Cleveland Cybersecurity Job Market: Trends and Growth Areas for 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

The cybersecurity scene in Cleveland is straight-up fire! By 2024, the demand for cyber pros is gonna go through the roof. Check out these sick stats that prove this city is the place to be for cybersecurity jobs:

• Low unemployment rate: The unemployment rate in Cleveland was hovering around a cool 4% in early 2024, way below the national average, according to the January job market report.
• Major industries investing: Major industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing are seriously investing in cyber defenses to protect their data, creating a high demand for skilled cyber talent.
• Top employers hiring: Top employers like the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Progressive Insurance are all on the hunt for cybersecurity experts, so you know the opportunities are legit.
• High average salary: The average cybersecurity analyst salary in Cleveland is a solid $85K per year, according to PayScale data.

With the rise of cyber threats, Cleveland is stepping up its game and becoming a hotspot for cybersecurity jobs.

If you're looking to break into this field, now's the time to level up your skills and land a sweet gig in this city. Don't sleep on cybersecurity certifications either – they'll give your resume a major boost.

The cybersecurity job scene in Cleveland is straight-up booming! According to the latest stats, there are nearly half a million cybersecurity job openings nationwide, and over 48 cyber analyst roles just in Cleveland alone.

It's a hot market, with the demand for skilled professionals skyrocketing across various industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and government agencies. The pay is also pretty dope, with entry-level analysts raking in around $60 an hour on average, which translates to over $120K annually.

Experienced engineers can score anywhere between $90K to $120K, while managers and directors are looking at a sweet $120K to $180K range. It's a lucrative field, and Cleveland's diverse industry landscape offers a unique opportunity to tackle a wide range of cybersecurity challenges, accelerating your professional growth and career advancement.

With the right skills and certifications, the city is a prime hunting ground for cybersecurity pros looking to level up their game.

The cybersecurity job scene in Cleveland is heating up, and you gotta be packing the right skills to land those sweet gigs.

According to the latest intel, entry-level cybersecurity roles in the 216 are all about network security, risk management, incident response, and ethical hacking.

That's where you wanna flex those muscles.

If you're looking to level up your edu game, Cleveland's got some solid options. You could go for a Bachelor's in Computer Science with a cybersecurity focus at Cleveland State, or snag an Associate's degree in Cybersecurity from Tri-C. Case Western also has a dope Master's program in Cybersecurity and Network Security.

And if you're more of a hands-on learner, check out something like Nucamp's Cybersecurity Bootcamp – they've got full-time and part-time options to fit your schedule.

Once you're in the game, certifications can really boost your street cred.

The big dogs in Cleveland are looking for pros with CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) under their belts.

Local spots like Cleveland State and Tri-C Corporate College offer training to help you ace those cert exams.

But don't just take my word for it. Dr. Patricia Wilson, the big cheese at Cleveland State's Center for Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection, says, "Staying ahead of the curve is essential in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. Continuous learning and upskilling are key to thriving in this field, whether through formal education programs, professional certifications, or ongoing training opportunities."

The cybersecurity scene in Cleveland is about to get lit for 2024! According to the latest research, some major threats are lurking, like attackers hunting for soft targets that skimped on security.

But don't sweat it, because some seriously cool trends are on the horizon that'll create a ton of new job opportunities for us tech-savvy peeps.

First off, let's talk about the cloud.

More and more companies are moving their data and apps to the cloud, which means they need mad cloud security skills. That's where roles like Cloud Security Architects and Engineers come in, with job growth expected to skyrocket by 22% in Cleveland over the next couple of years.

But it's not just about playing defense.

Companies are also looking for cyber ninjas who can hunt down threats before they strike. We're talking Cyber Threat Hunters and Incident Responders, with a projected 19% spike in demand by 2024.

These gigs require some serious analytical skills and a deep understanding of the dark side of the web.

And let's not forget about the cutting-edge tech that's shaking things up, like AI, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things.

As these futuristic systems become more integrated into our lives, the need for cybersecurity pros who can keep them secure is gonna explode by a whopping 27%.

The cybersecurity game in Cleveland is heating up, and it's bringing some serious challenges and opportunities for the young crew looking to make moves in this field.

One of the biggest hurdles is staying on top of the latest cyber threats, which means constantly leveling up your skills and grabbing those certifications.

According to a survey, a whopping 68% of local cybersecurity pros say keeping up with the rapid tech changes is a major grind in 2024.

But here's the flipside – companies are getting serious about beefing up their cyber defenses, and that's creating a projected 14% spike in cybersecurity job openings in Cleveland by 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

That's a lot of new gigs up for grabs. However, there's a catch – a reported 25% skills gap in the Cleveland metro area, according to the Cybersecurity Workforce Study from 2023.

Employers are on the hunt for well-rounded cyber warriors with skills in areas like cloud security, risk management, and incident response.

To help bridge that gap, local initiatives like the Tri-C Cybersecurity Center are offering specialized training and certifications.

The industries that are really popping off with cyber job opportunities are healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, with an average annual salary of $92,000 for cybersecurity analysts in Cleveland (PayScale, 2023).

Not too shabby, right?

If you're trying to score a cybersecurity gig in Cleveland, the pros recommend:

1. Get some hands-on experience through internships, hackathons, or personal projects.
2. Build a killer portfolio that showcases your mad skills and accomplishments.
3. Network like a boss by hitting up local cybersecurity events and conferences.
4. Stay fresh with industry certifications and continuing education.

Hiring managers at Cleveland's top cybersecurity firms are looking for candidates who not only have the technical chops but can also communicate complex concepts to non-techies and work well with others.

As one hiring manager put it, "We want people who can collaborate and break things down for stakeholders who don't speak code." With the right preparation and attitude, aspiring cyber pros in Cleveland can crush it in this fast-paced and rewarding field.

According to the latest stats, the cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by a whopping 12.6% each year to keep up with the demand.

Cleveland is leading the charge! We're talking over 10,600 open cyber jobs across Ohio, with nearly 2,000 of those in the Cleveland area alone, as mentioned in the White House's Investing In America Program.

The average cyber security salary in Cleveland is a whopping $123,956 per year, or $60 per hour.

And if you're a top performer, you could be raking in up to $167,295 annually. Companies like Sherwin-Williams and Cleveland-Cliffs are already creating cyber workforce pathways, so the opportunities are endless.

You'll need to get your hands on some essential cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

These will make your resume shine brighter than a diamond in the rough. And if you're feeling extra ambitious, check out the Cleveland State Cyber Bootcamp – it'll prep you for those certs and teach you everything from cybersecurity fundamentals to red team and blue team tactics.

At the end of the day, the cybersecurity future in Cleveland is looking hotter than a freshly baked pizza.

With the right skills, certifications, and a little hustle, you could be living the dream, protecting digital assets and earning a fat paycheck. So, get your foot in the door and let's secure the digital world, one byte at a time!