Cyber security salaries in georgia
Cyber security professionals play a vital role in Georgia's workforce, utilizing their expertise to help combat cyber threats and attacks before, during and after they occur. If you are ready to embark on a high-stakes journey safeguarding digital assets and protecting against cyber threats, look no further than the Peach State, where Georgia's booming industries and strategic importance in technology make it a hotbed for cyber security careers.
We'll delve into why Georgia stands out as a hub for cyber security professionals, reveal median annual salaries for key roles, explore specialized cyber security niches and spotlight top employers harnessing cyber security expertise in the state.
Quick view of cyber salaries in Georgia
Georgia's strategic significance in technology and its robust business ecosystem make it an ideal location for cyber security professionals to thrive. With Atlanta emerging as a major technology hub, home to a vibrant startup scene and headquarters of Fortune 500 companies, the demand for cyber security talent continues to soar. Moreover, Georgia's critical infrastructure, including government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations and military installations, underscores the vital need for cyber security professionals to protect against evolving threats and vulnerabilities.
There are roughly 6,060 people employed as information security analysts in Georgia. This amounts to 1.27 out of every 1,000 people in the state working in the field. The median wage per hour is $60 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 28.5%.
Several prominent companies and organizations drive the cyber security landscape in Georgia. With Atlanta alone being a major transportation hub and home to HQs for Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS, Delta Airlines, NCR and AT&T, opportunity abounds for those interested in cyber security and tech careers in the state of Georgia. Here are just five of the biggest employers for cyber security professionals in the state:
- The Home Depot, Atlanta, GA:
- The Home Depot employs cyber security professionals to protect its retail operations, customer data and digital infrastructure from cyber threats, ensuring the security and integrity of its online and in-store operations.
- Cox Communications, Atlanta, GA:
- Cox Communications relies on cyber security experts to safeguard its telecommunications services, digital platforms and customer information from cyber attacks, ensuring the reliability and security of its network infrastructure.
- Delta Airlines, Atlanta, GA:
- Delta Air Lines employs cyber security professionals to protect its airline operations, passenger data and critical flight systems from cyber threats, ensuring the safety and security of its air travel operations.
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA:
- Georgia Tech utilizes cyber security expertise to conduct cutting-edge research, develop innovative cyber security solutions and train the next generation of cyber security professionals through its renowned cyber security programs and initiatives.
- The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA:
- The Coca-Cola Company employs cyber security professionals to protect its global brand, intellectual property and supply chain operations from cyber threats, ensuring the security and integrity of its beverage products and distribution network.
Specialties in cyber security specific to Georgia
Georgia's high-profile industries, including technology, healthcare, finance and logistics, give rise to specialized cyber security niches tailored to the state's economic landscape. Cyber security professionals in Georgia may specialize in areas such as:
- Healthcare cyber security: With Georgia being home to renowned healthcare institutions and biotech companies, cyber security professionals may focus on protecting sensitive patient data, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, and mitigating cyber threats targeting the healthcare sector.
- Financial services cyber security: Georgia's robust financial services sector, including banking, insurance and fintech companies, requires cyber security professionals to safeguard financial transactions, prevent fraud and protect customer data from cyber attacks.
- Supply chain cyber security: Given Georgia's status as a logistics and transportation hub, cyber security professionals may specialize in securing supply chain networks, protecting against cyber threats targeting transportation infrastructure and ensuring the integrity of critical supply chain operations.
Georgia cyber salary statistics
While the median salary for cyber security professionals—a category that includes information security analysts, penetration testers and incident responders, QA testers, data analysts, information systems managers and a number of other tech fields—is $124,910 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned, and your level of education.
Compare national salaries for different cyber security fields below:
Median information security analyst salary in Georgia
The median annual salary for information security analysts in Georgia is $124,270. However, it's important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state.
10%$73,590
25%$92,620
50%$124,270Median
75%$156,390
90%$171,860
Median Hourly Wage$60
Job growth28.5%
Total Employment6,480
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $126,880 | $76,170 | $171,860 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $120,440 | $49,800 | $155,700 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $115,730 | $63,940 | $164,160 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $110,280 | $67,690 | $157,540 |
| Gainesville, GA | $108,310 | $59,890 | $165,610 |
| Savannah, GA | $106,360 | $64,210 | $162,280 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $105,100 | $62,800 | $163,940 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $98,450 | $71,820 | $204,230 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for a cyber security career in Georgia
The salary range for cyber and information security professionals in Georgia typically spans from $73,590 for the lowest 10% to $171,860 for the top 10% in the field per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education, professional certifications and time in the position.
Pay by metro area in GA
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in Atlanta, which is the hub for several high profile corporate, transportation and healthcare industries, pay may be more competitive. While the BLS doesn't have Atlanta in its top 10 for highest pay for information security analysts, it does report that the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan area is sixth in the nation for highest employment level in information security analysts. That said, here's what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S.
And the top 10 highest employers of information security analysts by metro area:
Salary growth and job outlook
Georgia offers opportunity for career advancement in the field of cyber security, due to its thriving technology sector, diverse industries and robust network of professional organizations. Advancement opportunities may include pursuing higher education, obtaining specialized certifications, gaining additional experience and networking with industry peers.
That said, certifications play a crucial role in validating the skills and expertise of cyber security professionals in Georgia. Bootcamps, professional training courses and online resources offer opportunities to obtain certifications and stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in the field.
Job growth for information security analysts in Georgia as well as nationally, continues to remain strong, especially as cyber threats grow and new technologies such as AI, create opportunity for new types of threats, identity theft and data breaches.
The BLS estimates the field will grow 28.5% over the next decade, much, much faster than the national average for all other careers combined.
Factors affecting cyber security salaries in Georgia
Several factors influence cyber security salaries in Georgia, including:
- Education and continued learning: Individuals with higher levels of education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree in cyber security, computer science or a related field, typically command higher salaries. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications may lead to increased earning potential, especially in the ever-evolving cyber security climate.
- Experience: The level of experience plays a significant role in determining cyber security salaries. Professionals with several years of relevant experience and a proven track record of success in the field may negotiate higher salaries than those with less experience.
- Industry and company size: Salaries can vary based on the industry and size of the company. Industries with high demand for cyber security services, such as technology, finance and healthcare, may offer more competitive salaries. Similarly, larger companies with extensive digital infrastructure may offer higher salaries to attract top cyber security talent.
- Location: Salaries may vary depending on the geographic location within Georgia. Urban areas like Atlanta, with a higher cost of living, may offer higher salaries to offset expenses, while salaries in rural areas may be lower.
How do I know if I am paid fairly as a cyber security professional in Georgia?
To determine if you are being paid fairly in Georgia based on age, race and gender, it's essential to compare your salary to industry benchmarks, salary surveys and similar job listings. Additionally, Georgia has laws in place to protect employees from discrimination based on protected characteristics. If you suspect unfair compensation practices, you can file a complaint with the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity or seek legal counsel for guidance.
Education and training for GA
Specific degree and certification requirements for cyber security jobs in Georgia may vary depending on the role and employer. However, common requirements include:
- Information security analyst: Bachelor's degree in cyber security, computer science, information technology or a related field. Relevant certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) may be preferred.
- Information systems manager: Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, information technology or a related field. Advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) may be required.
- Quality assurance tester (QA tester): Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering or a related field. Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) may be beneficial for QA testers specializing in cyber security.
- Penetration tester: Bachelor's degree in cyber security, computer science or a related field. Relevant certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) are highly desirable for penetration testing roles.
- Data analyst: Bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, statistics or a related field. Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) may enhance job prospects for data analysts in cyber security.
Cost of living considerations
When evaluating cyber security salaries in different areas of Georgia, it's crucial to consider the cost of living. The cost of housing, transportation, health care and other expenses can vary across cities or regions within the state. Assessing the cost of living helps you gauge how salaries align with local expenses and may help you make more informed decisions about job opportunities or potential relocation.
RentCafe states that Georgia as a whole, averages 10% less than the national average, and housing is 23% lower. Even better is hub cities such as Atlanta, are below the national average, and well below tech hubs such as Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Take a look at cost of living for some key cities in Georgia:
| Georgia city | Cost of living % compared to national average |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | 1% lower |
| Athens | 6% lower |
| Savannah | 8% lower |
| Valdosta | 9% lower |
| Augusta | 16% lower |
Cyber security professional associations in GA
Joining professional cyber security groups and associations in Georgia, such as the Atlanta chapter of the Cloud Security Alliance, Georgia Information Security Association (GISA), or the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Atlanta Chapter, provides networking opportunities, access to industry events and resources for career advancement.
Explore cyber security salary guides for select states
Wrapping up
The field of cyber security is experiencing rapid growth in Georgia, fueled by increasing cyber threats, technological advancements and the state's expanding business landscape. With organizations across industries recognizing the importance of cyber security and investing in robust cyber defense strategies, the demand for cyber security professionals is expected to continue growing in Georgia in the coming years.
Georgia offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for cyber security professionals to excel in their careers. With competitive salaries, specialized cyber security niches and a thriving business ecosystem, Georgia remains at the forefront of cyber security innovation and expertise. Click the Find Schools button on this page to explore more about cyber security careers and opportunities in Georgia and take the first step toward a rewarding career defending against cyber threats.
This cyber security salary guide for Georgia aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Published: April 2, 2024
Written and reported by:
Cyber Security Education Staff