Milwaukee Cybersecurity Job Market: Trends and Growth Areas for 2025
Last Updated: December 15th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Milwaukee's cybersecurity job market is booming, projected to add significant roles by 2025. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development forecasts 82,867 new jobs, particularly in tech and security. With major employers like PwC and KPMG, entry-level salaries average $92,000 and sectors such as manufacturing (20% GDP) prioritizing security. Local education initiatives offer robust pathways, supporting a 45% rise in job postings. The demand is fueled by manufacturing and healthcare sectors, with key focuses on network defense and ethical hacking, making Milwaukee a promising hub for cybersecurity professionals.
Milwaukee's cybersecurity job scene in 2025 is looking seriously promising, with Indeed's Hiring Lab reporting strong economic indicators despite overall job market challenges.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development projects 82,867 new jobs across industries by 2025, with tech and security positions among the fastest-growing.
Computer and mathematical occupations are leading the pack, especially in Milwaukee's thriving manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Recent state projections show a 2.47% growth rate across industries, with cybersecurity roles becoming essential as companies boost their digital defenses.
Local businesses are investing heavily in security infrastructure, creating opportunities for both entry-level and experienced professionals. According to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce, 75% of area businesses anticipate real growth in 2025, driving demand for cybersecurity talent.
Key areas of focus include network defense, ethical hacking, and security operations. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee continues partnering with local employers to create direct pathways into the field, making it an ideal time for anyone interested in starting a cybersecurity career in Milwaukee.
Table of Contents
- Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
- Key Employers and Sectors in Milwaukee
- Educational Pathways in Milwaukee
- Challenges and Opportunities in Milwaukee's Cybersecurity Landscape
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
(Up)I'm honestly shocked by the latest stats - global cybercrime costs are expected to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, which is seriously mind-blowing when you think about it.
As someone looking at career options, this number makes it crystal clear why cybersecurity jobs are absolutely exploding right now. The tech scene in Milwaukee is getting super interesting, especially with manufacturing and healthcare companies rushing to protect their digital assets.
What's really catching my attention is that cybercrime costs are predicted to reach $15.63 trillion by 2029, making this career path look even more solid for the long term.
What's really cool about the Milwaukee market is how it's growing faster than most people realize.
The city has this perfect mix of established companies and up-and-coming tech firms all competing for talent. Recent industry analysis shows that average ransomware investigations cost over $200,000, which explains why companies are investing heavily in cybersecurity talent.
Whether you're just starting out or have some experience, there's room to grow here. The University of Wisconsin's cybersecurity programs are constantly updating their curriculum to match what employers actually need, making it easier to break into the field.
For anyone into tech and security, Milwaukee's emerging as this unexpected goldmine of opportunities.
Between the manufacturing giants upgrading their systems and healthcare providers beefing up their security, there's no shortage of interesting work. The best part? These aren't just jobs - they're careers with serious growth potential.
And with remote work becoming more normal, you can often score a position with a Milwaukee-based company while having the flexibility to work from anywhere.
Key Employers and Sectors in Milwaukee
(Up)Milwaukee's cybersecurity landscape is expanding rapidly, with major players like PwC and Protocol 46 Cybersecurity joining established firms like Randstad and KPMG. These companies are actively recruiting talent across various specializations, from threat analysis to security architecture.
The city's job market has seen a remarkable 45% increase in cybersecurity postings, with entry-level positions offering competitive salaries averaging $92,000 - significantly above the national average.
The manufacturing sector continues to drive Milwaukee's economy, representing over 20% of regional GDP. Companies like Rockwell Automation are investing heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure to protect their digital assets.
Meanwhile, healthcare organizations are expanding their security teams to safeguard patient data, creating numerous opportunities for security analysts and compliance specialists.
The upcoming Milwaukee Cybersecurity Summit in June 2025 promises to connect job seekers with industry leaders and showcase emerging opportunities.
Local initiatives, including apprenticeship programs, are showing impressive results with placement rates exceeding 85%. These programs are particularly valuable given Milwaukee's competitive job market and its lower-than-national-average unemployment rate of 3.6%.
Whether you're starting out or looking to advance your career, Milwaukee's cybersecurity sector offers clear paths for growth and development.
- Major employers now include PwC, Protocol 46, Randstad, and KPMG.
- Key sectors: manufacturing (20% GDP) and healthcare (15% employment).
- Entry-level salaries average $92,000.
Milwaukee is quickly becoming a significant hub for cybersecurity innovation, offering real opportunities for professionals at all career stages.
The combination of established companies, emerging startups, and robust training programs creates an ideal environment for building a successful career in this growing field.
Educational Pathways in Milwaukee
(Up)Milwaukee's cybersecurity education scene is taking off, with the University of Wisconsin's Master of Science in Cybersecurity leading the charge.
The program brings together eight UW campuses to deliver cutting-edge online learning that's perfect for busy professionals. Milwaukee's cybersecurity job postings have jumped 45%, and entry-level positions are averaging $92,000 - way above the national average of $77,000.
Getting the right certifications is crucial in this field.
CompTIA Security+, OSCP, and GPEN certifications are total game-changers for landing those high-paying jobs.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has earned the National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation from the NSA, which is pretty impressive and shows they're serious about quality education.
Beyond traditional education, Milwaukee offers tons of hands-on learning opportunities.
The Milwaukee 7 initiative is aiming to bring in over 3,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2025, and they're backing it up with practical training programs.
Local tech companies are partnering with educational institutions to offer internships and real-world projects, making it easier to transition from learning to earning.
Between the university programs, certification tracks, and industry connections, Milwaukee is becoming the perfect place to launch a cybersecurity career.
With the field expected to grow another 14.5% by 2024, getting started with education now means catching this wave at just the right time. The best part? There are options for every learning style and schedule, whether you're looking to do a full degree program or quick-hit certifications to level up your skills.
Challenges and Opportunities in Milwaukee's Cybersecurity Landscape
(Up)Milwaukee's cybersecurity scene is experiencing a major transformation. According to recent industry reports, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally by 2025.
Milwaukee's specifically showing a 45% increase in cybersecurity job postings, making it a top-20 city for cyber opportunities. The average entry-level salary here starts at $92,000, which is seriously impressive compared to the national average of $77,000.
Wisconsin's cybersecurity workforce is growing fast, with a 95% supply-to-demand ratio that's better than most states, but we still need more professionals to keep up with demand.
Local initiatives are making a real difference in addressing these challenges:
- Educational Programs: UW-Milwaukee and Milwaukee Area Technical College are launching specialized cybersecurity degrees and certificates, enhancing skills in the field.
- Industry Partnerships: Local tech companies are creating training programs for recent graduates, bridging the gap between education and employment.
- Certification Support: Companies are funding security certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP for promising candidates, boosting their credentials.
The opportunities are massive right now.
Entry-level positions in Milwaukee are starting at $50,000 to $70,000, with experienced pros making $125,000+ at larger companies.
The Milwaukee 7 economic development group is aiming to bring in 3,000 more cybersecurity professionals by 2025. With the right skills and certifications, getting into this field is totally within reach, especially with all these local resources available.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the projected growth for cybersecurity jobs in Milwaukee by 2025?
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development projects significant growth, with cybersecurity positions among the fastest-growing, driven by increased investment in security infrastructure by local businesses.
What sectors are driving the demand for cybersecurity roles in Milwaukee?
Manufacturing and healthcare sectors are major drivers of cybersecurity job demand in Milwaukee as they seek to protect their digital assets.
What are key focus areas for cybersecurity positions in Milwaukee?
Network defense, ethical hacking, and security operations are key focus areas, with local educational institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee providing tailored programs to meet these industry needs.
What are the average entry-level salaries for cybersecurity positions in Milwaukee?
Entry-level cybersecurity positions in Milwaukee offer competitive salaries averaging $92,000, which is significantly above the national average.
What educational opportunities are available in Milwaukee for aspiring cybersecurity professionals?
Milwaukee offers a range of educational pathways, including specialized degrees and certification programs at institutions like UW-Milwaukee, which are designated as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the NSA.
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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.