning with real-world skills demanded by employers.
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Chevas Balloun
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Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.