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Job outlook for network security consultants in the United States
Network security consultant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected network security consultant job growth rate is 32% from 2018-2028.
About 35,500 new jobs for network security consultants are projected over the next decade.
Network security consultant salaries have increased 12% for network security consultants in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,862 network security consultants currently employed in the United States.
There are 79,888 active network security consultant job openings in the US.
The average network security consultant salary is $92,993.
Are network security consultant jobs in demand?
Network security consultant job and salary trends over time
Network security consultant jobs over time
Network security consultant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,862 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,371 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,003 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,923 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,926 | 0.00% |
Average network security consultant salary over time
Network security consultant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $92,993 | $44.71 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $89,929 | $43.24 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $87,893 | $42.26 | +3.0% |
| 2022 | $85,355 | $41.04 | +3.1% |
| 2021 | $82,754 | $39.79 | +2.8% |
Network security consultant jobs by state
Most common states for network security consultants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 446 | 64% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 265 | 30% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 203 | 27% |
| 4 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,185 | 24% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 257 | 24% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 147 | 24% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,202 | 22% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 210 | 22% |
| 9 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 616 | 21% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 283 | 21% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,733 | 20% |
| 12 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 780 | 20% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,224 | 17% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,213 | 17% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,716 | 17% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,559 | 17% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 699 | 17% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 317 | 17% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,205 | 16% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 167 | 16% |
Most common cities for network security consultants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farmington Hills | 2 | 2% | $85,521 |
| 2 | Plano | 2 | 1% | $85,035 |
| 3 | Bridgeport | 1 | 1% | $80,451 |
| 4 | Palo Alto | 1 | 1% | $135,516 |
| 5 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $93,667 |
| 6 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $90,920 |
| 7 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $82,260 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $72,979 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $89,510 |
| 10 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $85,692 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $79,695 |
| 12 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $88,924 |
| 13 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $88,271 |
| 14 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $98,137 |
| 15 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $135,951 |
| 16 | Wichita | 1 | 0% | $78,996 |
Network Security Consultant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of network security consultant experts
California State University - East Bay
The University of Tampa
Medaille College
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science and Computer EngineeringCalifornia State University - East Bay
Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications
What general advice would you give to a Network Security Consultant?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *The anxiety of AI is likely to change the landscape of computer networking, is a real threat but in my opinion, it won't eliminate the need for human network engineers. The focus will likely shift towards more strategic tasks, complex problem-solving, and leveraging AI tools to improve network efficiency and security.*
*Here again, I will explain in more detail about the expectation and future of Comp. Network Eng.*
* 1. AI Augments, Not Replaces: While AI can automate some network tasks, like data analysis and basic troubleshooting, it won't replace the need for human network engineers. It will increase the productivity for sure; Complex problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and human judgment are still crucial in network management. AI will likely become a valuable tool that assists network engineers in their tasks, making them more efficient.*
*2. Growing Demand: Our reliance on technology and data is constantly increasing. Businesses and organizations need secure, reliable networks to function. This necessitates a skilled workforce to design, implement, maintain, and secure these networks. The demand for qualified network engineers is expected to grow in the coming years.*
*In our technology horizon, I can see the quantum internet coming and I can see the demand for network engineering accelerate.*
*3. Diverse Skillset: A strong foundation in computer networking equips you with a versatile skillset. You'll understand network protocols, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. These skills are valuable across the IT field and can be applied to areas like cloud computing, data center operations, or even cybersecurity. Data Centers for AI are becoming a huge opportunity for Comp Network Eng.*
Louis Bobelis
Part-Time FacultyThe University of Tampa
Information and Technology Management Department
What soft skills should all Network Security Consultants possess?
Louis Bobelis: I feel the most important soft skill is character. Being outspoken and able to explain technical cyber incidents decisively and clearly for non-IT-oriented people in your organization is especially important when you are in more senior-level positions.
Dr. Steven MacMartin
Director, Associate ProfessorMedaille College
Homeland Security Program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Network Security Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Steven MacMartin: Overall, in general? Health care, elementary school teachers, daycare, researchers at the PhD level and also low level, entry/service jobs - fast food, restaurant, bar, etc. Homeland Security specifically - really none. Jobs in the Homeland Security field have remained largely unaffected by the pandemic, and the pandemic isn't really directly related to specific Homeland Security jobs. (Maybe in the research and technology fields.). A side effect of the pandemic has been to focus a little on cyber security issues and those jobs could expand in law enforcement and Homeland Security areas.
What soft skills should all Network Security Consultants possess?
Dr. Steven MacMartin: Absolutely - writing and oral presentation. A secondary skill that is helpful is academic research skills. But definitely writing skills.