Lawrence Cybersecurity Job Market: Trends and Growth Areas for 2025
Last Updated: December 13th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
The Lawrence cybersecurity job market is booming, with a projected 84% supply/demand ratio. Lawrence's cybersecurity sector contributed over $200 million to Kansas's economy in 2022. With major employers like Koch Industries and Sprint Corporation fueling demand, roles in cloud security and AI-driven solutions are on the rise. The University of Kansas launched an Applied Cybersecurity degree, further boosting local talent. Cybersecurity salaries in Lawrence start at $101,440, with global job openings expected to reach 3.5 million by 2025, offering a prime opportunity for entering this growing field.
Lawrence, Kansas is seriously taking off in the cybersecurity scene for 2025. According to recent CyberSeek data, Kansas shows an 84% supply/demand ratio, putting Lawrence in a prime spot for tech career growth.
The local impact is huge - 68% of Lawrence businesses dealt with cyber incidents last year, way up from 42% in 2020. The University of Kansas just launched their online Applied Cybersecurity degree program, and the CompTIA's latest research shows nearly 470,000 U.S. cybersecurity job openings.
What's really interesting is that Lawrence's cybersecurity sector contributed over $200 million to Kansas's economy in 2022.
Looking ahead, industry projections suggest 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally by 2025.
The city's tech scene is getting a boost from major employers like Koch Industries and Sprint Corporation, plus there's growing demand in cloud security, smart device protection, and AI-driven cybersecurity.
With local businesses investing heavily in cyber defense and the median annual salary hitting $101,440, Lawrence is becoming a legit tech hub for anyone looking to jump into cybersecurity.
Table of Contents
- National Cybersecurity Demand
- Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity Hiring
- Local Initiatives and Opportunities in Lawrence
- Academic Opportunities and Collaboration in Lawrence
- Exploring Federal Cybersecurity Job Positions
- Conclusion: Preparing for a Cybersecurity Career in Lawrence
- Frequently Asked Questions
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National Cybersecurity Demand
(Up)The cybersecurity job market in 2025 is absolutely wild! Global cybersecurity job openings hit 3.5 million in 2021, showing a massive 350% jump from 2013.
Things are getting even more intense - the U.S. needs about 265,000 more cybersecurity professionals just to keep up with demand. What's really interesting is that jobs requiring AI knowledge jumped from 6.3% to 7.3%, showing how tech is changing the game.
Despite having the world's largest cybersecurity workforce at 1.33 million, the U.S. still can't fill all the positions.
Companies are struggling to find enough qualified people, which is creating amazing opportunities for those of us looking to break into the field.
- Cybersecurity job openings. The numbers don't lie - there were over 457,000 cybersecurity job postings between September 2023 and August 2024, and while that's actually down 22% from before, it's still performing better than the overall tech market.
- Entry-level positions. The best part? Entry-level positions are opening up as companies finally realize they need to invest in training new talent.
- Desperate need for talent. If you're thinking about getting into cybersecurity, now's literally the perfect time - companies are desperate for fresh talent who understand both traditional security and new tech like AI.
- Competitive salaries. Plus, with salaries staying competitive and remote work options becoming more common, the field is more accessible than ever for newcomers.
Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity Hiring
(Up)Looking at the Lawrence cybersecurity market, the numbers are seriously impressive.
The job scene here contributed over $200 million to Kansas's economy in 2022, and the growth isn't slowing down. The cybersecurity industry is projected to have 3.5 million unfilled positions by 2025, which means tons of opportunities for newcomers.
The local scene is especially hot, with roles in cloud security and AI security leading the way. Recent data shows that about 68% of Lawrence businesses dealt with cyber incidents last year - that's way up from 42% in 2020.
For anyone looking to break into the field, CyberSeek's latest data shows Kansas has an 84% supply/demand ratio, meaning there's definitely room for new talent.
The University of Kansas is stepping up big time with their cutting-edge programs, focusing on practical skills in threat detection and incident response.
What's really interesting is how the field is changing - it's not just about technical skills anymore. Companies want people who can think on their feet and adapt quickly to new threats.
Cloud security specialists are seeing the fastest growth at 27%, while information security analysts and cybersecurity consultants aren't far behind.
Getting certified is crucial right now - CISSP and CEH are the gold standards, but what's really going to set you apart is hands-on experience.
The local tech scene is growing fast, and companies are desperate for people who can hit the ground running. Most roles are offering over $100,000, which is pretty sweet for Lawrence's cost of living.
The key is to stay current with the latest tools and threats - this field moves super fast, and staying ahead of the curve is what makes the difference between getting hired and getting passed over.
Local Initiatives and Opportunities in Lawrence
(Up)Lawrence is seriously stepping up its game in cybersecurity this year, with some major events and training programs hitting the scene. The FBI and KU Cybersecurity Conference is coming up in April 2025, bringing together experts and professionals to share the latest in digital defense strategies.
The conference is just one part of what's making Lawrence a hot spot for cyber talent. Nucamp's Cybersecurity Fundamentals Bootcamp kicks off in March, offering hands-on training that's perfect for anyone looking to break into the field.
These programs are actually making a difference - recent surveys show that 85% of participants are landing jobs within six months of completing their training.
The University of Kansas is taking things to the next level through their Center for Cyber-Social Dynamics, where researchers are tackling everything from AI security to social engineering threats.
Local businesses are totally getting on board too, with SecureWorld Kansas City 2025 bringing together industry leaders to share real-world insights.
What's really cool is how these initiatives are creating job opportunities right here in Lawrence. Companies aren't just looking for technical skills anymore - they want people who understand both the tech side and the human element of cybersecurity.
The momentum in Lawrence's cyber scene is building fast.
Between the hands-on workshops, conferences, and training programs, there's never been a better time to get involved in cybersecurity here. These opportunities aren't just about learning the basics - they're about building a community of professionals who can protect our digital future.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your skills, Lawrence's cybersecurity initiatives are making it happen.
Academic Opportunities and Collaboration in Lawrence
(Up)The University of Kansas is seriously stepping up its game in cybersecurity education with some major developments for 2025. The EECS department is expanding with fresh opportunities in artificial intelligence, formal methods, and advanced algorithms.
The university's approach goes beyond just classroom learning - they're creating this awesome fusion of research and real-world application. Their upcoming FBI and KU Cybersecurity Conference shows just how connected they are with actual industry players.
The university's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department is absolutely crushing it, with over $7 million in yearly research funding and a massive student body of 1,100 undergrads and 300 grad students.
The collaboration with the NSA continues to be a game-changer, offering:
- The NSA partnership offers substantial funding for advanced research projects in cybersecurity.
- Students access federal cybersecurity initiatives through exclusive internship programs.
- Participate in workshops to tackle the latest cybersecurity threats and defenses.
The cybersecurity program is evolving to include cutting-edge areas like IoT security, adversarial machine learning, and secure data sharing.
The university's research facilities are insane - we're talking about a computational cluster with over 1,000 processors connected to 37 TB of online storage.
Students get hands-on experience with real security tools like SELinux and various verification systems. Plus, with the federal funding boost projected at 15% by 2025, the resources for students are just getting better.
This mix of academic excellence and practical experience is exactly what's needed to jump into the cybersecurity field ready to make an impact. The university isn't just teaching cybersecurity - they're creating the next generation of cyber defenders who'll be protecting our digital world.
Exploring Federal Cybersecurity Job Positions
(Up)The federal cybersecurity job market in 2025 is absolutely buzzing with opportunities for those of us in Lawrence, Kansas. Federal cybersecurity positions are offering starting salaries ranging from $77,525 to $163,964 per year, which is pretty incredible for entry-level to advanced roles.
The variety of positions is massive - from Cyber Security Officers to Information System Security Engineers. What's really cool is that many agencies are now offering remote work options and flexible schedules, making it easier to balance work and life.
Government cybersecurity careers are especially attractive because they come with comprehensive benefits packages and clear advancement paths.
I've noticed that agencies like the CIA, FBI, and Department of Defense are actively recruiting, with positions ranging from entry-level analysts to senior specialists.
The requirements are pretty straightforward - usually a combination of education and experience in IT security, plus certifications. What's really interesting is that federal cyber careers often include paid training and development opportunities, which is perfect for someone starting out.
The government is seriously investing in building its cybersecurity workforce, with many positions offering training programs and mentorship opportunities. Plus, there's a real sense of purpose in these roles - you're literally helping protect national security while building a solid career.
For those of us just starting out, it's worth noting that many agencies offer internship programs and entry-level positions specifically designed for recent graduates.
These roles provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge security technologies and exposure to real-world cybersecurity challenges. The federal government is actively seeking to build a younger, tech-savvy workforce, making now the perfect time to jump into this field.
Conclusion: Preparing for a Cybersecurity Career in Lawrence
(Up)The cybersecurity scene in Lawrence is seriously heating up! Recent market analysis shows the city's tech sector contributed over $200 million to Kansas's economy in 2022, with cybersecurity jobs expected to grow by 35% through 2031.
That's huge news for anyone looking to break into the field. Major players like CRI Advantage and GaDirect are actively recruiting, and the best part? These positions are offering salaries over $100,000.
Industry projections indicate there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally by 2025, making this the perfect time to start building skills.
Getting started is easier than ever with Nucamp's 15-week Cybersecurity Fundamentals bootcamp, which covers everything from security foundations to ethical hacking for $2,124 (early bird pricing).
The job market is particularly hot for cloud security specialists and incident response teams, with CyberSeek data showing Kansas's supply/demand ratio at 84%, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for newcomers.
Local companies are specifically looking for skills in network security, risk assessment, and threat hunting - exactly what you'll learn in training programs.
Most positions in Lawrence start at around $81,000, and with the right certifications like CISSP or CEH, you can climb even higher.
The city's affordable cost of living and growing tech community make it an awesome spot to launch a cybersecurity career. Plus, with the University of Kansas nearby and tons of networking opportunities through local tech meetups, you'll have plenty of chances to connect with other security pros and keep learning new skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the current cybersecurity job market like in Lawrence, Kansas for 2025?
The cybersecurity job market in Lawrence, Kansas, is growing rapidly, with the city expected to become a significant tech hub by 2025. The local sector contributed over $200 million to Kansas's economy in 2022, and jobs are projected to grow by 35% through 2031. Key growth areas include cloud security, smart device protection, and AI-driven cybersecurity.
What educational opportunities are available for cybersecurity in Lawrence?
The University of Kansas has launched an online Applied Cybersecurity degree program and offers various courses through its Center for Cyber-Social Dynamics. These programs focus on practical skills needed for threat detection and incident response, preparing students for the cybersecurity job market.
What are the salary expectations for cybersecurity professionals in Lawrence?
Cybersecurity professionals in Lawrence can expect competitive salaries, starting at around $81,000, with the potential to earn over $101,440 as the median annual salary. Salaries remain attractive due to increasing demand for trained professionals and the city’s growing tech industry.
What trends are impacting the cybersecurity job market nationally?
Nationally, the cybersecurity job market is experiencing a huge demand, with projections indicating a need for 3.5 million professionals globally by 2025. This demand fosters opportunities across various sectors, and employers are prioritizing entry-level positions to cultivate new talent.
What initiatives are supporting the cybersecurity sector in Lawrence?
Lawrence has seen significant initiatives such as conferences and training programs aimed at supporting cybersecurity growth. Local businesses and educational institutions are heavily investing in cybersecurity defense strategies, offering hands-on learning and networking opportunities to create a community of skilled professionals.
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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.