Texas is poised to lead the nation in cybersecurity growth, according to a new report. The state’s diverse economy, strong presence of technology companies, and growing academic programs are driving increased demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Cybersecurity Hubs Across Texas
Several regions in Texas have emerged as prominent cybersecurity hubs, attracting both businesses and talent.
Austin: Known as the “Silicon Hills,” Austin boasts a thriving tech scene, including many cybersecurity companies and startups. The city’s major universities, such as the University of Texas at Austin, contribute to a skilled workforce in the field.
San Antonio: San Antonio’s strong military and government presence, including major installations like Lackland Air Force Base, have made it a center for cyber operations and intelligence. The city is home to initiatives like the Cybersecurity San Antonio consortium.
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex: The DFW area is one of the largest tech hubs in the U.S., with a diverse economy spanning industries like technology, finance, and healthcare – all of which require robust cybersecurity measures.
Houston: While primarily known for its energy sector, Houston also has a growing cybersecurity ecosystem, driven by the presence of major corporations and research institutions like the University of Houston and Rice University.
Rapid Growth in Cybersecurity Programs
Texas universities are rapidly expanding their cybersecurity degree programs to meet the growing demand.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has seen its cybersecurity program grow by over 70% in the past five years, now with more than 2,200 students enrolled. UTSA was the first university to offer a fully online cybersecurity degree.
In the 2017 academic year, Texas colleges and universities awarded over 440 degrees for Information Security Analysts, as well as thousands of additional degrees in related cybersecurity fields.
Cybersecurity Job Outlook
The cybersecurity job market in Texas is expected to see significant growth in the coming years.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the cybersecurity sector will grow 32% over the next 10 years, with a need for over 700,000 cybersecurity professionals in the United States by 2030.
Texas currently employs around 14,870 information security analysts, the third-highest number in the U.S. The median wage for these professionals is $55 per hour.
Each new cybersecurity job created in Texas generates an additional job, $187,000 in sales or economic output, and $62,000 in compensation for the state’s economy.
what specific fields within cybersecurity are most in demand in Texas
The specific fields within cybersecurity that are most in demand in Texas include:
Information Security Analysts: This occupation is crucial in planning, implementing, upgrading, and monitoring security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Texas had 9,029 Information Security Analysts employed in 2018, with a projected growth rate of 41.6% over the next 10 years.
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance: This field offers certificates and two-year awards, four-year awards, and postgraduate awards. In 2017, Texas colleges and universities awarded a total of 484 certificates and two-year awards in this field.
Computer Science: With 1,415 four-year awards granted in 2017, computer science is a significant field within cybersecurity education in Texas.
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications: This field awarded a total of 866 certificates and two-year awards in 2017 in Texas.
Network and System Administration/Administrator: This field granted a total of 158 awards in 2017 in Texas.
These fields represent key areas within cybersecurity that are experiencing high demand in Texas, reflecting the state’s commitment to developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce to address the growing challenges of cyber threats and attacks.
Conclusion
Texas is poised to lead the nation in cybersecurity growth, driven by its diverse economy, thriving tech hubs, and rapidly expanding academic programs. As the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, Texas is well-positioned to meet this challenge and capitalize on the significant economic opportunities in this critical field.