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One of the most important teams in any organization is the cybersecurity crew. The world is increasingly reliant on data to understand consumer behavior, manage personal information, and learn how to improve business practices. To keep all this sensitive information safe, companies hire cybersecurity professionals to maintain the integrity of the data through scanning, testing, and other forms of maintenance.
In states like Virginia, which was ranked the top state for business in 2024 by a CNBC study, cybersecurity professionals are needed in abundance. This study revealed further insights into the state’s workforce, economy, quality of life, and cost of business operations—factors that contribute to a strong job market and a place for businesses to thrive. All this is true—Virginia has the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains paired with cities speckled across the landscape. The state’s proximity to Washington, D.C., means there are vast opportunities in industries that may not be relevant in other areas of the country. For a cybersecurity professional whose expertise is already needed across industries, Virginia is the place to be.
Cybersecurity professionals can specialize in a broad range of subjects and skills. Although there is overlap between some of these roles, they differ in their specific focus.
| Title | Role | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Engineer | They are tasked to design security systems and ensure proper safety protocols are in place. They also fix system errors and respond to hacking events while further preventing data breaches. |
~$101,000 to ~ $160,000/year Average: $127,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | The fundamentals of this role include monitoring activity, implementing security measures, and analyzing areas for improvement. They often fend off potential cyber threats and hackers as well. |
~$79,000 to ~ $131,000/year Average: $102,000 |
| Security Administrator | This role is charged with overseeing and maintaining a company’s computer systems and data. They assess weak areas, fix security issues, and oversee other cybersecurity professionals. |
~$62,000 to ~ $129,000/year Average: $89,000 |
| Penetration Tester | Otherwise known as an ethical hacker, this role gets into the mindset of an actual hacker to help the company identify vulnerabilities in the software or other digital systems. They do this to better prepare for and prevent data breaches. |
~$83,000 to ~ $139,000/year Average: $107,000 |
There are many reasons a person may want to move to Virginia. Between the variety of beaches and mountains, as well as the variety between each city, there’s a lot to do and explore. Throw in all the historical sites such as the Monticello and Colonial Williamsburg, and there’s something for everyone in the Old Dominion. This is especially true for businesses and working professionals. Virginia was ranked the best state to conduct business in 2024 by CNBC, which further supports that this bustling corner of the country is worth exploring. In particular, healthcare, technology, and government are incredibly prominent, especially due to the proximity between Washington, D.C., and the northern part of the state. Governor Youngkin shared in January 2025 that the labor market is incredibly strong and that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports sustained growth in the coming years.
Due to Virginia’s being so close to the nation’s capital, there are a considerable number of government contracting companies that offer tech and defense solutions. This draws in connections to the tech industry, and, as a result, other industries thrive. Read on to learn more about the growing industries in the state and to see where cybersecurity experts can thrive.
Virginia is home to some of the world’s leading tech companies, largely due to Washington, D.C., being a short trip away from those in the NoVa region. Many companies contract with the government, and with all this highly classified data floating around, it’s becoming increasingly important to have a secure cyberspace. With the Pentagon in Arlington and all the naval bases along the coast alone, it’s easy to see there's a reason to invest in cybersecurity. For instance, the Virginia Economic Development Project shares that cybersecurity accounts for a huge portion of the state’s workforce, with roughly 88,000 people working in the field. Moreover, Virginia has also invested two billion dollars in computer science initiatives for K-12 students through the Tech Talent Investment Program. Needless to say, tech jobs and cybersecurity go hand-in-hand, especially in a thriving state like Virginia.
Healthcare and cybersecurity are tightly bound. Patient data is sensitive and must be securely protected. Additionally, hospitals maintain large amounts of data regarding finances, treatment methods, and research advancements. As such, cybersecurity experts are essential within the organization. In fact, the Health Care Cybersecurity Improvement Act was proposed in 2024 by Virginia Senator Mark Warner with the goal of safeguarding healthcare providers who suffer a cyber attack. This will also ensure higher standards for cybersecurity practices. As such, the healthcare industry is continuously updating its approach to keeping its patients' information safe.
It’s no surprise that the government is one of the main industries in the region, particularly in NoVa. With so much at stake, the nation’s capital hires only the best cybersecurity professionals around. Intelligence agencies such as the CIA and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis within the Department of Homeland Security are just a few examples of teams that rely heavily on cybersecurity experts. With the fate of national security in a select group’s hands, it’s important to maintain the best security practices to avoid financial loss, unstable infrastructures, and losing public trust. Virginia attracts analysts and engineers alike, all to become cybersecurity experts to improve the nation’s security standards.
The vast number of educational institutions in Virginia calls for a high number of cybersecurity professionals. Universities have to keep student records like grades, financial standing, and advising sessions under wraps. To avoid a data breach or stolen information, they hire some of the very cybersecurity specialists that they train. Universities care greatly about their reputation, and without the ability to keep students’ information safe, as well as the valuable research being conducted, then there is a chance of losing the student body’s trust. Cybersecurity professionals work as the glue that keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.