Job postings for cybersecurity experts increased by more than 120% in Atlanta – and Georgia overall – between 2010 and 2014 according to the workforce research firm Burning Glass Technologies. A total of 6,604 cybersecurity positions became available in Atlanta during this time frame—the 8th highest of any city in the country. Positions for cybersecurity experts tend to pay high salaries; in fact, they pay 9% more than IT jobs on average according to Burning Glass Technologies.
A 2015 article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle highlighted how Georgia has become “a hotbed for cybersecurity jobs.” It attributes this trend to the growing tech economy in Atlanta and the planned relocation of the US Army Cyber Command to Fort Gordon near Augusta. This Fort already boasts the Cyber Center of Excellence.
- Grand Canyon University - B.S. and M.S. in Cyber Security
- SNHU - B.S and M.S. in Cybersecurity
- Purdue Global - Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Arizona State University - Online Master of Arts in Global Security
In addition to Cyber Command, Georgia had more than 115 cybersecurity companies as of 2016 according to an Augusta Chronicle article that was reprinted on the Government Technology website.
The burgeoning tech scene in Georgia drew national attention in January 2016 with an announcement from the Technology Association of Georgia that it would be creating a new Atlanta-based trade group called the National Technology Security Coalition. The coalition will have a national focus, but will also help spread knowledge about the role that Georgia plays in national cybersecurity-related policy and R&D.
While promoting Georgia’s tech-based economy, the Coalition hopes to move the state from number 8 on the list of the US Chamber of Commerce top technology states to the top five.
Salaries for Key Cybersecurity Experts in Georgia’s Major Cities
Cybersecurity specialists in Georgia can expect to earn salaries within the ranges shown here according to the Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide. The most experienced cybersecurity specialists with master’s degrees can expect to earn on the high end of these ranges:
Atlanta:
- Data Security Analysts: $120,878 – $170,400
- Information Security Administrators: $112,358 – $159,218
- Network Security Administrators: $109,961 – $156,555
Macon and Savannah:
- Data Security Analysts: $95,340 – $134,400
- Information Security Administrators: $88,620 – $125,580
- Network Security Administrators: $86,730 – $123,480
Salaries for Information Security Analysts in Georgia’s Major Cities
The Georgia Department of Labor reported that the number of jobs for information security analysts will increase by 35.7% between 2012 and 2022—twice the national average.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics provided the salaries for information systems analysts in the three major metropolitan areas of Georgia as of 2015. Information security analysts with a master’s degree can expect to earn the salaries shown in the highest percentiles: