Jacksonville 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 game in J-ville is blowing up, and it's only gonna be bigger in 2024.

With all the cyber threats and data breaches going on, companies are scrambling to lock down their systems and keep everyone's info secure. According to the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, the demand for cybersecurity pros in the state is expected to rise by 28% by 2024, and Jacksonville is one of the major hubs for these jobs.

Check out these key facts that show how crucial cybersecurity is in J-ville:

• Jacksonville hosts major companies like CSX Corporation and Fidelity National Financial, which need serious cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive data.
• Numerous job openings are available; the Jacksonville metro area currently has over 3,000 positions in the cybersecurity field, according to the cybersecurity job board CyberSeek.
• Competitive salaries in the field; the average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in Jacksonville is around $85,000 per year, as per PayScale.
• High demand for cybersecurity expertise due to proximity to military installations like Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, creating a high demand for pros with experience in government and defense sectors.

As David Hernandez, Director of the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, says,

"Jacksonville's thriving business community and strong military presence make it a prime target for cyber attacks, which in turn drives the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals."

With the cybersecurity job market in J-ville showing no signs of slowing down, now is the perfect time to explore career opportunities in this exciting and lucrative field.

Jacksonville's cybersecurity job market is about to blow up in 2024, thanks to new tech trends and a massive need for skilled pros. As companies go digital and move to the cloud, cybersecurity has to be a top priority.

That's driving up demand for specialists big time. A study shows the need for cybersecurity workers in Jacksonville is expected to surge by 21% in 2024, outpacing the national average.

Tech advancements are seriously shaking up the cybersecurity scene in Jax.

The rise of Internet of Things, 5G networks, and AI has opened up new vulnerabilities, so innovative security solutions are a must. Employers are on the hunt for pros skilled in:

• Mastering emerging technologies: Cloud security
• Specializing in IoT security
• Utilizing AI-powered threat detection
• Managing incident response and forensics

The Jacksonville Cybersecurity Summit highlights the intense demand for cybersecurity expertise, especially in areas like:

1. Securing network infrastructure: Network security
2. Enhancing system defenses: Ethical hacking
3. Evaluating potential risks: Risk management
4. Implementing compliance: Cybersecurity governance

As Jacksonville's tech scene keeps booming, industries like healthcare, finance, and government are leading the charge in cybersecurity hiring.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hottest cybersecurity roles for 2024 include:

Role	Projected Growth
Information Security Analyst	25%
Cybersecurity Consultant	18%
Security Architect	22%

As Dr. Fiona Sampson from the North Florida Cybersecurity Center says,

"The cybersecurity talent gap is a major problem, but Jacksonville can bridge this gap by investing in education and training programs that match industry needs."

The cybersecurity scene in Jacksonville is about to be on fire in the next few years! Word on the street is that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity predicts a massive 21% surge in demand for cyber pros in the region between 2020 and 2024.

That's insane growth, outpacing the national average by a mile, making J-ville a rising cybersecurity hub.

The hottest roles driving this expansion include info security analysts, cyber consultants, pen testers, and cloud security specialists.

Sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and logistics are leading the charge, desperately needing skilled cyber defenders to protect their sensitive data and systems from the baddies.

As Michael Jones, the city's top cyber dude, puts it,

"With cyber threats getting smarter daily, companies across all industries know they gotta level up their security game. That's why they're hunting for cyber talent who can lock things down tight."

Just peep these projected growth figures for major sectors between 2020-2024:

• Financial Services: Projected growth is a staggering 28%, highlighting the sector's expansion.
• Healthcare: Expected to boom at 24%, reflecting significant potential advancement.
• Government and Military: Anticipated to surge by 19%, underlining the demand for cybersecurity proficiency.
• Logistics and Transportation: Jumping 22%, showcasing vast growth opportunities.

If you're eyeing a career in cybersecurity, Jacksonville is the place to be in 2024.

The opportunities are about to explode, so get ready to cash in on this red-hot job market!

If you're trying to snag one of those sweet cybersecurity jobs in Jacksonville next year, you'll need to have the right skills and certs on lock.

According to the latest survey from the Jacksonville Cybersecurity Alliance, employers are looking for peeps who know their stuff when it comes to network security (87% of them said it's essential), risk management (81%), ethical hacking (76%), cloud security (73%), and incident response (69%).

But it's not just about the skills, you'll also need to flex with the right certifications to really stand out.

The hot certs that Jacksonville employers are checking for in 2024 include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Strategy and Operations - This bad boy shows you're a pro at cybersecurity strategy and operations.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Spot Vulnerabilities - Prove you can spot vulnerabilities and know how to prevent hackers from causing trouble.
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): Cloud Security - With more companies moving to the cloud, this cert validates your skills in keeping those environments secure.

But here's the thing, according to the Jacksonville Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2023, while the technical skills are there, there's a serious lack of professionals with strong leadership, communication, and business know-how.

These soft skills are crucial for driving cybersecurity initiatives that align with a company's goals. The report recommends focused training programs to help cybersecurity pros become well-rounded and able to speak the language of both tech and business.

Getting into cybersecurity in J-ville is totally possible, but you gotta have a plan, bro. First up, check what skills you need to level up.

Stuff like risk analysis, cloud security, and incident response are gonna be huge in 2024. Certs like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can really show off your skills too.

Next, look for local spots to learn more about cybersecurity.

Florida State College has an A.S. in Cybersecurity, and the Cybersecurity Training and Education Center (CTEC) offers specialized training programs. You could also check out the Cybersecurity Bootcamp at Florida State College.

It's all online, so you can learn at your own pace.

Networking is key. Get involved with groups like the Jacksonville Cybersecurity Meetup or hit up events like BSides Jacksonville and InfragardJacksonville.

These are great places to connect with other cybersecurity folks and maybe even score a job. The Jacksonville Cybersecurity Summit in December is another must-attend event.

Don't forget to check out Nucamp's articles on top employers and salaries in the J-ville cybersecurity scene.

With the right skills, connections, and hustle, you can land a sweet gig in no time.