Ohio’s booming cybersecurity job market: Why it’s one of the hottest in the U.S.
Growing at lightning speed, Ohio’s cybersecurity industry is emerging as a nationwide leader. According to a new report from Upwind, three Ohio cities (Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati) rank among the top ten fastest-growing cybersecurity job markets in the United States.
Cleveland realized an astounding 60% year-over-year job growth, and Columbus and Cincinnati weren’t far behind— all while cybersecurity salaries steadily increased. That means top-tier cybersecurity careers aren’t just for Silicon Valley anymore.
Midwest Cybersecurity Is Thriving
Traditionally, cybersecurity hubs have been concentrated in coastal tech powerhouses like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle. However, Upwind’s study shows that the Midwest is now a major player in the cybersecurity job market; seven of the top ten fastest-growing cybersecurity cities are in the Midwest, with Ohio leading the charge.
Ohio City Rankings
#3 Cleveland: While ranked #3 overall, Cleveland was number one in overall job growth with cybersecurity jobs skyrocketing 60% (from 700 jobs to 1,120).
#6 Columbus: One of the largest cybersecurity job hubs in Ohio, Columbus had a 34.3% job growth rate and the highest total employment in the field (at 1,450 jobs).
#9 Cincinnati: With 1,220 cybersecurity professionals, Cincinnati had a 34.1% year-over-year increase in its number of cybersecurity roles.
This data highlights a major shift in the cybersecurity workforce, proving that professionals no longer need to flock to expensive coastal cities to find high-paying, in-demand jobs.
Why Is Ohio Leading in Cybersecurity Workforce Growth?
Increasing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
Globally, there is a massive shortage of cybersecurity talent, with over ten million more cybersecurity workers needed to meet the high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that cybersecurity job growth will increase by 33%—a much faster rate than other professions. As businesses and organizations across the country continue to prioritize digital security and prevention against cyberattacks, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals will only grow.
Lower Cost of Living Compared to Traditional Tech Hubs
Cybersecurity professionals in Ohio can earn competitive salaries while enjoying a significantly lower cost of living than those in Silicon Valley or New York. Cybersecurity salaries stretch much further in the Midwest due to lower housing costs, making Ohio an attractive place for cybersecurity professionals to live and work.
Expanding Tech Ecosystem and Business Investments
Ohio’s tech scene is expanding rapidly, with companies investing heavily in cyber threat protection. As businesses across industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, embrace digital transformation, they require robust cybersecurity measures to protect their systems.
Strong Education and Training Programs
Ohio is home to several universities and technical training programs specializing in cybersecurity, including The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Cincinnati. These institutions are producing a steady pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals, further fueling the state’s job market.
What It Means For Job Seekers
Ohio presents a golden opportunity for those looking to enter the cybersecurity field. With high job growth, competitive salaries, and a lower cost of living, cybersecurity professionals can build successful careers without the financial burden of living in expensive coastal cities. With more and more companies implementing cybersecurity protections, cybersecurity job openings are available across the state—and across numerous industries.
Get Started in Ohio
Get Certified: Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and CEH can significantly boost job prospects, especially in entry-level positions.
Develop In-Demand Cybersecurity Skills: Employers look for skill sets in network security, cloud security, penetration testing, and risk management.
Look for Ohio-Based Job Postings: Top companies in Ohio, including industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, are hiring for cybersecurity positions.
Take Advantage of Local Training Programs: Universities and online programs offer cybersecurity degrees and boot camps to help job seekers gain relevant skills for this career path.
What They’re Saying
Tony Pietrocola, President of Cleveland's AgileBlue: “Ohio is positioned in the top-ten ranking in the rapidly expanding U.S. cybersecurity job market because of two critical factors. First, the state’s premier universities produce a steady stream of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. Second, Ohio attracts innovative engineers who are at the forefront of innovating AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of our cyber defense efforts. This perfect mix of people and technology fuels my company’s success in attracting and retaining top talent in Ohio while expanding our global operations.”
Warner Moore, Founder of Columbus-based Gamma Force: “Ohio's diverse large company ecosystem has long contributed to a strong representation of cybersecurity professionals. In Columbus, large financial organizations invest heavily in cybersecurity. The cybersecurity community is among the strongest in the country with representation across non-profit professional groups such as the ISSA, ISACA, OWASP, ISC(2), and Security B-Sides. While opportunities for entry level positions tend to be cyclical with economic conditions even in cybersecurity, opportunities for individual contributors with in demand cybersecurity skills are significant."
Jeff Brancato, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio CyberConsortium: “One factor driving job growth in cybersecurity is that companies in all sectors need this talent to better protect their digital assets and infrastructure. This will continue to be true, especially with new requirements rolling out for manufacturers in the defense industry. A second element is the growth of cybersecurity services. In particular, Northeast Ohio has a strong services sector and many of those companies support not only Ohio clients, but customers nationally and even globally. I think this sets the stage for more startups in this space, levering the existing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ohio.”
Lynn Child, Founder and President of Findlay’s CentraComm: “There is robust emphasis for cybersecurity talent within the 3 C’s in Ohio – Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati – but cybersecurity talent is needed in every inch and corner of the State of Ohio. Cybercriminals do not discriminate. They attack cyber targets no matter how big, how small, and where ever they find a vulnerable target. IT 24/7/365 cyber awareness is essential, supported by training of end-users because they are the weakest link. So, cybersecurity talent is the linchpin protecting our businesses, our community, and our citizens and is needed everywhere.”
What It Means For Ohio
The cybersecurity job market in Ohio is heating up, with Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati leading the way. As demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise nationwide, Ohio is positioning itself as a major hub for cybersecurity careers, offering job seekers excellent opportunities, strong wage growth, and a great quality of life.
For cybersecurity experts, the message is clear: you don’t have to be in Silicon Valley to build a thriving career. Ohio is the place to be.
