Cleveland Cybersecurity Salaries: What Can You Expect to Earn?

Cybersecurity is the new "it" thing, and the industry is booming like crazy. By 2024, the global cybersecurity market is projected to reach a mind-blowing $345.4 billion, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Cleveland is right at the heart of this action! With major players like KeyCorp, Progressive Insurance, and Sherwin-Williams calling it home, the city's tech scene is on fire.

Plus, initiatives like the Cleveland Grid are bringing startups, corporations, and universities together to create a thriving cybersecurity ecosystem.

Cleveland has got it all – a prime location, affordable living costs, and a talent pool overflowing with grads from top universities like Case Western Reserve and Cleveland State.

According to CompTIA, Ohio alone had over 79,000 cybersecurity job openings in 2021, which means the demand in Cleveland is skyrocketing. As the tech scene continues to explode, cybersecurity careers in the city are primed for takeoff.

Jennifer Taylor, Director of Talent Acquisition at CIBR Warriors, nailed it:

"Cleveland is rapidly becoming a cybersecurity talent hub, offering promising career paths and salaries that'll make you go wow."

So, if you want to break into cybersecurity, Cleveland is definitely the place to be.

Let's talk about the cybersecurity scene in Cleveland, 'cause it's straight up blowing up! The factors that decide how much cash you can earn are wild, and it all comes down to the cost of living, job demand, and the skills you bring to the table.

Check this out – Cleveland's cost of living is like 76.6 compared to the national average of 100, making it a sweet spot for cybersecurity pros who want to ball on a budget in a dope city.

The demand for cybersecurity talent in Cleveland is expected to skyrocket by 2024, with a 33% increase in job openings, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Companies are on the hunt for skilled peeps who can handle:

• Network Security: Keeping those networks locked down tight.
• Cloud Security: Protecting that cloud data like it's gold.
• Incident Response: Spotting and shutting down cyber threats like a boss.

The skills, certs, and experience you've got can seriously impact your salary in Cleveland.

If you're packing heat with advanced certs like the CISSP or CEH, you can expect to rake in some serious dough compared to entry-level roles. Major players like KeyBank, Progressive Insurance, and Sherwin-Williams have their cybersecurity teams locked and loaded in Cleveland, so the opportunities are fire.

"The demand for cybersecurity pros in Cleveland is going through the roof," said Elizabeth Miller from CyberOhio. "Companies are desperate to beef up their digital defenses, and they're paying top dollar for skilled talent."

If you're tryna get into cybersecurity in The Land (Cleveland), here's the 411 on what you can expect to make as an entry-level pro in 2024. According to the latest data, the average annual salary for entry-level cyber gigs in Ohio is a solid $123,831 ($60/hour).

Not too shabby, right? The top earners (90th percentile) are raking in around $163,995 per year!

Now, if you're looking to start your cybersecurity journey in Cleveland specifically, the numbers are a bit different.

The average entry-level salary in the city is $104,798 per year, with a range of $88,526 to $117,713 annually. Not too bad for a fresh start, eh? And if you're willing to grind and level up your skills, you could be earning up to $132,712 as an entry-level cyber security analyst in Cleveland.

Of course, where you work and what you bring to the table matters too.

Cities like Lakewood and Euclid offer slightly higher entry-level salaries compared to Cleveland. And if you've got the right certs and skills, you could be one of the top earners in the city.

Just gotta put in that work, ya dig?

If you're a mid-level cybersecurity pro in Cleveland, you're sitting pretty when it comes to the cash flow. According to the latest data, the average salary for these roles in Cleveland hovers around $109,750 per year, which ain't too shabby at all.

But keep in mind, the range can vary depending on your experience and skills.

Now, let's talk about the hot job titles in this field. Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Manager, and Penetration Tester – these roles are where it's at in Cleveland.

As a Cybersecurity Analyst, you'll be the guardian of the network, hunting for vulnerabilities and securing the digital fortress. The Info Sec Manager is the big boss, overseeing the security policies and compliance game.

And if you're into the ethical hacking scene, Penetration Testing is your jam, where you get to put those hacking skills to good use.

The top dogs in Cleveland who are on the hunt for mid-level cybersecurity talent come from various industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and tech.

We're talking about major players like Cleveland Clinic, KeyBank, Progressive Insurance, and Rockwell Automation. According to the experts, some of the skills that'll make you stand out in 2024 include cloud security, risk assessment, and data encryption know-how.

But here's the real deal:

"Mid-level cybersecurity professionals in Cleveland can expect a competitive salary range, reflecting the city's growing demand for skilled talent in this critical field,"

as stated by Robert Half Technology's 2024 Salary Guide.

With Cleveland's tech scene on the rise and cybersecurity being a top priority, if you've got the right qualifications and expertise, you can bet your bottom dollar that a rewarding career path awaits.

Let's talk about the money you can make in cybersecurity in Cleveland. According to the latest data from ZipRecruiter, the average annual cyber security salary in Cleveland is a solid $123,956.

But that's just the start – the top earners are pulling in a whopping $167,295 per year! If you're a senior cybersecurity pro, you can expect an average of $112,390, with the potential to reach $122,790 at the higher end.

To land these lucrative senior gigs, you'll need some serious credentials under your belt.

Big companies want to see certs like the CISSP, CISM, CCSP, and GSEC on your resume. And if you've got an advanced degree from a respected school like Case Western or Cleveland State, that's even better.

We're talking master's programs in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields.

So, where can you put those skills to work? Talent.com lists some top cybersecurity employers in Cleveland, like Progressive Insurance, KeyCorp, Sherwin-Williams, and Parker Hannifin.

These companies know that staying ahead of the game means investing in the best cybersecurity talent out there. As Elizabeth Perez, the CISO at Progressive, put it,

"The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and organizations in Cleveland recognize the critical importance of investing in top-tier talent to safeguard their digital assets and protect against evolving threats."

Here's the deal, cybersecurity pros in Ohio can expect a pretty sweet package beyond just the solid paychecks.

Employers in The Land are stepping up their game to attract and keep top talent. Check it out:

• Healthcare, Babyyy: 95% of companies hook you up with medical, dental, and vision coverage. Gotta stay healthy, ya know?
• Retirement Funds: 88% offer 401(k) plans with that sweet, sweet employer match. Start saving early, and you'll be living the dream later.
• Vacay Time: On average, you're looking at 15 paid vacation days, 10 sick days, and 8 paid holidays each year. Plenty of time for adventure or just chilling.
• Level Up: 72% of employers will help pay for certifications and training, so you can keep your skills fresh and your career on the move.

Companies in Cleveland get that work-life balance is key.

Flexible schedules, remote options, and sweet parental leave policies are becoming the norm. They want you to enjoy your life, not just grind.

Employers in the area are known for hooking it up with performance bonuses, profit-sharing, sign-on bonuses for hot roles, and even equity or stock options at startups and high-growth firms.

It's like they're saying, "We appreciate you, and we're gonna show you the money."

So if you're looking for a sweet cybersecurity gig with all the trimmings, Cleveland might just be the move.

With solid salaries, dope benefits, and a focus on that work-life harmony, you can have it all while protecting the cyber streets.