Des Moines Cybersecurity Job Market: Trends and Growth Areas for 2025
Last Updated: January 3rd 2025
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Des Moines' cybersecurity job market is booming, offering an average salary of $118,827. With malware attacks up 11% and Iowa ranking 12th in cybercrime victims, job growth is projected to rise by 18% in finance and 22% in healthcare by 2025. Emerging sectors like cloud security and AI-driven threat detection are driving demand. Des Moines Area Community College offers flexible cybersecurity education paths, catering to market needs. Opportunities are plentiful, especially with Des Moines' lower cost of living compared to major tech hubs.
Des Moines is seriously taking off as a cybersecurity hotspot, and the numbers are pretty wild. The job market is projected to grow by 27% through 2024, with professionals earning an average of $118,827 annually.
The tech scene here is getting intense - malware attacks jumped 11% to 6.06 billion in 2023, and Iowa ranked 12th in cybercrime victims. That's creating tons of opportunities, especially in major companies like Principal Financial Group and Wells Fargo, where security jobs are expected to spike by 18% in finance and 22% in healthcare.
For anyone looking to break in, certifications like CISSP and CompTIA Security+ are absolute game-changers. The salary range is looking sweet too - experienced pros can make between $108,000 to $168,000.
With features like cloud security and AI-driven threat detection becoming standard, there's never been a better time to jump into cybersecurity in Des Moines.
The city's GDP growth of 31.9% over the past decade shows we're not slowing down anytime soon.
Table of Contents
- Educational Opportunities in Des Moines
- National Cybersecurity Trends Influencing Des Moines
- Emerging Sectors and Their Impact on Cybersecurity Jobs
- Future Outlook for Cybersecurity Professionals in Des Moines
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Educational Opportunities in Des Moines
(Up)Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) is seriously stepping up its game in cybersecurity education for 2025. The college's cybersecurity program earned NSA accreditation in 2021, making it a recognized Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Students can choose from multiple paths - an AAS degree, diploma, or certificate - all designed to match what employers actually need. What makes this really cool is that you can study either on campus or online, giving you flexibility while you learn to protect against cyber threats and secure data systems.
Starting salaries for cybersecurity grads average around $54,000, which is pretty sweet for entry-level positions.
Plus, DMACC is staying ahead of tech trends - they're launching new AI programs in fall 2025, showing they're serious about preparing students for the future of tech.
- Multiple paths available: Choose from an AAS degree, diploma, or certificate based on what employers actually need.
- Study flexibility: Learn on campus or online, allowing you flexibility to manage your schedule.
- Competitive salaries: Starting salaries average around $54,000 for cybersecurity grads.
- Ahead in trends: DMACC is launching new AI programs in fall 2025, indicating they are preparing students for future tech roles.
The programs cover everything from basic security principles to advanced threat detection, and you get hands-on experience with the same tools and techniques used by professionals.
Whether you want to be a security analyst, cryptographer, or even a chief information security officer, DMACC's got you covered with practical skills that employers are actively looking for.
The best part? Many of these programs qualify for the Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, making it easier to afford your education and jump into a high-demand career.
National Cybersecurity Trends Influencing Des Moines
(Up)The cybersecurity job market is seriously heating up, and the numbers are mind-blowing. According to recent industry research, there's only enough tech talent to fill 83% of available cybersecurity positions nationwide, with U.S. companies needing about 265,000 more professionals.
That's creating major opportunities in Des Moines. What's really interesting is that cybersecurity is evolving fast, with zero-trust security and AI becoming huge priorities - the zero-trust market alone is expected to hit $95.22 billion by 2030.
For anyone looking to break into the field, the core skills in demand include cloud computing, programming languages like Python and Java, and AI knowledge.
Des Moines companies are actively recruiting for roles like Security Engineers ($130,000-$200,000) and Security Analysts (median $112,000), with some positions offering remote work options.
The local market is particularly strong in areas like financial services and insurance, where data protection is crucial.
- Entry-level competition is tough: With some job searches taking up to 12 months, breaking into the cybersecurity sector is challenging.
- Des Moines' cost advantage: The lower cost of living compared to major tech hubs makes it an attractive option for starting a cybersecurity career.
- Desired candidate profile: Companies here are especially interested in candidates who understand both technical security and business strategy, creating a perfect environment for career growth.
Emerging Sectors and Their Impact on Cybersecurity Jobs
(Up)The Des Moines job market is seriously heating up, with professional and technical services projected to add over 11,000 jobs by 2030.
The city's digital infrastructure is expanding - major companies like HNTB are investing in tech solutions, creating tons of opportunities for cybersecurity professionals.
The latest data shows that tech roles requiring two-year degrees are growing twice as fast as positions without college requirements, making this the perfect time to jump into cybersecurity.
We're seeing huge growth in educational services and administrative support sectors, which means more systems to protect and more data to secure. 97% of Iowa companies are planning wage increases for 2025, with most offering 3-4% raises.
For entry-level cybersecurity pros, this means competitive starting salaries and real room for growth. The shift toward hybrid work environments (32% of companies) and increased focus on new technology (up from 8% to 14%) is creating fresh challenges in network security.
With Des Moines' unemployment rate at just 2.9%, companies are actively competing for talent, especially in tech roles. Whether you're interested in protecting healthcare data, financial systems, or educational platforms, there's never been a better time to start a cybersecurity career in Des Moines.
Future Outlook for Cybersecurity Professionals in Des Moines
(Up)The cybersecurity job market in Des Moines is seriously taking off, with projected growth hitting 27% from 2021 to 2024.
The numbers are mind-blowing - we're looking at an average salary of $118,827, which is way better than what most entry-level tech jobs offer. What's really interesting is that companies need about 265,000 more cybersecurity pros just to meet current demands.
The financial sector is leading the charge with an 18% spike in job openings, while healthcare isn't far behind with a 22% increase. Major players like Principal Financial Group and Wells Fargo are actively recruiting talent, and they're not just looking for experienced pros.
Even better news - industry reports predict 3.5 million unfilled positions by 2025.
The salary range is impressive too, stretching from $108,000 to $168,000 annually. If you're thinking about getting into cybersecurity, the time is now - especially with companies desperately needing people who know their stuff in cloud security, incident response, and security analysis.
The job market is literally begging for new talent, and Des Moines is becoming a serious tech hub with tons of opportunities for anyone ready to jump in.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the average salary for cybersecurity professionals in Des Moines?
Cybersecurity professionals in Des Moines earn an average salary of $118,827 annually.
What certifications can help break into the Des Moines cybersecurity market?
Certifications like CISSP and CompTIA Security+ are considered game-changers for anyone looking to enter the cybersecurity field in Des Moines.
How is Des Moines preparing students for cybersecurity careers?
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) offers multiple educational paths like an AAS degree, diploma, or certificate with options to study on campus or online. They are recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Which sectors in Des Moines are seeing the highest growth in cybersecurity job openings?
The financial and healthcare sectors are seeing significant growth in cybersecurity job openings, with 18% and 22% spikes respectively.
What is the future outlook for cybersecurity professionals in Des Moines?
Des Moines is becoming a cybersecurity hotspot with an increasing demand for professionals, especially in roles focusing on cloud security, incident response, and security analysis. The city's strong digital infrastructure and low unemployment rate contribute to a favorable job market.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
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.