Milwaukee Cybersecurity Salaries: What Can You Expect to Earn?
Last Updated: December 25th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In Milwaukee, cybersecurity careers are booming, with average salaries exceeding the national average of $60K. Entry-level roles offer $50,000 to $70,000, while top positions can earn over $100K. A bachelor's degree and certifications can increase earnings by up to 15% with high-demand jobs seeing a 12% annual growth. The cost of living is manageable, making Milwaukee an attractive option for cybersecurity professionals.
The cybersecurity scene in Milwaukee is straight fire right now.
With companies like Northwestern Mutual and Formlabs leading the charge, there's a ton of entry-level opportunities for newbies to get their foot in the door.
These jobs pay pretty well, with entry-level Security Specialists in Milwaukee averaging around $68K right out of the gate.
That's way more than the national average of $60K for similar roles. And you could be raking in over $100K as a Security Analyst at a major company like Northwestern Mutual or DFIN.
Table of Contents
- Key Factors Affecting Cybersecurity Salaries in Milwaukee
- Milwaukee's Highest Paying Cybersecurity Roles
- Entry-Level Positions and Salary Expectations in Milwaukee
- How Milwaukee's Cost of Living Impacts Cybersecurity Salaries
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Key Factors Affecting Cybersecurity Salaries in Milwaukee
(Up)Landing a solid cybersecurity gig in Milwaukee ain't no cakewalk, but if you play your cards right, the rewards can be insane.
Education and certifications are the keys to unlocking those fat paychecks. Based on research from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, having a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or a related field can boost your earnings by a whopping 15% compared to just rocking a high school diploma.
And if you've got badass certs like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), you're looking at an average annual salary ranging from $85,000 to $110,000.
Talk about a serious pay day!
The cybersecurity scene in Milwaukee is hotter than ever, with job postings skyrocketing by 12% over the past year, leaving the national average of 9% in the dust, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
With this insane demand and a shortage of talent, you've got the leverage to negotiate like a boss and score those premium salaries and perks. And the size of the company you're eyeing.
The bigger the ship, the more hands they need on deck to steer it safely, which means bigger bucks for you. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect based on company size:
- Small businesses (1-99 employees): Salaries range from $65,000 - $85,000, offering attractive options for talent.
- Mid-sized companies (100-499 employees): They offer $75,000 - $95,000, which is a competitive range reflecting demand.
- Large enterprises (500+ employees): Salaries range from $90,000 to $125,000+ for experienced professionals.
Milwaukee's Highest Paying Cybersecurity Roles
(Up)Milwaukee is straight-up killing it when it comes to cybersecurity jobs and the pay is seriously impressive! Check this out - the folks working as Information Security Managers are raking in an average of $132,610 annually, way above the national level.
And if you're a Security Architect designing killer security systems, you can expect to pocket around $124,870 per year on average.
Not too shabby, huh?
Cybersecurity Analysts, the ones keeping an eagle eye on networks and systems for any shady activities, are earning a solid $98,350 on average in Milwaukee.
And some of the other top-earning roles like Penetration Testers and Security Consultants are pulling in $92,430 and $88,760 respectively. It's like a cybersecurity paycheck party in this city!
With the tech scene in Milwaukee booming and companies stepping up their cybersecurity game, the job market is absolutely buzzing with opportunities.
As Matthew Garcia, a seasoned Security Manager at a major firm here, put it,
"Milwaukee's thriving tech ecosystem and commitment to cybersecurity have created a fertile ground for cybersecurity professionals to excel and earn commensurate rewards."
So if you're looking to level up your career and your bank account, Milwaukee is definitely the place to be!
Entry-Level Positions and Salary Expectations in Milwaukee
(Up)Milwaukee is the place to be if you're looking to start your cybersecurity career.
The job market is booming, with entry-level positions offering salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
But that's just the starting point – with the right skills and experience, you can aim for roles like Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist, or Network Security Administrator.
To land one of these in-demand cybersecurity jobs, here's what you need to do:
- Get certified: Think CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or GSEC.
- Gain real-world experience through internships or entry-level gigs.
- Network within the local cybersecurity scene to stay connected.
- Stay on top of the latest trends and best practices – this field moves fast.
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 33% job growth for information security analysts in the Milwaukee area from 2021 to 2031, the future looks bright.
If you're ready to hustle and learn, Milwaukee could be your ticket to a thriving cybersecurity career. Just make sure you're prepared to network and grind to land that dream job.
How Milwaukee's Cost of Living Impacts Cybersecurity Salaries
(Up)Let's talk about the money you can make in the cybersecurity game in Milwaukee. It might not seem like a tech hotspot, but when you factor in the cost of living, those salaries suddenly look pretty sweet.
According to the latest data, Milwaukee's living costs are just 1% higher than the national average, which is a steal compared to places like San Fran or NYC.
Let's say you land a gig as a Cybersecurity Analyst, which pays around $75K per year in Milwaukee.
That might not sound insane, but see how far it goes. A decent one-bedroom apartment will run you about $1,095 a month, while in San Francisco, you'd be shelling out over three times that amount for the same setup.
Need more convincing? Check out these in-demand entry-level cyber jobs in Milwaukee and the kind of cash you could be raking in.
But it's not just housing - Milwaukee keeps things chill across the board.
Groceries, transportation, and other essentials are all more affordable than the national average. So, while the raw salary numbers might not blow your mind, the lower cost of living means your money goes further, leaving you with more to stack or splurge on the good life.
As one cyber pro in Milwaukee said,
"The salaries may not match major tech hubs, but the low living costs let me ball out and still have enough left over to save for the future."
Sounds like a win-win to me!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the average salary for cybersecurity professionals in Milwaukee?
Cybersecurity professionals in Milwaukee can earn significantly higher than the national average. Salaries range from $50,000 for entry-level positions to over $125,000 for experienced roles, with Security Analysts at major companies earning over $100,000.
What factors affect cybersecurity salaries in Milwaukee?
Key factors affecting cybersecurity salaries in Milwaukee include education, certifications, company size, and industry demand. A bachelor's degree and advanced certifications can increase earnings by up to 15%. Larger companies tend to offer higher salaries, with roles in demand seeing competitive pay.
How does Milwaukee's cost of living impact cybersecurity salaries?
Milwaukee's cost of living is just 1% higher than the national average, making it an attractive location despite salaries being lower than major tech hubs like San Francisco or NYC. The affordable cost of living means money earned goes further in Milwaukee.
What are some of the highest-paying cybersecurity roles in Milwaukee?
Some of the highest-paying cybersecurity roles in Milwaukee include positions like Security Architects, earning around $124,870, and cybersecurity analysts with average salaries of $98,350. Penetration testers and security consultants also earn competitive salaries.
What are the entry-level salary expectations for cybersecurity in Milwaukee?
Entry-level cybersecurity roles in Milwaukee offer salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually. With certifications and experience, professionals can progress to higher roles with increased earnings.
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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.