Occupational Overview: Cybersecurity 

This report assesses the professional and educational background of people employed as cybersecurity analysts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cybersecurity analysts perform the following duties: 

• Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. 

• Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. 

• Ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. 

• Respond to computer security breaches and viruses. 

In 2023, 18,460 people were employed as cybersecurity analysts in Virginia, the highest number of any state. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan statistical area (MSA) has the highest employment concentration3 of cybersecurity analysts in the nation, and the Richmond MSA has the eighth-highest. The median wage for cybersecurity analysts in Virginia is $133,520, which is 11% higher than the national median wage for cybersecurity analysts ($120,360). 

The following sections explore the educational backgrounds, industries of employment, regional distribution, and career progression of cybersecurity analysts. Statewide employment data were sourced from the BLS and accessed through workforce analytics firm Lightcast. Data on educational background and occupational transitions are derived from the Virginia Office of Education Economics’ (VOEE) College and Career Outcomes Dataset. This longitudinal dataset matches the records of alumni of Virginia higher education institutions with their professional social profiles. It includes over 7,500 Virginia graduates who worked as cybersecurity analysts between 2008 and 2022. 

Read and download the report here