Top Cybersecurity Employers in Little Rock: Who's Hiring and What They Look For

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 14th 2024

Cybersecurity job opportunities in Little Rock, Arkansas are growing. Discover top employers and career tips in Little Rock.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Little Rock, Arkansas is emerging as a significant hub for cybersecurity careers, with companies like Acxiom, Dillard's, and Windstream driving job growth in the sector. With tech employment projected to grow by 18% over the next five years, and a current cybersecurity market contributing $750 million to the local GDP, the demand for skilled professionals is high. Cybersecurity Analyst positions offer an average salary of $73,000, paired with an affordable living cost index of 87.5. Employers seek candidates skilled in network security, risk management, and ethical hacking, often requiring a relevant bachelor's degree.

Little Rock is taking cyber defense to the next level! According to CompTIA's latest research, technology employment in Arkansas is projected to soar in 2024, with a projected 3.3% growth rate – that's over 1,400 new tech jobs! Arkansas was among the top states for tech job growth last year, with a 2.9% increase.

With over 43,000 tech workers already in the state, cybersecurity is a major focus for Little Rock's future.

The demand for cyber pros is skyrocketing, and Little Rock is ready to make moves.

Job postings for core cybersecurity roles are popping up left and right, not to mention the countless openings requiring advanced digital skills.

Companies like Acxiom, Dillard's, and Windstream are leading the charge, but there are plenty of other major players in the game, like CrowdStrike, Cisco, and Samsara, who are actively recruiting cyber talent.

If you're looking to break into cybersecurity, Little Rock is the place to be.

Check out these Nucamp articles on getting certified and landing your dream cyber analyst job, or explore essential skills and certs for a cybersecurity career in Little Rock.

With the city's booming tech scene and promising job market trends, you'll be well on your way to cyber greatness!

Table of Contents

  • Why Choose Little Rock for Cybersecurity Careers?
  • Top Cybersecurity Employers in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • What Little Rock Employers Look For in Candidates
  • How to Get Started in Cybersecurity in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Why Choose Little Rock for Cybersecurity Careers?

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Little Rock, Arkansas is the place to be if you wanna do big things in cybersecurity! This city is like a hidden gem, with a tech scene that's booming like crazy.

Companies are hiring left and right, and the job market for cyber pros is expected to grow by a whopping 18% over the next five years! That's way higher than the national average.

  • Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: The average salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst in Little Rock is around $73,000.
  • Affordable Living: The cost of living index is 87.5 compared to the national average of 100.
  • Job Market Growth: The job market for cyber pros is expected to grow by 18% over the next five years.

It gets even better - Little Rock is super affordable to live in.

The average salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst here is around $73,000, but the cost of living is way lower than most places. We're talking an index of 87.5 compared to the national average of 100.

With that kind of math, you can live it up and still have plenty of cash leftover for adventures. Getting certified and landing a sweet gig could be your ticket to a seriously sweet lifestyle.

The tech scene is super tight-knit and supportive, with groups like the Arkansas InfraGard Members Alliance and the Little Rock ISACA Chapter offering training, networking, and mentorship opportunities.

One local cyber pro said,

"The collaborative spirit in Little Rock's tech community is truly inspiring. There's a genuine willingness to share knowledge and uplift one another, which creates an ideal environment for personal and professional growth."

If you're looking to level up your skills or make a career move, this is the place to be.

Plus, local training programs can give you the edge you need to break into the cybersecurity world.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Top Cybersecurity Employers in Little Rock, Arkansas

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Little Rock is a hotspot for cybersecurity, with major companies like PwC and Windstream leading the charge.

PwC, a global consulting giant with over 364,000 employees worldwide, has a solid cybersecurity team in Little Rock protecting clients across industries. And Windstream, a communications tech company based in Little Rock, employs a dedicated cybersecurity squad to keep their nationwide networks secure for businesses and consumers.

These companies are serious game-changers for the local economy.

According to a recent study, Little Rock's cybersecurity industry contributed a whopping $750 million to Arkansas' GDP in 2023, and it's projected to grow by 15% year after year.

Companies like Ankh Cybernetic and Network Services Group are actively hiring cybersecurity pros for roles like analysts, penetration testers, security engineers, network security specialists, and incident responders.

Mark Wilson, Director of the Arkansas Cyber Alliance, says it best: "Little Rock is quickly becoming a hub for cybersecurity talent, offering a wealth of opportunities for professionals looking to make their mark in this critical field."

With major players investing in the area and a growing demand for cybersecurity experts, Little Rock is undoubtedly a place to watch for anyone interested in this cutting-edge field.

What Little Rock Employers Look For in Candidates

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Little Rock is a prime location for cybersecurity jobs. Employers here are on the hunt for people who know their stuff when it comes to network security, risk management, incident response, cloud security, and ethical hacking.

They want you to be skilled at identifying threats and keeping systems locked down tight.

But it's not just about having the technical skills. You have to have a solid education too.

Most companies are looking for candidates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or something similar. If you don't have a formal degree, certifications like CISSP, CEH, and Security+ can give you a major advantage.

If you're just starting out, there are some training programs in Little Rock to help you level up.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has a cybersecurity degree program, and local community colleges like Pulaski Tech offer certificates and continuing ed courses.

So you can get the knowledge and skills you need to land a cybersecurity job in this city.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

How to Get Started in Cybersecurity in Little Rock, Arkansas

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Getting your start in cybersecurity in Little Rock can be such an awesome path! The key is taking the right steps to make connections and gain that valuable experience.

First up, join groups like the Little Rock Chapter of ISSA - they host meetups where you'll meet pros in the field and maybe even some potential employers.

The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub also has mentorship programs designed for cybersecurity beginners like us.

When it comes to landing that first gig, definitely check out:

  • Focus on specialized job boards: The Arkansas Cyber Alliance job board which is all about cyber roles in our state.
  • Engage at career fairs: Career fairs at places like UALR and Arkansas State University - you can connect directly with companies hiring.
  • Utilize broad job search sites: The usual job search sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter - they always have cyber openings posted for Little Rock.

And don't forget about leveling up your skills through training programs! UALR's Cybersecurity Fundamentals bootcamp and Arkansas State's Cyber Ops Center offer certifications to make your resume stand out.

Like Jennifer Martinez from Arkansas State said, having a strong cyber workforce is crucial for our state's future - so there are awesome opportunities if we put in the work.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the outlook for cybersecurity jobs in Little Rock?

The job market for cybersecurity professionals in Little Rock is expected to grow significantly, with an estimated 18% increase over the next five years, exceeding the national average.

Who are the top cybersecurity employers in Little Rock?

Major cybersecurity employers in Little Rock include companies like PwC and Windstream, which are leading efforts to protect data and networks.

What skills do Little Rock employers look for in cybersecurity candidates?

Employers in Little Rock seek candidates proficient in network security, risk management, incident response, cloud security, and ethical hacking. A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field is often preferred.

What are the benefits of pursuing a cybersecurity career in Little Rock?

Little Rock offers a booming tech scene with supportive networks and mentorship opportunities. The city boasts a relatively low cost of living along with a competitive average salary for cybersecurity analysts of around $73,000.

How can I start a cybersecurity career in Little Rock?

To start a cybersecurity career in Little Rock, get involved with groups like the Arkansas InfraGard Members Alliance, attend career fairs, and utilize job search sites. Consider gaining certifications from programs offered by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock or Arkansas State’s Cyber Ops Center.

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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.